AirPods Pro 3 hearing aid disables with both earbuds

AirPods Pro 3. Hearing Aid works on one Ear Bud but stops acting like a hearing aid when the heart rate monitor sensor on the other is covered. This is the same with both buds. So, the hearing aid function switches off when both buds are inserted into my ears.

Troubleshooting steps completed:

  • Ensure that there is no debris in case or on the buds
  • Ensure both case and buds are fully charged
  • Reset and start over (I've done this twice now).


Any ideas? This sounds like a software glitch or some weird setting.

Posted on Dec 9, 2025 9:17 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 10, 2025 2:23 AM

Hi, I managed to resolve this issue. Simply select "Transparency" Mode and the ear buds can be used as a hearing aid.

The other modes automatically switch off the hearing assistance when inserted into the ear (thus covering the heart rate monitor). This explains why it would toggle off just by covering the sensor as it acts like a switch.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 10, 2025 2:23 AM in response to Livingston_Drew

Hi, I managed to resolve this issue. Simply select "Transparency" Mode and the ear buds can be used as a hearing aid.

The other modes automatically switch off the hearing assistance when inserted into the ear (thus covering the heart rate monitor). This explains why it would toggle off just by covering the sensor as it acts like a switch.

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AirPods Pro 3 hearing aid disables with both earbuds

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