Apple’s much talked about hearing health for AirPods Pro 2 has finally been released in a firmware update today. While you can update your AirPods Pro to the latest version to get the features today, you’ll have to wait until October 28, the launch of iOS 18.1to use them.

The hearing health update provides three functions: a hearing test, hearing aid function and active hearing protection. All features are free to use and compatible with iPhone and iPadas long as the software is iOS 18.1.

The first feature makes it much easier to diagnose hearing loss within the confines of your home. It saves time, effort and money and encourages people to get tested regularly. At a hearing health briefing, Apple told Gizmodo that millions of Americans are unknowingly living with hearing loss. Many people think it always means a complete inability to hear, but it exists on a spectrum, and you can be anywhere on it. So it’s important to routinely check how your ears are doing.

The test is taken on the iOS Health app and takes about five minutes to complete. It plays some tones that you respond to by tapping the screen. When it’s done, the results screen will show your respective scores for both ears with a comment like “Your test indicates moderate hearing loss.” Your results are displayed in the Health app, so you can track your ear health over time by repeating the test. You can also download your results if you need to show them to a professional.

The second function extends the functionality of your AirPods Pro and doubles as hearing aidswhich increases the frequencies and produces a clearer, more vivid sound. Your AirPods Pro as hearing aids will also make real-time adjustments in intensity based on your surroundings. This is not just for the hearing impaired. The hearing aid function allows the user to hear better, so it can help a perfectly healthy individual by improving how their music sounds on the buds.

The third function protects your ears against loud and harsh ambient sounds. In environments as loud as 110 dBA, the hearing protection function reduces the sound signature to a lower level at 48,000 times per second, making it easier on your ears. To put this into context, an exercise class is 100 dBA, and mowing the lawn is 90 dBA. The hearing protection function works in all listening positions and the silicone ear tips also help with noise reduction.