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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

Top-ranking reply

thofli

Level 1

15 points

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!

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623 replies

peleh

Level 1

4 points

Mar 11, 2020 3:57 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

I agree with you, Its just that the Airpods(like other iems) could have an specific trait that could be tied to the problem.

Most people could have mild tinnitus and just discover once they try a noise canceling in-ear for the first time, that is totally possible.

Joseph_S.

Community Specialist

Apr 5, 2020 9:19 AM in response to MacbookProRetinaGuy

Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Communities.

I want to make sure you reach the right team for help with your AirPods. I recommend that you contact Apple Support directly. Depending on your region, you may be able to reach them here: Contact Apple Support

Apr 8, 2020 1:34 PM in response to MacbookProRetinaGuy

It happened to me! A hig-pitch noise (around 12000HZ) that I hear in my left ear 24/7. This has been a week and I'm starting to panic! It's unbearable to live with this! I always listen to my AirPods Pro in Noise cancelling mode, and this weekend when they paired there was a very loud noise in my left ear.

Apr 8, 2020 4:59 PM in response to jwolford73

Horrible sound when calls are finished, like a loud and quick scratching sound right in my ear..., probably 50 times louder than the volume it was set to for the call. I was worried it broke my eardrum. This was on my AirPods Pro.

Apr 20, 2020 1:23 PM in response to MacbookProRetinaGuy

I got mine two weeks after they came out. First time I tried them with ANC my ear felt like there was pressure. After 30 mins I get this constant ringing sound when I am in a silent room and it still get this ringing sound to this day. I searched for some answers on google there was none as the product was new. Am glad to see that I am not alone after seeing this convo thread.

Apr 24, 2020 6:12 AM in response to MacbookProRetinaGuy

I just noticed it too in my left ear, just this morning. After several days of video editing with the AirPods it started. I've never had problems with my hearing until now. I was so excited to go wireless and abandon the wired earbuds. I got a pair for my wife too and she started complaining before me. I think they're a health hazard and I'm waiting on the class-action suit. How about a refund? I won't be using them anymore.

deggie

Level 10

167,315 points

Apr 24, 2020 7:27 PM in response to Mark Stutzman

Ringing in the ears from loud noise is not the same thing as tinnitus. You testifying on the stand and saying you don’t need no doctor won’t get you far. And since all loud noise from any source can cause it you will need to show you were never exposed to any, never went to concerts etc.

Apr 24, 2020 7:46 PM in response to deggie

I never play loud audio! You're denying the point. The fact remains I'm an unhappy customer and I will be letting my network of friends know my disappointment. I've returned the second set I bought as a gift and won't be using the ones I have. Nor will I be giving them to someone to use. I view them as a threat to my health.

Gemoshi

Level 1

4 points

Apr 27, 2020 8:35 AM in response to MacbookProRetinaGuy

I seem to be having the same experience now even though I never had a history of tinnitus before.

Anyone found out from an ENT what happened inside the ear that might have caused this?

It's a bit strange that the high pitch ringing could cause this by itself.

Also has anyone's tinnitus got better eventually after they stopped using the Airpods pro?

ggblee

Level 1

4 points

Apr 27, 2020 2:16 PM in response to Gemoshi

i shared my experience a couple days ago; the ringing in my ears is noticably fading, though it's still there. hard to say whether i'm getting used to it or if it's getting better, but only time will tell.

i haven't seen an ENT because of the quarantine.

i will say that the sensation or feeling is very similar to after you go to a concert or music festival, and you've been exposed to loud music for a very long time, or you're hungover.

I ran a blender yesterday and the noise was screechingly painful. It just seems like my hearing is (temporarily/permanently) damaged. since then, i've been wearing earplugs regularly now and it feels like it helps, as loud noises don't surprise my damaged ear. Ironically, the airpods would probably help now too, if worn "correctly"

dk401

Level 1

9 points

May 5, 2020 11:08 PM in response to Mark Stutzman

Since I bought a pair of AirPod Pros I'm also getting a high pitched ringing in my left ear. I stopped wearing them a few days ago but still have the ringing. I hope it subsides. I've never had tinnitus.

jrccsi

Level 1

10 points

May 15, 2020 8:25 PM in response to EarsandPod

Don’t want to alarm you. I bought mine, two weeks later I started getting severe tinnitus. I stopped using them right away. Sadly, it’s been 4 months and the ringing still persists. I saw a specialist, and have no hearing loss, but the ringing is bad. I engaged Apple with no success. These things are dangerous. My stepson got some, he’s 15, and now he is having the same issue. He’s getting rid of them.

[Edited by Moderator]

May 15, 2020 7:45 PM in response to jrccsi

I agree there should be restitution. I only use mine sparingly and for short periods only. My ringing slowly faded after a week of not using them at all. I feel very lucky based on other comments in this thread. It was after two days of first using them for video editing that the tinnitus began. I love Apple products but this one is terribly flawed and potentially a health hazard, in my opinion. Customers should be granted a full refund for the product if they choose, even after the return grace period.

jrccsi

Level 1

10 points

May 15, 2020 8:57 PM in response to deggie

I did exactly what you stayed and Customer services escalated. I went through a process and they ultimate told me that they would not refund me. I kept all the case records. I won’t make the statement I made a little while ago. Moderator removed a sentence because they didn’t like what I said.

CB1515

Level 1

4 points

May 23, 2020 2:19 PM in response to MacbookProRetinaGuy

I purchased my AirPods in mid-March because it seemed more efficient than dealing with the wires of the EarPods while having to wear a mask. Unfortunately, I’ve also experienced 24hr ringing in my ear for the last month. It’s impacting every aspect of my life (sleep, concentration, mood) and is deeply disturbing. I saw my ENT last who prescribed a hearing test. I’m one month into this and will no longer use anything in my ear until this resolves.

AirPods causing tinnitus?