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AirPods causing tinnitus?

After using my AirPods for a while, I noticed a high pitched ringing in my ears (that doesn't go away). I didn't know what it was, so I looked it up and it turns out to be tinnitus. Now understand, I don't listen to music, or anything for that matter, loud. As a matter of fact, I carry a pair of earplugs in my pocket, just in case I encounter anything loud that would damage my hearing.


Having said all that, now I notice that when I put my AirPods in my ears and have nothing playing, they emit a high pitched tone that I would say exactly replicates the tone of my tinnitus, leaving me to believe that the AirPods actually caused my tinnitus.


[Edited by Moderator]

Posted on Nov 24, 2019 10:46 AM

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Posted on Jan 12, 2023 5:35 AM

This happened to me too. I already had some mild tinnitus and using AirPod Pro 2’s seems to have aggravated it to the point where it is very noticeable all of the time more so in the left ear. I’m going to stop using them altogether in the hope the volume of the ringing returns to normal.


it’s very disappointing as the sound quality is excellent and the ANC makes such an improvement, but I’m worried I’m permanently damaging my ears using these.


For info my AirPod 2 (not pro) never gave me this issue and we’re used daily. It’s also not a volume issue as I can keep volume lower than ever with these being in ear and with the ANC.


Has anyone had any breakthroughs with this by getting them replaced?

623 replies

Mar 5, 2021 9:46 AM in response to Jonemac

My reply wasn’t meant in a sarcastic way at all. In fact my husband has used the Airpods for a few years now with no problem and he listens to rock music. It may be that there are just certain people that are more sensitive to certain frequencies whether it be electrical, microwave, etc. and there are some that aren’t. You and my hubby are in the latter category.

Mar 9, 2021 11:01 PM in response to blair268

Please note I have sensitive hearing and I love the product. It’s likely due to other conditions I’d recommend them to anyone and in fact gave them away and she hasn’t had any problems at all.


it’s a great product and I’d recommended them myself. Best sound and easiest connectivity I’ve found.


id still use them but I just have sensitive hearing and I probably will try them again soon I made a mistake and used them too loudly.


id but them they’re awesome.

Mar 11, 2021 11:00 PM in response to MacbookProRetinaGuy

I personally think Apple should provide a refund for the product for people that can provide proof of using the product after using them.


I’m 7-8 weeks in and I haven’t used them since and paid 240$ CDN. I think it’s a joke Apple hasn’t addressed the issue. It’s like peanuts for them but I guess this form isn’t monitored or something?

Mar 13, 2021 7:50 AM in response to blair268

Yes, they refused to acknowledge there might be some link between their product, AirPods Pro and the development of tinnitus. They are in a good position to study the question, however, because they could canvas users of their other in-ear headphones and compare the onset of tinnitus to those using AirPods Pro. The should easily find if there is a link. The fact that only a minority of people develop the problem doesn’t mean the AirPods Pro didn’t cause it. Correlation is not causation, so the fact that we all developed this problem after using AirPods Pros isn’t enough evidence. We have to show that the incidence is greater than what users of other non-noise-cancelling earbuds develop.

Mar 13, 2021 2:47 PM in response to MacbookProRetinaGuy

I have had Bluetooth ear buds for almost a decade, and I’ve had large noise cancelling headphones. Never had a problem, but within 3 days of getting my AirPods Pro (so exciting! I loved them!) I could barely sleep with the ringing in my ears.


There is something different with this product that I can’t explain. It hasn’t gone away for over a week now.


So glad I found this thread and I’m not alone.

Mar 15, 2021 12:01 AM in response to blair268

Looks like you’re being filtered again haha


Its actually disappointing but we’re all just “small guys” it’s too bad people don’t do business the old ways that’s at least how I’ve grown up and do business, but whatever I’ll stay tuned on the updates and thanks for everyone’s help and input


if I fix it I’ll let you know how, I’m trying everyone and I definitely aren’t using them as part of cure haha


all the best and Good luck

Mar 17, 2021 8:12 AM in response to MacbookProRetinaGuy

Have been using my AirPods for two months. Tinnitus just started and significant hearing damage to my right ear (the ear I primarily use for phone calls). Never listen to loud music or have volume on high. Wondering if the sound they make when they pair with the phone has something to do with this? Sometimes there is variation in its volume level.

Mar 17, 2021 10:27 AM in response to MacbookProRetinaGuy

Came here to find out the same thing. Just if others faced the same issue. I’m in my 30s and used mostly over ear headphones for many years without issue and after switching to AirPods Pro and using ANC to do calls and listen to music for a couple months, I developed tinnitus in my left ear (which hears fine). I saw an Audiologist and ENT and they basically just said it happens and there’s no way to determine why. I was wondering if that pressure feeling when ANC is enabled is somehow part of the cause, but who knows.

Mar 18, 2021 9:58 PM in response to MacCactus

The ringing has subsided but it’s still there. I recommend just using them half in. They’re amazing I’d still recommend them but just use them for music an hour a day not business unless at minimum volume and half out (not sealed).


I still recommend the product but for recreational use. I bought regular iPods (I think they’re calling for all day use / business and they’re much better.


That being said, I could have had underlying problems.

Mar 18, 2021 10:04 PM in response to MacCactus

One thing I’d share is trying to.block and eliminate all hearing from the ear affected. It has actually mine improve significantly when watching a movie.


There’s some great advice on this forum but that’s what has worked for me.


I sleep on my opposite side and block all noise on my left ear and it seems to help a lot.


Hopefully that helps and we can continue using them conservatively

Mar 18, 2021 10:59 PM in response to blair268

I’ve owned 50+ iPhones and I have a business account with Rogers all Apple devices with all the accessories.


Does anyone have any sort of connection with Apple employees?


My recommendation as a user group we should try to speak to someone that’s involved with the production of the product that to avoid similar situation in the future, so are next pair of headphones don’t cause this issue.


I’ll gladly take the call or zoom etc if anyone knows anyone but I’ll check my network and might myself.

Mar 19, 2021 9:25 AM in response to Dee_Marie123

I’ve been wanting to respond and maybe provide some reassurance to folks and how I have gotten better than I was with the tinnitus. It was horrible at first and took a long time to diminish with some effort. I sent the AirPods back and was able to get a refund. I tried using over ear headphones and earbuds but both made the tinnitus worse after the ringing had started. I haven’t used ear buds (unfortunately) for a couple of months. I used masking (free Widex Zen app) to be able to sleep when it was really bad. This was recommended by my audiologist who also confirmed no hearing loss. Then I decided to try not having silence around me because that’s when I noticed it most. It seems like we can retrain the brain to ignore this signal but only by training it to be distracted by other, non harmful sound. So I listen to audiobooks on a small wearable Bluetooth speaker much of the time if there is not some other background noise. After many weeks of this I can say that my ringing in the left ear is only noticeable at times. It is much, much better, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to wear earbuds again. Hope that helps somebody.


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AirPods causing tinnitus?

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