iOS 14: running an audiogram on-device to help tune the audio performance to your liking

iOS 14 reportedly brings some new accessibility options for enhanced audio tuning over the AirPods or EarPods for people with some hearing loss, including a brand new ability to run an audiogram on your device in order to tune the audio performance to your liking.

9to5Mac reports that iOS 14 will let users run an audiogram on-device to help tune their device’s audio performance, but no further clarification was provided in the report.

For those wondering, an audiogram is a graph that shows the audible threshold for standardized frequencies, with the Y axis representing intensity measured in decibels and the X axis representing frequency measured in hertz. Author Michael Potuck discussed potential ramifications of this new assistive feature with accessibility expert Will Sigmon.

I’ve had AirPods Pro since they released and one thing that I am thankful for as a hearing aid wearer is their Transparency feature as I cannot wear the AirPods and my hearing aids at the same time.

One thing I’ve yearned for, though, is the ability to fine-tune this functionality, like raising its volume. Hopefully, this list of functionalities will include the ability to do that. Otherwise, it’s great for people who can only hear higher or lower frequencies! It’s one of the reasons I use the male voice over the female voice for Siri.

Other major changes for Accessibility in iOS 14 reportedly include:

  • Haptic feedback for important sounds like sirens, fire alarm and crying babies
  • Hand gesture detection via the built-in camera
  • Improved AirPods/EarPods audio tuning for people with mild to moderate hearing loss

Apple should preview the upcoming iOS 14, iPadOS 14, macOC 10.16, watchOS 7 and tvOS 14 updates at its Worldwide Developers Conference that should take place this summer. However, it’s looking increasingly likely that a physical gathering in San Jose could be cancelled in favor of virtual meetings and presentations due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.

What are your thoughts on the new audiogram feature in iOS 14?

Let us know in the comments!