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

Top-ranking reply

leland171

Level 1

62 points

Posted on Feb 12, 2022 12:57 PM

I ended up using the Apple Support app and starting a chat with a rep. They arranged for me a callback from another rep at a higher level, which was done right away; and that second rep set me up with a Genius Bar appointment, which was earlier this afternoon.

They tested my AirPods Pro and said that they were both defective. I asked for the nitty-gritty technical details, and he said that they put them in a sound-isolating box with a sort of receiver inside, play a controlled ambient noise signal into the box, and measure the output response of the earphones. Both of mine failed the test, so he gave me two new replacements.

I have the case number and documentation by email, and can reopen the case if I notice any more problems.

I’m going to stop using them for a few days and see if the ringing subsides, then maybe give them another chance.

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623 replies

Gl4th

Level 1

15 points

Jul 18, 2020 9:50 PM in response to MacbookProRetinaGuy

Same here.

I got them in February and since the first week I had the same problem that many of you described. Now, in July I still hear the high pitched ringing. It's so frustrating.

Sep 18, 2020 2:51 PM in response to MacbookProRetinaGuy

Same thing happened to me 🙁.

I was very excited about my AirPods Pro, but after using it for few hours I noticed a high-frequency buzzing sounds that hasn’t gone away after a day. 🧏

Gl4th

Level 1

15 points

Sep 22, 2020 9:11 AM in response to dsadams52

Same to me. Used the normal ones for an year with no issue. I had tinnitus with the Pro after few days of use.

Sep 22, 2020 10:37 AM in response to mattd313

Agree, noise cancellation is additional offsetting sound waves hitting your middle/inner ear along with a tight seal (which the original AirPods lack).

BrumTown

Level 1

4 points

Sep 22, 2020 5:48 PM in response to mattd313

I’ve stopped using the AirPod Pros for about 2 weeks and although the ringing is still there, it has definitely gotten better. I think it’ll definitely heal but it will take a few months perhaps.

Nov 24, 2020 8:36 AM in response to MKMA11

what is the name of the facebook page please? I have had the same issue happen.

Feb 15, 2021 11:32 AM in response to AlbertTJames

This is what I feel too. After I stopped using noise cancellation I'm not getting the numb and ringy experience in my ears.

Dec 19, 2021 8:41 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

Indeed!

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AirPods causing tinnitus?