What 2 Wellness Editors Learned From Taking the Apple Hearing Test With Our AirPods

The Importance of Hearing Health: A Growing Concern for All Ages

Hearing health is a critical aspect of our overall well-being, yet it often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. According to the CDC, 48 million people in the U.S. experience some form of hearing difficulty, and this issue isn’t limited to older adults. A staggering five in ten young people listen to music or audio at levels that are too loud, while four in ten are exposed to dangerously loud noises during events like concerts or sports games. These statistics highlight the importance of being proactive about hearing health, regardless of age. To better understand how to protect our hearing and raise awareness, we decided to try Apple’s Hearing Test. What we learned was eye-opening, and it inspired us to make positive changes in our daily lives.

What Is the Apple Hearing Test?

In the fall of 2024, Apple introduced its clinically validated Hearing Test, a feature designed to help users assess their hearing health. This test is part of Apple’s broader Hearing Aid and Protection features, which aim to support hearing well-being. To use the Hearing Test, you need a pair of AirPods Pro 2 and a compatible iPhone or iPad. The process is quick, taking about five minutes to complete. Once your AirPods are connected to your device, navigate to the Settings app, select your AirPods, and click on "Take a Hearing Test" under the Hearing Health section.

The test is based on pure-tone audiometry, a method commonly used in audiology to measure hearing thresholds. It assesses how well you can detect sounds at different frequencies, which are crucial for understanding speech. While the test is straightforward, achieving accurate results requires a quiet environment and your full attention. Anna and Nasha, two wellness editors, shared their experiences with the test.

Anna’s Experience: A Simple Yet Revealing Process

Anna found the Apple Hearing Test to be simple and easy to follow. She noted that the first time she took the test, everything went smoothly without any issues. However, during her second attempt, the app asked her to adjust her AirPods or use different ear tips for better results. She experimented with the fit of her AirPods, eventually finding a quiet bathroom to complete the test without distractions.

For Anna, the most challenging part of the test was staying focused solely on the tones. She ended up closing her eyes to avoid distractions, even though her bathroom was the quietest room in her apartment. This experience underscored the importance of minimizing external noise for accurate results. Despite some initial challenges, Anna appreciated how the test saved her results in the Health app, providing a convenient way to track her hearing health over time.

Nasha’s Experience: Challenges and Insights

Nasha also found the test easy to navigate, with clear instructions guiding her through each step. However, she faced a similar challenge as Anna: finding a truly quiet environment. She initially tried taking the test at her office, but the app repeatedly prompted her to move to a quieter space. This experience highlighted a potential limitation of the test—many people, especially those in busy households or workplaces, may find it difficult to meet the app’s noise-level requirements.

Once Nasha found a quiet room at home, she focused on the test itself. She noted that the faint beeps at different frequencies required her full attention, and there were moments when she doubted whether she was hearing a sound or just her mind playing tricks on her. This subjective nature of hearing made the test both intriguing and slightly frustrating.

Despite these challenges, Nasha found the test to be a valuable tool for raising awareness about hearing health. She emphasized that while at-home screenings like Apple’s Hearing Test are helpful, they shouldn’t replace professional evaluations.

What We Learned: Understanding Hearing Loss and Its Implications

The Apple Hearing Test provided Anna and Nasha with valuable insights into their hearing health. The test measures hearing ability at different frequencies, expressed in decibels (dBHL). According to Apple, higher decibel levels indicate that a sound needs to be louder for the person to hear it. The results are categorized into degrees of hearing loss, ranging from mild to profound.

Anna’s test results revealed "little to no hearing loss," with her left ear measuring 3 dBHL and her right ear at 5 dBHL. Surprisingly, her hearing was slightly better in her left ear, despite her concerns about sinus issues on that side. Nasha’s results were similarly reassuring, showing her hearing to be in good shape. However, her experience living in a noisy city like New York made her more aware of the long-term risks of noise pollution.

Both editors found the test to be a useful starting point for understanding their hearing health. They also appreciated how the Health app provided additional resources, such as articles on hearing protection and noise-level monitoring. However, they recognized that the test is not a substitute for professional evaluations, especially for those with greater hearing concerns.

How We Will Take Care of Our Hearing Health Going Forward

Taking the Apple Hearing Test was a wake-up call for both Anna and Nasha, inspiring them to prioritize their hearing health. Here are some key takeaways they plan to implement in their daily lives:

1. Being Mindful of Loud Noises
   Both editors realized the importance of protecting their ears in loud environments. Whether it’s a concert, a bustling restaurant, or the subway, they plan to wear earplugs or give their ears regular breaks. Nasha has already started carrying Loop earplugs to use in noisy settings, such as during her daily commute.

2. Lowering the Volume
   When listening to music or podcasts, Anna and Nasha are now more conscious about keeping the volume at a reasonable level. They regularly ask themselves, "Does it need to be this loud?" and adjust accordingly.

3. Taking Hearing Loss Seriously
   If they ever experience symptoms of hearing loss or have concerns, they plan to consult an audiologist for a professional evaluation. This is especially important for identifying potential underlying medical conditions that could contribute to hearing issues.

4. Staying Informed and Proactive
   The resources available through Apple’s Hearing features have motivated them to stay informed about hearing health. They plan to regularly monitor their exposure to loud noises and continue using tools like the Hearing Test to track any changes over time.

Final Thoughts: A Call to Action for Better Hearing Health

Hearing is a precious gift that many of us take for granted until it’s compromised. The statistics are clear: hearing loss affects millions, and it’s not just an issue for older adults. Loud noises, whether from music, concerts, or everyday city life, can cause irreversible damage over time. Tools like Apple’s Hearing Test offer a convenient way to assess and monitor hearing health, but they are just the first step. By being proactive, staying informed, and taking steps to protect our ears, we can preserve our hearing for years to come. So, take the time to prioritize your hearing health—your ears will thank you.