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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 29, 2024 10:11 AM

Wow, this is discouraging. I purchased the AirPods specifically for this option and, while I like them a lot for podcasts, etc., it’s a shame that I can’t even get through the hearing test in a completely windowless, soundproof room! I sure hope Apple can address this soon.

130 replies

Nov 17, 2024 12:22 PM in response to WL49

In my case. I had to turn on iCloud in the Heath app and enter all my data such as birth date height with etc. apple help said it need to know I was over 18 even though you answer f that question when you start the hearing test.


it worked for me.


however I had already hanged a few settings and done the things that were posted somewhere else. Like reset phone and air pods and turn on headphones in setting etc


if you call the Apple Store and get to help they should be aware of the issue and the fix

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.

Oct 31, 2024 5:53 AM in response to WL49

Add another user to the frustrated list. I’ve tried it 14 times with my iPhone and twice with my iPad. I’ve got the A/C and fan turned off, no electronics, no pets barking, no noise whatsoever. Every time, I finish the left ear then make it to what appears to be the end of the right ear only to get the hearing test’s version of the Blue Screen of Death… “Unable to Classify blah, blah”.

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

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