Samsung Galaxy Buds Are Getting an AirPods-Like Hearing Aid Feature

Samsung is bringing FDA-cleared hearing aid features to its Galaxy Buds, giving users another mainstream earbud option for managing mild to moderate hearing loss without buying a traditional hearing aid. The company plans to launch the feature in the United States during the fourth quarter of 2026.



The new Hearing Aid feature will work with the Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Galaxy Buds4 Pro, while users will also need a newer Galaxy smartphone running One UI 8 or later. Samsung designed the feature for adults aged 18 and older who experience perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.



Users can open the Galaxy Buds settings and complete a self-administered hearing test in about five minutes. The test checks each ear separately using pure-tone audiometry, then creates an audiogram that identifies the frequencies where the user has difficulty hearing.



How Samsung’s Hearing Aid Feature Works



Samsung then uses those test results to personalize sound amplification, including higher frequencies, quieter voices, whispers and other sounds that users struggle to hear clearly. Noise elimination and beamforming also help reduce background noise while focusing more closely on sounds coming from the front.



Samsung says the system uses the NAL-NL2 fitting formula, which hearing specialists also use when configuring prescription hearing aids. Hearing test results and noise exposure information will also appear inside Samsung Health.



Apple introduced FDA-cleared hearing aid functionality for AirPods Pro 2 in 2024, giving it an early lead in consumer hearing health features. Samsung is now offering a similar experience directly through compatible Galaxy Buds, including hearing testing, personalized amplification and background noise control.