AirPods hearing test vs traditional hearing test
AirPods hearing test vs traditional hearing test
5 minutes
Publication date 21 July 2026
21 July 2026
Apple's AirPods hearing test has created a lot of interest. People are using it as a quick and simple way to check their hearing at home.
It's a useful step towards understanding your hearing health. But it's important to know what it can and can't tell you. You can also take our online hearing test at home, using your choice of wired or wireless headphones or earbuds. It only takes a few minutes and can give you an indication of how well you're hearing.
A professional hearing test, carried out by a trained hearing specialist, gives a full picture of your hearing, and identifies any underlying issues that may need a medical referral
We'll explain how the AirPods hearing test works, how it compares to a professional assessment, and when it's worth getting expert advice.
At Boots Hearingcare, our free hearing tests are carried out by experienced audiologists who can give you clear answers and personalised support.
What is the AirPods hearing test and how does it work?
The AirPods hearing test is a simple check you can do at home using compatible AirPods and an iPhone.
It's designed to give you a basic understanding of your hearing, including the volume you need to hear sounds at different pitches, and highlight whether you may need further support.
The test plays a series of tones at different pitches and volumes. You tap your screen when you hear a sound.
It usually takes around five minutes.
At the end, you'll get a simple overview of your audibility levels across different sound levels.
If you're concerned about your hearing, a professional hearing test gives a much more accurate and complete assessment. Carried out in a soundproof booth, it looks at different parts of your hearing pathway, including how well you can hear and understand speech.
How accurate is the AirPods hearing test?
The AirPods hearing test can be a helpful starting point. But it should be seen as a screening tool, not a diagnosis.
It may indicate your hearing audibility, but results can vary depending on how and where you take the test.
Accuracy can be affected by:
• Background noise
• AirPods fit and seal
• How quickly you respond to sounds
• Distractions during the test
It can highlight possible hearing changes, but it cannot confirm hearing loss or explain the cause.
If your results suggest a change, or you're noticing symptoms like difficulty following conversations or tinnitus, it's a good idea to book a professional hearing test.
What the AirPods hearing test can and can’t tell you
What the AirPods hearing test can do
Spot possible signs of hearing loss
It may highlight changes in your hearing that are worth checking further.
Give a basic snapshot
It offers a simple overview of how you hear different sounds.
Encourage next steps
It can help you decide if it's time to speak to a hearing expert.
What the AirPods hearing test can't do
Diagnose hearing loss
It can't confirm a condition or explain the cause.
Identify medical issues
Conditions like earwax build-up or ear infections need a clinical assessment.
Replace a full hearing test
A professional test gives detailed results and tailored advice.
AirPods hearing test vs professional hearing tests: key differences
Both the AirPods hearing test and a professional hearing test can provide useful information about your hearing. However, they're designed for different purposes and offer different levels of detail.
AirPods hearing test
A quick at-home check.
• Done on your own device
• Takes around 5 minutes
• Uses basic sound tones
• Gives a general hearing snapshot
• No expert support during the test
Professional hearing test
• Done in a quiet, controlled clinic
• Takes 30-60 minutes
• Uses specialist equipment
• Includes speech and tone testing to understand both how well you hear sounds and how clearly you understand speech
• Measures hearing through air and bone conduction to help understand what may be causing your hearing difficulty
• Helps identify whether further medical assessment may be needed
• Gives detailed, accurate results
• Includes expert explanation and advice
• Includes expert advice on the support that could be right for your hearing needs
Helps identify hearing loss, causes, and next steps.
Which option is right for you?
The AirPods test is a useful first step if you're curious about your hearing.
But if you've noticed changes, or want clear answers, a professional hearing test is the best option.
It gives you a full understanding of your hearing and what support, if any, you may need.
AirPods hearing test vs professional hearing tests: key differences
Feature | AirPods Hearing Test | Professional Hearing Test |
Environment | Completed at home or in everyday settings, which may include background noise | Conducted in a controlled, soundproof environment to ensure accuracy |
Equipment | Consumer-grade devices (AirPods + smartphone) | Clinical-grade audiology equipment calibrated for precision |
Test Type | Simplified version of a hearing screening using tones and user responses | Comprehensive assessment including multiple tests (e.g. pure-tone, speech, bone conduction) |
Accuracy | Provides a general indication of hearing ability; results can vary depending on setup | Highly accurate, reliable, and repeatable results |
Expert Involvement | Self-administered with no professional guidance | Led by a qualified audiologist who can interpret results in context |
Diagnosis | Cannot diagnose hearing conditions or underlying causes | Can diagnose hearing loss and identify potential causes |
Personalisation | Limited - standardised test experience | Tailored to the individual’s symptoms, history, and needs |
Time Required | Around 5 minutes | Typically 30–60 minutes |
Cost | Low (if you already own compatible devices) | Free hearing test through Boots Hearingcare |
Best For | Quick checks, early awareness, curiosity about hearing health | Full assessment, diagnosis, and personalised treatment recommendations |
Why your AirPods hearing test results might not always be accurate
The AirPods hearing test is an innovative and convenient way to check your hearing from home. It can provide a useful indication of your hearing ability and may help identify signs of hearing loss. However, like any at-home hearing test, the results can be influenced by a range of factors, including your environment, equipment and how the test is completed.
Background noise
Even low levels of background noise can make it harder to hear quieter test tones. Sounds from traffic, household appliances, televisions or conversations may affect your results without you realising it. From day to day tasks to our favourite hobbies, we've analysed the noise levels of everyday sounds.
Fit of AirPods
A secure fit is important for accurate sound delivery. If your AirPods aren't positioned correctly or don't create a good seal in the ear, some sounds may not be heard as intended. This can lead to results that don't fully reflect your hearing ability.
Response timing
The test relies on you tapping the screen when you hear a sound. Small delays, uncertainty about whether a tone was heard, or accidentally missing a sound can all influence the final result. This is completely normal and one reason why hearing test results can vary slightly between sessions.
Temporary changes
Your hearing can sometimes change temporarily due to everyday health conditions. Colds and flu, sinus congestion, allergies, ear infections and a build-up of earwax can all affect how well you hear. In many cases, your hearing returns to normal once the underlying cause has been treated or resolved. If your hearing doesn't improve or you're concerned about any changes, it's a good idea to have it checked by a hearing care professional.
Device and setup factors
Software updates, device settings, connectivity issues, or interruptions during the test can sometimes affect the overall experience and the reliability of the results.
Getting a clearer picture of your hearing
If your results suggest a change, don't panic.
The test is only a guide.
A professional hearing test will give you a full and accurate understanding of your hearing health.
At Boots Hearingcare, our audiologists provide clear results, expert advice, and support tailored to you.
When should you get a professional hearing test?
It's a good idea to book a hearing test if you:
• Struggle to follow conversations, especially in noise
• Often ask people to repeat themselves
• Turn the TV or radio up louder than others prefer
• Notice ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus)
• Feel your hearing has gradually changed
• Feel less confident about socialising, going out or spending time with groups of people
Hearing changes often happen slowly, so they can be easy to miss. A hearing test can help you understand your hearing and give you clarity and peace of mind.
A hearing test can give you clarity and peace of mind.
Airpods hearing test: frequently asked questions
Author
Emma JarvisContent writer, Boots Hearingcare