Why are AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid features not available in the UK?

Personally I wouldn't trust non-apple sources. Here is the current list

AirPods Pro 2 - Hearing Health Feature Availability - Apple

I spoke to Apple support yesterday

I was told Apple doesn’t have the approval for UK yet that why it hasn’t be issued in UK.

As soon as they got the approval it will be released for UK too with the next update.

I hope this explains it 😊

But what we’ve been saying here over and over is that transparency mode cannot use an audiogram anymore!! It could before iOS 18 (or 18.1) but now that’s not an option, they removed the functionality to force people to only be able to use an audiogram if they’re in the countries where Hearing Aids mode is available.

You can do the test by putting the xml link into safari - as I say above the test is very good and it will track multiple tests over time.

At least it will tell you how bad your hearing is but it's been possible to do a hearing test on your iPhone for years via the Mimi or other hearing test ap

A hearing text is no help at all if you already have an Audiogram that you cannot use because Apple has prevented you from using them in the UK with the 18.1 update.

Just use an Apple device running an older IOS to get them working. Any old iPhone from 12 onwards will work or an iPad as long as it's not updated to IOS 18.1.

I emailed an Apple senior official regarding this matter and I’ve had a response!

They’ve advised the matter is in the hands of the health officials who regulate these features but have assured me that Apple are actively working with them in the hope of getting the feature released as soon as possible.

So no timescale given but it’s at least reassuring to know they’re working on it.

In fairness to Apple, I believe the issue lies with the delay in the approval from the MHRA (the UK Medicines and Medical Devices regulator). Until the MHRA approve the new AirPod functionality with hearing aids, Apple (and we) have to wait.

Hi GR7.

We have just been having a discussion with Idris.

I just updated my iPhone to iOS 18.1 and cannot see the hearing aid/hearing test features. My AirPods are up to date 7B19

I'm in the UK if that makes any difference.

I've just noticed that the feature is not available in the UK. It's just about the only country where it's not available.

It's not the only country by any means but it's a real pain. Other major countries include Canada, France, Italy and Spain. Until the individual country get approval, 18.1 effectively stops your iPhone from working. Presumably it is no longer doing what you have been doing for a year. ie. Using your AirPods as hearing aids. Can you confirm that please?

IN IOS 18.1, if you attempt a hearing test that is in any way severe, a screen will appear telling you to book an appointment with an Audiologist and will go no further.

It's the reason I have been holding back from IOS18 and I'm really glad that I did.

The NHS is not the body to approve of the test. It’s a device so the MHRA are responsible. They, like most UK regulatory bodies are slow and ‘behind the curve’.

Maybe we should all write to them to get some action. Probably all working from home…..

Ok, so just to clarify, are you talking about iOS 18.2 fixing the audio accessibility and adding back the ability to use an audiogram to drive phone audio and transparency mode in those countries where Hearing Aid mode is not supported?

From what I read elsewhere, they’ll just include the ability to take an audiogram with your iPhone in some additional countries, and out of those countries only enable the Hearing Aid feature in the UAE.

All it will do is allow you to take the Apple Hearing Test. No way will Apple be putting the Transparency Mode back until the Hearing Aid Feature is approved for that country. Transparency Mode IS the Hearing Aid Feature with a different name.

18.2 woohoo Airpods pro 2 with hearing aid support in the uk.

A massive big thank you to rasg for clarifying where in settings to finally set these up.

Greatstuff. 😃

All that shows is that Apple registered with the MHRA. Not a particular device but they have done it as Apple have several devices in the MHRA register. Here is the correct registration send from Apple on 17th December. The MHRA are giving out correct info when people call or email.

Mhra uk gov website

“Registration of your devices with the MHRA (the UK Competent Authority) does not represent any form of accreditation, certification, approval or endorsement by the MHRA.”

I also read that since may 24 uk mhra were to “piggy back” on approvals from overseas authorities. Bizarre in this instance. What’s also strange is the whole of the eu seems to have approval and Northern Ireland is supposed to follow eu rules in this instance. Just stating a uk gov website not an invitation to start a discussion on the “B” word.

So, how is it possible to take a hearing Test with the AirBuds? This is from hcpc(health & care professions council)

"Where the hearing aid dispenser or any other person intends to supply or provide a hearing aid by way of retail, sale or hire.

It is therefore a criminal offence for someone who is not HCPC registered as a hearing aid dispenser to assess or test a person’s hearing, even if the individual does not prescribe a hearing aid. Equally, it is a criminal offence for someone who is not HCPC registered as a hearing aid dispenser to prescribe a hearing aid, even if the individual does not assess or test a person’s hearing. Both offences only relate to where the hearing aid is supplied by retail sale or hire".