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AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Test fails with "Unable to classify due to background noise" error.

Hearing test keeps stopping stating it is unable to classify due to background noise. The only noise is me breathing! I've tried four times now and can't get through one ear without the test stopping at 75% finished.


[Re-Titled By Moderator]

iPhone 15 Plus, iOS 18

Posted on Oct 28, 2024 10:18 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 28, 2024 9:10 PM

Same error - "Unable to Classify" because of background noise. I was in a closet with no noise. Tried 3 times. Left ear completes and right ear almost completes and I get the same error.


Current Firmware 7B19 on AirPods Pro 2. Just updated to iOS 18.1 today. So the software is up to date.

91 replies

Nov 2, 2024 5:59 PM in response to WL49

OK, this is an update to my earlier post. I tried 3 more times trying my iPhone 13, in a silent room (23-27db) and wearing my firing range ear muffs. Each attempt failed just like previous attempts. I then tried to take the test using my iPad Pro, ear muffs and the same room. The second attempt using the iPad was successful and why it was successful the last time I haven't a clue. The system will now allow me to use the hearing aid function and I do find it useful as this test (along with a previous test performed by an audiologist) showed my hearing in my left ear is weak. Anyway, good luck with your attempts. Surely apple will improve the software.

Nov 3, 2024 2:51 AM in response to WL49

I bought AirPod Pro 2’s because I was so stoked over the Hearing feature they announced

However, I could not get the Hearing Test to complete

I repeatedly got the dreaded ‘Unable to Classify’ message no matter how careful I was to take the test in a noiseless environment

I was about to throw in the towel after many attempts when something popped into my head

In the past I had run into issues when recording guitar into my DAW

I kept getting noise on the tracks and I couldn’t figure out why

It turned out that the source of the humming sound was the dimmer switch for my room lighting

A dimmer switch can cause RFI on the electrical wiring which can result in noise on electrical devices such as radios and amplifiers etc.

Remembering this, I turned off the dimmer switch and took the test again (in the dark)

It worked, my test completed on the first pass

Try killing any dimmer switches you have anywhere in your living quarters

and see if this works for you

It’s possible the AirPods were being affected by the dimmer RFI noise, and that was the issue all along

Good luck

I can say without reservation, the AirPods are fantastic for moderate hearing loss

Highly recommended :)

Nov 3, 2024 6:58 AM in response to WL49

Like many of you, I had this same problem. Here’s how I solved it:


I took the test early in the morning, in my parked car, in the garage with the car and garage doors shut (engine off, of course). After getting in the car, I then put on a pair of shooting ear protection over the AirPods (large over-the-ear headphones would probably also work) — you have to be careful not to bump the stem on the AirPod when putting them on or you’ll get an “AirPod not properly seated” message after the preliminary test.


Then get yourself as comfortable as possible, with your phone and right hand resting on something, and your index finger poised just above the screen. Try not to move *at all* during the test (except your finger).


Doing it that way got me results on the first try.

Nov 4, 2024 9:51 AM in response to BillyBilly51

Went to Apple support. Chatted with a representative. They said I needed to have the AirPods tested by a technician. Went to Genius bar. The technician ran a sound test on my AirPods. He could not complete the test because one of the noise cancellation features was not available to turn off. Airpods still under warranty. Waiting for replacements that should be in this week.

Oct 30, 2024 8:02 AM in response to WL49

OK, same here. Current Firmware 7B19 on AirPods Pro 2 on OS 18.1. Tried several times on my iPhone 13 and my brand new iPad Pro in an inner closet of the master bathroom with doors closed. Prechecks before all tests were green lighted. I tried different ear tips - all were properly sealed and tested OK. I tried with noise cancellation on. The test runs to end on the left ear and then ends with the "Unable to Classify" message. Always that, nothing else.

Oct 30, 2024 11:22 AM in response to KettleCooked

The servers being overwhelmed is definitely a possibility. I’d considered that as well. Another I haven’t tested is if they are also using the phone mic for background noise testing. Although I’ve seen it kick out immediately when things actually get noisy. So it would still be weird that it waits until everything is completed to fail. Which makes me think it’s a sever communication issue. However I’m going to try testing with my phone on a table instead of holding it, on the premise that rustling over the mic on the phone with my other hand could be the errant noise.

AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Test fails with "Unable to classify due to background noise" error.

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