The AirPods Pro 2 hearing aid feature, which amplifies ambient sounds for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, has been hailed as a breakthrough since its debut in the U.S. and other select countries in late October 2024. Paired with a five-minute hearing test that measures frequency detection and stores results in the iPhone’s Health app, it offers a low-cost, software-driven alternative to traditional hearing aids. A third feature, hearing protection, which reduces exposure to loud environmental noise, is already available in Canada and the U.S. All three require AirPods Pro 2 with the latest firmware.
Despite Health Canada’s green light at the federal level, the hearing aid and hearing test features remain unavailable due to differing provincial rules. In Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, hearing aids currently require a prescription from a physician or audiologist, a regulation that contrasts with the over-the-counter model Apple is pursuing. Reports from CTV News and the Toronto Star this month highlighted these discrepancies, noting that each province must individually approve the feature’s distribution.
Apple recently told the Toronto Star it’s working diligently with provincial authorities to resolve these barriers. While the company didn’t specify a timeline, its optimism suggests progress is underway. “We hope to make the features available as soon as possible,” Apple stated, signaling its commitment to expanding access.
Why It Matters to Canadians
For Canadian tech users, the delay is more than a bureaucratic hiccup—it’s a missed opportunity to leverage a feature that’s already transforming lives elsewhere. The hearing aid mode, available at no additional cost via a free software update, uses personalized profiles from the hearing test to boost specific frequencies in real time. Users can hear conversations, music, and environmental sounds more clearly, all through a device they might already own. At around $250 USD, AirPods Pro 2 are a fraction of the cost of traditional hearing aids, which can run into thousands of dollars.
The hearing protection feature, already active in Canada, showcases Apple’s broader hearing health strategy. It dynamically reduces loud noises—like construction or concert sounds—while preserving audio quality across listening modes. Its presence hints at what’s to come once the full suite is unlocked.
A Global Rollout in Progress
Since their initial launch, the hearing health features have expanded to over 100 countries, including recent additions like the United Kingdom, France, and the United Arab Emirates with the iOS 18.2 update in December 2024. Canada, however, remains a holdout alongside other regions navigating regulatory complexities. Posts on X reflect growing impatience among Canadian users, with some pointing to the feature’s absence as a frustration compared to its widespread availability elsewhere.
Apple’s persistence in Canada aligns with its pro-innovation ethos, aiming to make cutting-edge tech accessible without the red tape. The company’s efforts to work province-by-province underscore the practical impact it envisions: empowering users with tools that enhance daily life, from catching a friend’s quiet remark to enjoying a favorite song with newfound clarity.
What’s Next?
While no firm release date has been set, the next likely windows for deployment could coincide with upcoming iOS updates, such as iOS 18.3 in January or iOS 18.4 in April. These updates have historically expanded feature availability to new regions. For now, Canadian AirPods Pro 2 owners can use the hearing protection feature and wait for the hearing aid and test capabilities to clear the final hurdles.
As Apple navigates these provincial approvals, the payoff could be significant. With an aging population and rising awareness of hearing health, the demand for affordable, tech-driven solutions is clear. If successful, this move could cement AppleMagazine’s goal of making tech news—and tech itself—a daily habit for enthusiasts and casual users alike.
