How to Turn your AirPods Pro 3 into Hearing Aids

Video Description

If you’re watching this, chances are you or someone you love is trying to hear better — and you want to do it the right way. I’m Dr. Cliff AuD, and as the only hearing care professional consistently showing people with hearing loss how to properly set up AirPods Pro 3 as hearing aids, I’m going to walk you through this process step-by-step so you can get the best results possible. Apple’s new Hearing Assistance feature can be a great option for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss — as long as it’s set up correctly. This tutorial makes sure you don’t miss any of the critical steps that determine whether these work well for you. And quick note: if you have more than a moderate hearing loss, AirPods likely won’t provide enough support. In those cases, you should work with a professional. If you want the best hearing care available, start with a vetted provider through the HearingUp Network — these are experts I trust, and people routinely travel long distances to see them because the outcomes are that good. ✅ Step-by-Step: Set Up AirPods Pro 3 as Hearing Aids Step 1: Confirm compatibility To use this feature you need: AirPods Pro 3 iPhone or iPad running iOS / iPadOS 18.1 or newer Step 2: Update your iPhone/iPad Go to: Settings → General → Software Update Install the latest update if available. Step 3: Pair AirPods Pro 3 correctly Open your AirPods case near your iPhone Tap Connect When prompted, double-tap the front of the case (AirPods Pro 3 cases don’t have a back button) Step 4: Make sure firmware is updated If you don’t see Hearing Health / Hearing Assistance / Take a Hearing Test, your AirPods firmware isn’t updated yet. To update firmware: Plug in your iPhone Plug in your AirPods case Close the lid Leave them near your iPhone for a bit (up to several hours) Once updated, the hearing features will show up. Step 5: Get the right ear tip fit A proper seal is everything for hearing aid performance. Run the ear tip fit test and swap tips until you get a good seal. Step 6: Take the built-in hearing test Go to: AirPods Settings → Take a Hearing Test Sit in a quiet room Follow the on-screen instructions Tap when you hear tones This creates your personalized hearing profile. Step 7: Turn on Hearing Aid mode After the test: Enable Media Assist (optional but recommended) Tap Set Up Hearing Aid Select Turn On Hearing Aid Optional Step: Upload or enter a professional audiogram If you already have a hearing test from a clinic, you can use it for even more accuracy: Hearing Assistance → Update Hearing Test Results You can scan, upload, or manually enter your audiogram. Step 8: Fine-tune your sound Go to: Hearing Assistance → Adjustments Dial in: Amplification level Left/right balance Tone (brighter vs. darker sound) Ambient noise reduction Conversation Boost Own Voice control Quick access tip: Open Control Center → tap the ear icon to adjust settings fast without digging through menus. 🔗 More AirPods Pro 3 Hearing Help (Watch These Next) ▶️ AirPods Pro 3 as Hearing Protection — Setup Tutorial (Shows you how to enable and correctly use the hearing protection features.) Watch here: Coming Soon! ▶️ AirPods Pro 3 Hearing Protection Feature — Full Review (My detailed breakdown of how well the hearing protection actually works in the real world.) Watch here: Coming Soon! ▶️ AirPods Pro 3 as Clinical-Grade OTC Hearing Aids — Full Review (Deep dive on performance, who they’re for, and who should NOT rely on them.) Watch here: Coming Soon! 👂 Need professional help? Not sure if AirPods Pro 3 are the right solution for your hearing loss? Find a trusted provider here: HearingUp Network https://hearingup.com 🔗 Helpful links Dr. Cliff Website: https://drcliffaud.com Clinic Website (Applied Hearing Solutions): https://appliedhearingaz.com HearingUp Network: https://hearingup.com 👍 If this helped you Hit Like, subscribe, and drop a comment letting me know how the AirPods Pro 3 hearing aid feature worked for you — and what you want me to cover next.