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AirPods Pro High Pitched Noise

When I push my AirPods Pro into my ears I hear a really high pitched noise, similar to the mosquito sound everyone used to play. Has anyone else experienced this? When they’re off it doesn’t happen, so I’m assuming it’s part of the noise cancellation.

iPhone 8, iOS 13

Posted on Nov 22, 2019 7:10 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 6, 2021 6:00 PM

Hi have a Fix.


Go to Bluetooth > Select your Airpods Pro > Select Noise Control "Off". Also make sure that Left and Right Airpods actions have nothing to do with Noise Control. So just make sure to have both working with Siri. This is what works for me, I hope it does the same for some of you.

93 replies

Jul 11, 2021 6:24 PM in response to Hi1234hi976

i did a little experimenting. this actually has nothing to do with the functionality of the airpods, so don't be alarmed. your airpods aren't on the verge of dying, it's a bit of a weird side effect. some people have pointed this out, but here's the exact explanation: chances are you heard this loud sound while having airpods in and laying down on them, and chances are also that you laid down on your right side. the pressure on the microphone and the eartip react, i'm not sure if this is intentional or a mechanical oversight, but this is the reason it happens. a few other users have mentioned this and i'll quote them below:


bennett166 says, "Don’t know if this had been answered yet but I’m pretty sure the noise happens when the AirPods are put under pressure and the noise is to help eject water"


gdcapo says, "It happened after a workout - right ear only. It had to be because of sweat. Same high pitched whistle. I went home pulled apart the Air Pods so they could dry out - for about 20 minutes - and that did the trick. This was the first time this has happened. Have owned them for about six months."


DFB77 says, "This happened to me when they got wet. In fact I put them thru the washing machine. So fairly severe. When they dried out it fixed itself up. I needed to use a hair dryer for a while but it worked."


a lot of people seem to find this issue while the airpods have been exposed to water / pressure in an enclosed space. if you'd like to test this you can take your right airpod and clutch it tightly in your hand, moving it slightly each time. eventually you'll hear a squeak. my final theory is that this is ANC reacting to a feedback loop, caused by water or pressure.

Jan 19, 2021 4:01 AM in response to Hi1234hi976

My issue with squeaking/squealing noise on left bud (Airpods Pro) started after a particularly sweaty session, so like some here, thought it might be sweat-related. Anyway, tried the reboot fix that’s being suggested. Still has this issue after reboot. But it IS only when noise cancelling and transparency is ON. I too am hoping it’s software related. :-( I’ll persist with reboot for a bit. But getting annoying now. And I fear for my hearing with this high pitch squeal.

Dec 31, 2019 11:58 AM in response to Hi1234hi976

The extremely loud high pitch sound I think stems from a feedback loop error. Kind of like how microphones make the same noise when it picks up on the sound it’s amplifying. I would try playing your music lower, and maybe trying the different ear tips to ensure that the sound isn’t coming back out and into the mic. If you haven’t switched out the ear tips because the test said it was a good fit, try going to the included larger size.


Once I tried switching everything out, I haven’t had it happen again, but if you have and it still does it, then I would make a appointment to have them looked at.

May 6, 2020 3:00 PM in response to BreeZee_17

Thank you BreeZee_17.


I've followed the reference documents and confirm the issue persist, though minimized immediately after cleaning using the steps described in your links.


The issue is reproduced while walking on hard surfaces, or similar vibration to the ear canal.


My AirPods Pro still report firmware 2B588, I've been monitoring when the new firmware installs.

Dec 21, 2019 11:37 PM in response to Hi1234hi976

I have the EXACT same problem on my left AirPod Pro! Let’s hope it’s firmware issue and Apple could fix that with an update BUT in my theory it’s a metal piece which secures the tip and that piece when tightening tip in ear touches something inside as the two clicks of it around speaker are connected by metal wire going under the speaker so thats where the sound comes from but I hope I’m wrong!

Aug 2, 2020 7:09 PM in response to Hi1234hi976

This has been happening to mine too, and interestingly when I’m talking to someone using the AirPods mic and it happens, they can hear it and comment on how loud it is. I thought it was something only happening deep in my ear but apparently not. Not sure what exactly is causing it but it sure is annoying! Used to only happen in transparency mode but now it’s happening in noise cancelling mode too. Sounds like a really loud bird.

May 6, 2020 2:03 PM in response to Hi1234hi976

Hello,


Hello,


I see there are some issues with AirPods Pro making a high pitched noise and in some cases it occurs when using Active Noise Cancellation. I know it's important for your AirPods Pro to work as expected; I'd like to help. Below are some resources that may help to troubleshoot this behavior:



These resources provide additional information about AirPods Pro that may be helpful as well:




Take Care.

Dec 28, 2019 9:08 AM in response to Backedwithcash

Same. Started with one ear. I got the screeching to stop by resetting but then it had a constant static - but only in transparency and noise cancelling mode. I called. Told them my guess was from sweat. I was told emphatically no, they are designed for the gym. I took them in. They replaced just the bad one at no cost. But, just yesterday, the other is screeching so I’ll need to go in again. FYI - They were nice at the store and had heard of similar issues. They had me reset, which didn’t work. Then replaced one without even listening for themselves. You have to wait 30 minutes in store for the new AirPods to sync while charging, which was annoying. And wow, that screeching is so loud it could damage ears. Worried this could become a big issue for Apple.

AirPods Pro High Pitched Noise

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