New iOS 15 Hearing Accessibility Audio Features

Apple’s iOS 15 update introduced meaningful enhancements to the Accessibility Hearing menu, primarily focusing on ambient masking and speech clarity. Designed to assist users with hearing impairments, neurodivergent individuals, or anyone needing improved focus, the key audio additions include native Background Sounds, Conversation Boost for AirPods, and expanded Headphone Accommodations for audiograms.

Background Sounds

The most prominent audio feature added directly into the Hearing section (Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Background Sounds) is Background Sounds. This native sound machine capability helps mask unwanted environmental noise to promote concentration, calm, or rest.

The feature includes six high-fidelity ambient sound options:

  • Balanced Noise: A blend of higher and lower frequencies (standard white/pink noise).
  • Bright Noise: Higher-frequency white noise.
  • Dark Noise: Deeper, lower-frequency brown noise.
  • Ocean: Rhythmic ocean wave sounds.
  • Rain: Continuous rainfall.
  • Stream: Flowing water.

Users can configure Background Sounds to play continuously, mix under media and phone calls at custom volume levels, or automatically stop when the iPhone is locked. The feature is also accessible via a dedicated Hearing toggle in the iOS Control Center for rapid access.

Conversation Boost

Introduced under the Headphone Accommodations sub-menu for AirPods Pro and AirPods Max users, Conversation Boost uses computational audio and directional beamforming microphones. It isolates and amplifies the voice of the person speaking directly in front of the user, filtering out background ambient chatter. This helps individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing challenges engage in conversations in noisy environments, such as restaurants.

Custom Audiogram Support Enhancements

iOS 15 expanded the Headphone Accommodations feature by streamlining the process of adding custom audiograms. Users can import paper audiograms by photographing them directly through the interface or uploading a digital copy (PDF or photo) from the Files app. iOS analyzes the audiogram graph to automatically tune headphone audio levels, boosting softer sounds and adjusting specific frequencies to match the user's unique hearing profile across music, movies, and phone calls.