AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid Functionality Available in Canada

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 now double as clinical‑grade hearing aids in Canada. Following Health Canada’s Class II medical‑device approval on December 11, 2024, the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid modes arrived with iOS 18.4 and firmware 7B19+ updates in spring 2025. Canadian users with perceived mild‑to‑moderate hearing loss can take a quick on‑device test or import a professional audiogram to personalize amplification, balance, and tone in real time—at no extra cost beyond owning the earbuds themselves.

Health Canada Approval and Canadian Launch

Health Canada granted Class II licences for the AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid system on December 11, 2024, clearing the path for a regulated rollout in Canada. Two licences appear in the Health Canada medical‑device database:

• Licence No. 112369: Covers the firmware module and iPhone app system.
• Licence No. 112368: Covers the Hearing Test feature as a medical‑device family.

Apple enabled these features in Canada via the iOS 18.4 update and the firmware 7B19+ release in early 2025. MacRumors confirmed Canadian users saw the Hearing Aid options appear under Settings > [Your AirPods Pro 2] > Hearing Assistance as of March 2025.

Regulatory Challenges and Provincial Approvals

While federal approval was secured in December 2024, over‑the‑counter distribution faces provincial hurdles. As reported by the Squamish Chief, “there is currently no regulatory path to distribute these over‑the‑counter hearing health features in Canada due to provincial‑level restrictions.” Apple is working with individual provinces to navigate local medical‑device guidelines—each with different timelines and requirements—with the hope of making these features available as soon as possible.

Provincial health authorities can further specify conditions of sale and funding after Health Canada’s authorization. For example:

• Ontario: Under the Regulated Health Professions Act, hearing aids must be prescribed and dispensed by licensed audiologists or physicians, meaning AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid functionality may require a prescription to be sold over the counter.
• British Columbia: The Health Professions Act restricts dispensing to Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioners.
• Quebec & Other Provinces: Local health professional acts may impose similar scope‑of‑practice and prescription requirements.

Consumers should watch for province‑specific approvals and consult qualified professionals for guidance.

How to Enable and Configure

1. Update Your Devices

   • Install iOS 18.4 or later on your iPhone/iPad and ensure AirPods Pro 2 firmware is at least 7B19. Firmware updates occur automatically when charging near a Wi‑Fi‑connected iOS device.

2. Take a Hearing Test

   • In Settings > [AirPods Pro 2], tap Take a Hearing Test. Follow the five‑minute on‑screen prompts in a quiet room to generate a personalized profile.

3. Import a Professional Audiogram

   • Choose Add Hearing Test Result and scan or manually enter your audiogram from an audiologist (PDF import supported).

4. Fine‑Tune Your Profile

   • Under Settings > [AirPods Pro 2] > Hearing Assistance, toggle Hearing Aid, then adjust Amplification, Balance, and Tone sliders. Use Swipe to Control Amplification in Transparency mode for quick volume boosts.

5. Enable Media Assist

   • Within the same menu, turn on Media Assist to apply your hearing profile to music, videos, and calls for enhanced clarity across all noise‑control modes.

For a detailed walkthrough, see Apple’s support article on Using the Hearing Aid feature.

Compatibility and Supported Devices

• Earbuds: AirPods Pro 2 only.
• Operating Systems: iPhone/iPad with iOS 18.4+, Mac with macOS 15+, Apple Watch with watchOS 11+.
• Audiogram Sources: On‑device Hearing Test or professionally provided audiogram PDF.
• Not Supported: Older AirPods models and third‑party earbuds.

Where to Buy and Pricing in Canada

The Hearing Aid feature itself is free; you only pay for the AirPods Pro 2. Current Canadian retail pricing:

All major electronics retailers, including Walmart and The Source, carry the AirPods Pro 2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can AirPods Pro 2 replace my prescription hearing aids?
They’re designed for mild‑to‑moderate hearing loss and intermittent use; they do not replace custom‑fit prescription devices for severe or profound loss.

Is a subscription required?
No. All Hearing Aid functionality is included free via iOS updates.

Will it work with phone calls and media?
Yes—Media Assist applies your customized profile to calls, music, videos, and voice memos.

Stay Updated

Bookmark the Apple Canada Newsroom and follow @AppleCanada on Twitter for firmware updates, expanded accessibility features, and province‑specific rollout announcements.

Summary:
Although Health Canada approved AirPods Pro 2’s Hearing Aid feature on December 11, 2024, provincial regulations currently restrict over‑the‑counter distribution. Apple is working with individual provinces to secure the necessary approvals. Once enabled via iOS 18.4 and firmware 7B19+, Canadian users can personalize sound through a built‑in hearing test or imported audiogram, fine‑tune in Transparency mode, and extend the profile to all media at no extra cost beyond the earbuds’ price. Purchase options include Apple Store ($329), Best Buy Canada ($329 or $55/mo.), and Amazon Canada ($317.99).