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

I had the same issue as all of you with my iPhone but it worked the first time also with my iPad mini!

I contacted Apple today about this problem. I was transferred two times, eventually getting someone in the Health app support team. First they asked for a screenshot of the error message, so I sent that.

Now they want to gather diagnostic logs from my iPhone, but the link they sent me is not working. They're supposed to call me back Sunday morning to get the diagnostic logs.

They do not monitor these forums, but after being told about the discussion here they said they would "investigate."

I'm guessing the problem is simply in the Health app and that a future update will solve this problem. In the meantime, I would encourage everyone that gets the error to call Apple and report it.

Here's an update from several previous posts.

On a hunch, since I think the classify fail issue is related to specific frequency tones being sounded but not responded to, I did another test in which I randomly and regularly pressed the response button, whether I heard a tone or not. And, for the first time in maybe 15 attempts, the left ear passed classification. I stopped the test since it was totally bogus. I then did another test the regular way. It failed as usual.

I'm curious. If you still are having hearing test failures, try my test of the test method. Start it and then press the button randomly and regularly, whether you hear tones or not. Please post your result. And, of course, stop the test of the test and reset, since it is not correct.

Withing Mimi, share the result with the built in Health app. (Give permission.)

Once that is done, go to the AirPods setting and find Hearing Assistance and add or update Hearing Test results. You should see the Mimi result.

I do have very old prescription hearing aids (Resound brand), and I wanted to compare the AirPods to those. As far as hearing aids go, the AirPods are very inferior, although this is not using the AirPods test. My old hearing aids were something like $4k, so this isn't too surprising. I will not be using the AirPods as hearing aids in most cases - only in a pinch.

In Mimi, share the hearing result with the Health app.

Once that is done, go to the AirPods setting and find Hearing Assistance and add or update Hearing Test results. You should see the Mimi result.

I do have very old prescription hearing aids (Resound brand), and I wanted to compare the AirPods to those.  As far as hearing aids go, the AirPods are very inferior, although this is not using the AirPods test.   My old hearing aids were something like $4k, so this isn't too surprising.    I will not be using the AirPods as hearing aids in most cases - only in a pinch.

Read all the comments, put my AirPods into "Noise Cancellation" mode and it made no difference.

I did manage to complete the test on my iPad, but my iPhone still refuses to do it. All settings are identical

After many frustrating failures with the hearing test, I finally got it to work with both ears. Changed rooms 3 times and just kept trying. It is a game changer when you get it completed. TV is loud and clear and able to hear voices more clearly. Hope they get the bugs worked out but very impressive tool for those with hearing loss!

If is an issue with Apple server, I wonder if it would work to put the iPhone in airplane mode prior to taking the hearing test

Because Apple doesn't read these. You need to go to their feedback page on their website and report it.

There's an iOS update today (11/19/24). MacOS too. Hopefully they fixed this problem in the iOS update.

I'm having the same problem. Tried many times in different quiet locations.

I tried the suggestion above about setting them to "Noise Cancellation" but it didn't help. I tried other combinations of settings, no go.

I called Apple and they said they hadn't heard about this problem. I was told that the only way to let them know about this bug is to report it on their feedback form, here:

Product Feedback - Apple

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.

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.

Ok, so, I bought the AirPods specifically for the hearing aid function and spent all day yesterday trying to get the hearing test to work. Half way through the day I found out you have to upgrade the iOS. Still couldn’t get past the first ear! Totally silent area, so it’s not background noise.

Today I drive to the Apple Store and paid about $900 for a new iPad and keyboard. Loaded it all up and no hearing test available. Finally, after upgrading the iOS I got the test. And it WORKED! And now I can hear everything around me. Glad I’m retired and can spend 2 full days on this! Let’s go Apple, please fix the bug in iPhone!

I also experienced repeated failures over the past few days until I discovered this article,

After enabling the headphones accommodation as explained in item 4 of this article my test completed successfully. In full disclosure, I also shut down and restarted my iPhone before the test. I hope this helps others.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]