Why is my iOS 18.1 hearing test unable to classify results?

I have tried taking the new hearing test on iOS 18.1 several times now and I keep getting an error message saying Unable to Classify because there is too much background noise. I have run the test in several locations that are free of sound but I keep getting the error message. I'm very disappointed as I just purchased some AirPods Pro 2 so that I could use the hearing aid function. Is anyone else having this problem?



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 15 Pro

Posted on Oct 30, 2024 8:59 PM

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Question marked as ⚠️ Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 1, 2024 5:53 AM

Really terrible software. First it tells me the environment is quiet enough. Then if it is hearing a noise, it doesn't stop right there but goes on for minutes only to fail in the end.

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Dec 11, 2024 12:39 AM in response to KelvinSF

It failed for me 3 times in a row. First test their was a clear interference due a dishwasher a room over, moved to a closed door bathroom - 1am at night. No ambient background noise or audible interruptions. I do have some degree of hearing loss plus auditory exocytosis (surfers ear - surgically corrected) that affects some range of fidelity in distinguishing sound, particularly on the high end frequencies plus likely higher extent of hearing loss due to concerts over a lifetime. But I would assume that the application or feature is fit for purpose - that is determining which frequencies and at which level sensory loss exists. Clearly - from a purely diagnostic standpoint it has issues let alone how it would adapt or optimize sound output based on an highly sensitive and specific assessment. I can try in my 16 daughter who will especially be sensitive to picking up sounds I know I doubt I pick up and have the wife - whose ears are not as abused as mine. But - bit of a disappointment from a customer who could benefit from a practical feature that should have a technological fix.

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Dec 11, 2024 3:25 PM in response to brandt146

It failed for me 3 times in a row. First test their was a clear

interference due a dishwasher a room over, moved to a closed door

bathroom - 1am at night. No ambient background noise or audible

interruptions. I do have some degree of hearing loss plus auditory

exocytosis (surfers ear - surgically corrected) that affects some range

of fidelity in distinguishing sound, particularly on the high end

frequencies plus likely higher extent of hearing loss due to concerts

over a lifetime. But I would assume that the application or feature is

fit for purpose - that is determining which frequencies and at which

level sensory loss exists. Clearly - from a purely diagnostic standpoint

it has issues let alone how it would adapt or optimize sound output

based on an highly sensitive and specific assessment. I can try in my 16

daughter who will especially be sensitive to picking up sounds I know I

doubt I pick up and have the wife - whose ears are not as abused as

mine. But - bit of a disappointment from a customer who could benefit

from a practical feature that should have a technological fix.


Try the Mimi app.

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Mar 15, 2025 5:48 PM in response to KelvinSF

I’ve been experiencing this too, it’s incredibly frustrating. My sense is that the apple research team didn’t do enough preparation to know how to classify complex hearing profiles, such as mine (perhaps many of you on here too?), and so have nothing useful or accurate to share why the test keeps failing, but who knows.


and yes, I bought the AirPods too specifically for the hearing aid function so this feels like a total waste all around. Anyone have any success? I tried the test six times to no avail. Mimi app won’t recognize my AirPods.

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Why is my iOS 18.1 hearing test unable to classify results?

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