​Apple offer “world’s first” hearing aid features on AirPods Pro 2

Apple has announced the launch of the AirPods Pro 2, which is set to offer some brand new hearing health features.

The headphones are due to land this autumn, featuring the “world’s first all-in-one hearing health experience” designed for both those who are hard of hearing and those looking to protect their ears.

The AirPods Pro 2 will feature Loud Sound Reduction, a “scientifically validated” hearing test, and a “clinical-grade” hearing aid feature on top of other hearing health functions.

Read this next: 9 ways to make living with tinnitus easier

Pointing to a statistic from the World Health Organisation which states that 1.5 billion people around the world are currently living with hearing loss, Apple said that its new product “builds on years of work in hearing health”.

“Including the Noise app on Apple Watch, headphone audio levels with iPhone, hearing accessibility features, and the Apple Hearing Study, Apple is introducing an end-to-end experience focused on prevention, awareness, and assistance,” the tech giant announced.

The new headphones feature up to two times more Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio features that “tailor noise control to your environment”, and Personalised Spatial Audio that promises to “immerse you in sound”.

Read this next: Apple Music to increase royalties on spatial audio tracks by 10%

Speaking on the new headphones, Apple’s vice president of Health, Sumbul Desai, M.D., explains: “Hearing health is an essential part of our overall wellbeing, yet it can often be overlooked.”

“In fact, according to the Apple Hearing Study, a staggering 75 percent of people diagnosed with hearing loss go untreated,” he added.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 will be available this autumn for £229. Find out more here, and watch a trailer introducing the new headphones below.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter