However, while British users can now benefit, Australian and some South East Asian consumers remain in limbo, with the feature yet to be activated.

The update enables AirPods Pro 2 users to assess their hearing and amplify sounds they struggle to hear. Apple introduced the feature as part of a broader suite of hearing health tools, gradually rolling it out in different regions due to regulatory approvals. Users with mild to moderate hearing loss can take a self-administered test that maps their hearing capabilities, allowing the AirPods to amplify real-world sounds. By integrating hearing enhancement into a mainstream product, Apple aims to offer an alternative for those hesitant to adopt traditional hearing aids...

However, due to regulatory approvals, the rollout has been staggered across different regions. The tool allows users with mild to moderate hearing loss to take a self-administered test that maps their hearing capabilities, after which the AirPods amplify real-world sounds. Apple has positioned this technology as an alternative for those hesitant to adopt traditional hearing aids.

Dr. Sumbul Desai, Apple’s Vice President of Health, stated:

At Apple, we believe that technology can help people live healthier lives, and we’re delighted to bring the hearing aid feature to the UK, offering our users an end-to-end hearing health experience with AirPods Pro 2.

Although the feature is live in the UK, Australian and some South East Asian users remain in limbo. In Australia, the Government’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved the feature as a Class IIa medical device on December 17, 2024, but Apple has yet to release the necessary software update. The delay stems from the need for additional software updates despite the Australian Government’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approving the feature as a Class IIa medical device on December 17, 2024.

Apple is on the record as of December 23, 2024, telling local Australian news outlet 9News:

Receiving product approval from the TGA on our Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features on AirPods Pro 2 is an important first step toward making these features available in Australia. We are working through the other necessary steps to make these experiences available as soon as possible.

Many users who purchased AirPods Pro 2 expecting immediate access to the hearing aid functionality have voiced their frustration across forums and social media.

Apple continues to navigate different regulatory requirements worldwide. The feature was first introduced in the US in September 2024, and it received FDA authorisation as the first over-the-counter hearing aid software device.

In Australia, the TGA has classified the Hearing Aid Feature (HAF) as a software-based medical tool designed to enhance sound for individuals with mild to moderate hearing difficulties. Users can personalise their hearing experience using a self-fitting strategy without professional assistance. The feature was first introduced in the US in September 2024, where it received FDA authorisation as the first over-the-counter hearing aid software device.

For now, consumers in Australia and some South East Asian regions must rely on other Apple hearing health tools, including Loud Sound Reduction on AirPods Pro 2, Noise app notifications on Apple Watch, and Headphone Audio Level notifications on iPhone. With regulatory approvals secured in Australia at least, all eyes are now on Apple to deliver the software update that will finally activate this long-awaited hearing aid functionality.

Read our Apple AirPods Pro 2 Review