Using Apple AirPods and Beats wireless headphones as hearing aids on iOS 17 can greatly enhance your listening experience, especially if you need auditory assistance in certain situations. This feature, part of Apple’s accessibility enhancements, uses Live Listen to turn your AirPods or Beats into an assistive listening device. Here’s how to set it up and use it:
Quick Guide
- Pair Your Headphones: Connect your AirPods or Beats to your iPhone or iPad via Bluetooth.
- Enable Live Listen: Go to Settings > Control Center > Customise Controls, and add the “Hearing” control.
- Activate Live Listen: Swipe to open the Control Center, tap the ear icon, and then tap “Live Listen” to turn it on.
Detailed Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Step 1: Pair Your Headphones
- Open the case of your AirPods or turn on your Beats headphones and place them near your iPhone or iPad.
- Go to “Settings” on your device, then select “Bluetooth.”
- Ensure Bluetooth is turned on. Your AirPods or Beats should appear under “Other Devices.” Tap on them to pair.
- Once paired, they should appear under “My Devices” and show as “Connected.”
Step 2: Enable Live Listen
- Return to the main “Settings” menu and tap “Control Center.”
- Scroll down to “More Controls” and tap the green plus icon next to “Hearing.” This adds the Hearing control to your Control Center, which is necessary to use Live Listen.
Step 3: Activate Live Listen
- With your AirPods or Beats headphones connected and worn, open the Control Center. On an iPhone with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen; on an iPhone with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
- Look for the ear icon, which represents the Hearing control. Tap it.
- Tap “Live Listen” to turn it on. When Live Listen is active, it will use your iPhone or iPad’s microphone to pick up sound and send it directly to your AirPods or Beats, effectively making them function like hearing aids.
Additional Tips
- Optimise Placement: For best results, place your device in front of the person you are speaking with or near the source of the sound you want to amplify.
- Manage Battery: Live Listen can drain the battery of your device and headphones faster, so it’s good to monitor battery levels during extended use.
- Background Noise: Be aware that Live Listen may also pick up background noise. It works best in quieter environments or when the device is close to the desired sound source.
Using your AirPods or Beats headphones with Live Listen can significantly improve your ability to hear conversations, TV, and other audio more clearly, especially in situations where you need a bit of auditory boost. This feature is not only a testament to the versatility of these devices but also enhances accessibility for users with hearing challenges.