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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

Oct 31, 2024 4:06 PM in response to WL49

I’ve had the same problem. I’ve taken the test at least eight times with two different AirPod Pro twos. I even put my AirPod max headphones over them for two of the tests and each time I can’t get past the left ear. The test actually seems to reach the end of the test, but then it says that some noise must’ve happened so it couldn’t be completed. It must be a bug. Hopefully they will get it fixed out shortly.

Nov 1, 2024 8:37 AM in response to WL49

Took the test at least 10 times. Passed once on the left ear then failed on the right only to have to restart from the beginning. Tried several rooms including interior bathroom. Turned AC off. Opened mouth to reduce any breathing through the nose. Put headphones on over the AirPods. Still unable to classify. I don't think there is any background noise. Very disappointed with new AirPods purchased just for this test.

Nov 1, 2024 2:04 PM in response to WL49

I seem to be having the same issue with the hearing test crapping out after it finishes the left ear. I've done the test several times with the same results. I've taken the test in my home office with absolutely nothing running or making noise. The ambient background noise level is 23db. I've taken the test wearing my rifle range ear muffs and still fail to get an acceptable result. Apple is famous for its all too early release of software and hardware so I'll assume this is a similar issue. Considering I purchased the Pro 2 just for this feature is even more frustrating.

Nov 9, 2024 9:31 PM in response to WL49

I re-tried the test in my recording studio with all gear turned off. Still no luck. SO

Monday I will make an appointment with a local audiologist for a free test. THEN perhaps a SECOND audiologist, so I get two response graphs I can feed into the program. The background sound removal works really well, so i suspect the hearing improvement will be significant.

Nov 17, 2024 5:59 AM in response to Ropom

Exactly. When you contact apple support they act as if they are unaware of this issue and you are the only person who has had this experience. They then take you on a journey of academic exercises designed to prove that the problem is on your end, not a bug in their system. Before you know it you are circling the drain of apple **** until you are ready to give up and call it a loss.

Nov 17, 2024 6:57 AM in response to WL49

I expect the next iOS or AirPod firmware update to include the line: "fixed problem with completing the hearing test."


In my case the hearing test completed twice fine. First was for me, second for my wife so she could try out the new feature. Then the third test (to set them up for me again) failed. Then about 10 to 15 more failures. Then one worked.


Someone just posted that turning on iCloud for the Health app worked for them, but I've had that turned on all along.


Nov 17, 2024 9:41 AM in response to WL49

I got one complete test out of many (many!) and the results were wildly wrong, saying I had "little to no" hearing loss. I had hearing loss when I was 5 years old, and 60 years since of loud rock and roll have not helped. A test a few years ago by an actual audiologist showed that I have significant hearing loss, particularly in the high end - not unusual for someone my age.


On problem with taking the test over and over is that as far as I can tell, it's always the same test, so you know what to expect. They should have enough variants so that if you retest, you are starting with a fresh test - of course it should just work the first time. Over an hour with Apple support did not help.

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

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