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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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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 26, 2021 10:23 AM

I've owned Apple AirPod Pro's for about a year now. I primarily use them for work conference calls (3 - 4 hours every day). I also listen to music sometimes (classical or movie soundtracks), but not at high levels. About a month ago, I developed tinnitus in both ears. I have a very high pitch ringing sound in my right ear, which varies in intensity and a lower pitch varied ringing in both my ears. I've been to my primary care provider, an ENT and had my hearing tested. My ears and hearing are perfectly normal, except for the tinnitus. At its worst, I couldn't sleep for four days. It was horrible. So I stopped using the AirPod Pro's all together for several weeks and my tinnitus significantly improved, but it hasn't gone away entirely. In particular, the varied ringing I hear in both ears almost completely went away (it drastically reduced in volume) and the very high pitch ring in my right ear seemed to come and go. I had days where it was gone entirely. With things improving, I recently started using the AirPod Pro's again for work conference calls (2 - 3 hours per day). My tinnitus is now back again, just as it originally started. I'm not looking for medical advice, but I wanted to share my experience since others are having similar issues. For me, it's not hearing loss induced tinnitus since my hearing is perfectly normal. In my opinion, there does seem to be a correlation between wearing the AirPod Pro's and increased tinnitus symptoms. Since everything has been checked out by doctors and audiologists, I do think the AirPods Pro's either caused or majorly contributed to the ringing I'm currently experiencing in my ears. I do think perhaps it's something with their ANC technology. I love Apple products, but I won't be wearing the AirPod Pro's anymore. I do hope at some point Apple addresses this issue since there are a number of people reporting same or similar problems. For those suffering from tinnitus, there are some great tracks on YouTube that really help mask the ringing sound. I'm happy to share the ones that I've found helpful. Best of luck!

623 replies

Oct 12, 2020 1:43 PM in response to MacbookProRetinaGuy

One evening, after listing to music using my Airports, I started hearing a high pitch noise in my head. I went to see a specialist as soon as possible, and I was diagnosed with symmetrical hearing loss and tinnitus (high pitch noise only you can hear).

Has anyone had a similar experience?

I think apple, just like Tabacco companies, should disclose any health-related issues that might arise from using their products. And when I say tell consumers, I am not saying bury it within the fine print that none reads, but rather make a clear audio/visual disclosure when setting up the product.

Oct 12, 2020 1:53 PM in response to BrumTown

One evening, after listing to music using my Airports, I started hearing a high pitch noise in my head. I went to see a specialist as soon as possible, and I was diagnosed with symmetrical hearing loss and tinnitus (high pitch noise only you can hear), and it seems to be permanent.

I think apple, just like Tabacco companies, should disclose any health-related issues that might arise from using their products. And when I say tell consumers, I am not saying bury it within the fine print that none reads, but rather make a clear audio/visual disclosure when setting up the product.

Oct 14, 2020 1:32 PM in response to MrBelmont

Strange and probably not a coincidence. I had the exact same experience. High pitch noise (in the right or left ear, it changed). Then constant hissing now in my head. Went to see ENT, nothing they can do. I have lost a bit of hearing but barely detectable. I also was using airpods in airplanes with noise cancelling.

However I saw that people with tinnitus use airpods to get better! playing white noise non stop in their ears.. I am not going to try it.. If anybody has found a good therapy, let us know!

Oct 16, 2020 2:21 AM in response to MrBelmont

Here is a paper I found that discusses what happens when researchers put ear plugs in the study participants ears and then researched the results based on previous research on tinnitus. the outcomes are interesting as they correspond to the discussion on this page about tinnitus. The interesting point here is simply constantly using ear plugs causes the brain to adjust the sensitivity of the nerves in the ear eventually causing phantom sounds to occur in the participants ears. This makes me think that these symptoms that all of us are discussing could have more to do with keeping airpods in our ears for long periods of time and less about the audio causing damage to our hearing. Its a quick read. Check it out here : https://www.tinnitusresearch.net/images/files/migrated/downloads/TinnitusResearchArticleSeries_forTRI_5_Schaette.pdf


Oct 18, 2020 4:33 PM in response to MacbookProRetinaGuy

I am a 78 yr old senior and are deaf in my (L) ear due to a brain tumor and I am looking for an air pod to watch TV. I purchased Air pods pro but I cannot turn the volume up. I can only use the (r) side pod to listen to the TV (kind of expensive for just one ear). Is there a possible way to turn up the volume. I was going to try the Beats over the ear, supposedly they have a volume button. Are they better than the Apple pods for sound or equal? Can u give me any advise. I also have bad tinnitus in my (L) ear 24/7. A.C.

Nov 2, 2020 7:34 PM in response to MacbookProRetinaGuy

I noticed this buzzing sound in my right ear for two days now. Never heard it before. And its ironic that i had my first gen AirPods in my one ear while the left one charged. I live in a quiet house on a dead end street. I quarantine so I’m not exposed to any loud noises on the regular. I would say that i dont listen to music that loud with them but without noise canceling, you’re forced to turn them up high just to hear your own music in a public setting and thats horrible design Flaw. I wasn't even listening to Anything that would cause this when it happened at the time it occurred. All volume is set to a whisper when in home. I definitely am not ok with this. This can give someone depression. I love quietness, now i have to avoid meditation because silence isn’t silent anymore. I’m livid.


[Edited by Moderator]

Nov 18, 2020 11:27 PM in response to MacbookProRetinaGuy

i've had the same issue with the throbbing noise the same as my heart beat after using the airpod pro. i know some are saying it can't be possible from the headphones but it always starts after i've been using them and then goes away after not using them for an hour or so. just to be clear i don't have the volume very high as i usually just listen to audio books or podcasts. i really think this is an issue apple need to explore/investigate.

Nov 24, 2020 8:51 AM in response to MacbookProRetinaGuy

I got AirPod Pros a couple of weeks ago. I have experienced the same thing all others are reporting. Tinnitus in my right ear commencing at the same time I started using the AirPod Pros. When I first put them on I had an experience of the way the NC worked as feeling unusual and different, some sort of unique in ear pressure is the way I'd describe it. I feel strongly that the NC is doing something to cause Tinnitus.


[Edited by Moderator]

Nov 24, 2020 11:42 AM in response to JimmyCMPIT

Well it doesnt take a brain surgeon to understand that if you had good hearing before you started wearing the AirPods and something changed while wearing it there is a possibility it might have something to do with it.

This is called "COMMON SENSE" which a doctor is not necessary. Common sense tells you to go to the Ear doctor if you notice a change in your hearing and the problem doesnt go away.

Nov 24, 2020 11:58 AM in response to itsmeelan

It's like cancer. hard to say there is only one cause but tobacco was clearly a factor

in this case i think age maybe another key factors. my kids use airpods with no problems whereas I am convinced they triggered my tinnitus. But i am older.

i went to see an ENT and he had no clue except that it is quite a frequent condition.

by the way it's been 8 months and it's getting worse although I have not worn them

AirPods causing tinnitus?

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