Hearing test not available in Australia after iOS update this morning

Please be patient. Seems it generally takes a couple of months after regulatory authorities approve the hearing features, and there has been less time than that.

Over 100 countries gave approval before the release last year.

IdrisSeabright wrote:

And as we all know, government bureaucracies often move very slowly.

Indeed! As has been seen in other regions, such as Canada, even after approval by the Government Authority to allow use of the AirPods as Hearing Aids, then it was determined that each Province must also approve it. And then, some Provinces required a doctor's prescription for a Hearing Aid as they are medical devices, so Apple did not have the authority to issue them to everyone. Clearly it is not a one and done after Government approval with the regulations in the medical field.

Has Apple submitted to the TGA in Australia?

Waited ages for ECG and it’s been incredibly useful.

Product Feedback - Apple

i used to work for Apple that is how you tell them.

The TGA have just approved the feature in Australia. Hopefully will arrive in the next update!

Settings->Search->Hearing Test- finds it in Apps which then links to Mimi

Seems Apple Support's article dated September 2024 (link below) explains step-by-step how to prepare, and then "Use your audiogram data from the Health app"

Customize headphone audio levels on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

If Apple's method isn't working for you, you might want to send feedback to Apple, They will likely not reply, yet your feedback will reach those who can make changes if others are also having a similar issue: Feedback - iPhone - Apple

From AirPods User Guide

Article: Use hearing health features with AirPods Pro 2 – Apple Support (AU)

says:

"Add audiogram results from your hearing healthcare professional

If you have hearing test results from your hearing healthcare professional, you can use your iPhone or iPad to add your results to use with your AirPods Pro 2.

1. Wear your AirPods Pro 2, and make sure they’re connectedto your device.
2. Go to Settings  on your iPhone or iPad, tap the name of your AirPods near the top of the screen, tap Hearing Assistance, tap Add Hearing Test Result, then follow the onscreen instructions.
3. You may see an option other than Add Hearing Test Result, such as Update Hearing Test Results, if you previously used the Hearing Test feature or added an audiogram.
4. Scan the audiogram with your iPhone or iPad camera, or enter the results manually."

Hi

There is a list of TGA applications but Apple Hearing is not on it. Don’t think it is a complete list. Can lodge a freedom of information application but states there is a delay in these. Historically e.g. Covid vaccines the TGA has not been very fast on its feet……and is not it appears an efficient process - approvals by a number of major countries is not it seems a driver.

Bought my new AirPods Pro 2, and sat here trying to get the new firmware to download. No avail, then I found online it's not available in Australia. So I got a quote for so called hearing aids my Health Fund would stump up some money for, that were not obvious when on, close to the size of the Apple AirPods . . not as cool though. They sent me a quote for Signia Active Pro X, they were $5,220. . . Advertised as 'singles' only so 50% online. I suspect your theory could be on the money. Traditional providers have a lot to lose from customers like me. . .with mild loss, I just can't afford or justify that much money . . . when Apple Air Pods Pro 2 are going to help at a significantly more affordable price. So annoyed with Australia's regulatory system. Even NZ is ahead of us.

Spot on.

It's all about money. How do you sell the rest of your stockpile if a $300 earphone can do 80% if not better than some of the hearing Aid that cost almost 20x the cost?

Hearing Aid on the market today are waaaaayyyy OVER PRICED !!!!!

I am not sure if we should call the ACCC to take a look at this, I am not even sure if there is any foul play. Surely there are a lot of incentive to.

Why would you even need TGA approval to sell something that has other uses.... like... we can have such feature even if TGA dont approve it. Unless..... TGA block it from having its feature as they can argue that it will hinder some people to get the "RIGHT" hearing aid and it would be detrimental in long term.

I too wish I had seen this thread before buying myself the pro2 purely for the hearing aid feature - seems really unfair that the TGA is withholding permission for thousands of Aussies who suffer from hearing impairment and are refused access to an existing feature of their purchased product - very unhappy 🙁

gazrad wrote:

I too would like to know if we can somehow change our geolocation without having to travel to another country to access this feature. Obviously, Apple don't think we are important enough to get moving on this. Makes me wonder whether setting up an Apple-based ecosystem for my business was a wise move.

Apple can only do what local regulations allow. To do otherwise might jeopardize their ability to sell anything in your country.

And as we all know, government bureaucracies often move very slowly.

probably The Australian Therapeutic Goods Authority (TGA)....