Apple AirPods Pro 3: do they work as hearing aids?

Apple AirPods Pro 3 can be used like basic hearing aids, but only for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Through features such as the Hearing Aid mode, Hearing Test, and Live Listen, the earbuds can amplify sounds and improve speech clarity. However, they are not a substitute for professional hearing aids, which remain necessary for severe or complex hearing conditions. Availability of these features depends on local medical approvals and software updates.

The AirPods Pro 3 family combines several assistive functions that are relevant to hearing:

• Hearing Test — an on-device tone-based or voice-based check that helps personalise amplification settings.
• Hearing Aid feature — a clinical-grade amplification mode that adjusts gain and frequency balance to match a user’s audiogram or hearing profile.
• Live Listen — use your iPhone or iPad as a remote microphone to send sound to your AirPods, useful in noisy environments.
• Hearing Protection — Monitors audio exposure and alerts you if volume levels are too high, helping to prevent long-term hearing damage.
• Automatic Conversation Boost and other software tuning designed to prioritise speech.

These are software and firmware features that rely on the AirPods’ microphones, the iPhone’s processing, and Apple’s accessibility frameworks — they are not physical ear moulds or custom acoustic shells like many traditional hearing aids.

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are currently available in Australia at a starting price of AU$429, as listed on Apple’s official online store. This price includes the earbuds, a charging case, and access to all the integrated features such as active noise cancellation, adaptive audio, and the accessibility tools that support users with mild to moderate hearing loss. While this cost is significantly lower than that of most professionally fitted hearing aids, it is important to remember that AirPods are sold as consumer earbuds rather than medical devices. Their value lies in offering premium sound quality combined with basic amplification features, making them an attractive option for people who want to enhance their everyday listening experience without committing to the higher expense of traditional hearing aids.

Choosing between consumer earbuds adapted with hearing software and traditional hearing aids depends on several factors: the degree of hearing loss, the need for custom physical fitting, long-term battery life, and ongoing clinical management (fine-tuning, counselling and follow-up). For someone with mild, stable loss and a desire for an all-in-one device with music, AirPods might be an attractive trial or interim option. For anyone with moderate-to-severe loss, asymmetrical loss or medical issues, a professionally fitted hearing aid remains the standard of care. Several audiology commentators welcome the accessibility gains but caution against seeing earbuds as a blanket replacement.

This decision is best made with a professional who can assess your hearing and lifestyle; a hearing consultation helps match expectations and device choice.

Early reviews for the AirPods Pro 3 focus on Apple’s audio and ANC improvements, longer battery life and the expanded hearing-health feature set. Reviewers generally praise the convenience and accessibility gains — especially for those with mild needs — while signalling that clinical hearing aids still outperform earbuds for more serious or complex hearing loss.

Apple’s support guidance describes the steps in Accessibility:

1. Update iOS, open Settings → Accessibility → Hearing (or the relevant AirPods settings).
2. Run the Hearing Test and enable the Hearing Aid feature if it appears.
3. Live Listen is enabled via Control Centre once configured.

Because menu names and flows evolve with iOS releases, consult Apple’s official support pages for step-by-step instructions and screenshots.

Apple’s built-in hearing test is intended to measure thresholds and build a personalised profile that the Hearing Aid feature can use to shape amplification. The test typically uses tones or calibrated stimuli delivered through the AirPods while the iPhone records responses and calculates a simple audiogram or hearing profile. This on-device approach is convenient, but it does not replace the full diagnostic audiometry performed in a clinic.

When considering how to evaluate your hearing, it is important to understand the differences between using Apple AirPods with app-based hearing checks and undergoing a professional hearing test. AirPods can be paired with certain apps to provide a basic screening, which may help identify whether you should seek further evaluation. However, these app-based checks have limitations in terms of accuracy, consistency, and the ability to detect underlying conditions. A professional hearing test, carried out by an audiologist, uses calibrated equipment in a controlled environment to measure hearing sensitivity across different frequencies and assess ear health more comprehensively. This detailed evaluation can detect early signs of hearing loss, determine its type and severity, and guide you toward appropriate solutions if needed.

Specialised centres and audiology clinics provide:

• Full diagnostic audiometry (pure-tone, speech testing, immittance), ear examinations and medical triage.
• Custom fitting and physical ear moulding when required, and ongoing device optimisation and counselling.
• Access to a wider range of devices (from OTC solutions to prescription digital hearing aids) and support for subsidy or insurance pathways.

No, AirPods are not recognised as medical hearing aids under Australian Government programs like the Hearing Services Program (HSP). Only clinically approved hearing aids may be subsidised.

The AirPods Pro 3 are available for pre-order and purchase across Australia, starting at A$429. You can buy them directly from the Apple Store or authorised resellers such as Harvey Norman and BIG W. Availability may vary by location, so it’s a good idea to check stock online or contact your local store before visiting.

For Australians looking for a solution that combines hearing support with convenience, AirPods Pro 3 provide features like Hearing Aid Mode, Live Listen, and Hearing Protection, but professional hearing assessments are still recommended. To explore personalised options, you can book a free hearing test.