WSJ via MSN: “Beth Yauman thought her car’s turn signals had stopped making sounds years ago. They worked—she just couldn’t hear them. With AirPods Pro now in her ears, the clicking is back. I got early access to Apple’s new clinical-grade hearing test and hearing-aid capability for AirPods Pro 2. Since I don’t have hearing issues, I also got a pair for Yauman, who has mild hearing loss. Apple will release the features next week through a free software update. They require the $249 second-generation AirPods Pro and an iPhone or iPad running iOS or iPad OS 18.1. The test can tell anyone if they should worry about hearing loss, and another feature can block loud noises. The software is a potential game-changer for millions of people who live with mild to moderate hearing loss, especially the people who already own a pair of AirPods Pro. Only a quarter of the people who could benefit from hearing aids actually use them, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Prescription models typically cost thousands of dollars, and some people have to wait weeks or even months to see an audiologist to determine eligibility. Over-the-counter aids were supposed to solve that problem, but the most affordable options are being returned at high rates due in part to lack of adequate customer service.”