Allergic to AirPod Pro eartips

Bought the APP recently and used them about 7-8 hours in total. Here is my current status.

Status Today:

• Ears itchy and moist with swelling.
• left Ear Canal Skin broken.
• can hear Blood pumping in my left Ear.
• Hearing generally muffled.
• Tissue is worst where the Tips touched it.

General Facts:

• used Sennheiser and Bose with Silicone for years, NO problems.
• regular Apple Pods, NO problems.
• IT Consultant and Diver with constant plastic/rubber/silicone/electronic device contact. NO problems in 20 years.
• NO Allergies.

First Assumptions:

• on closer inspection noticed strong chemical Stench coming from the Tips.
• assuming chemical contamination.
• primarily a material issue not a medical one as Silicone Allergies are extremely rare.

Seeking Confirmation:

• called friend (Material Scientist).
• due to smell she assumed Evaporation of (maybe) toxic compound.
• speculated maybe Solvent or Plasticizer.
• instructed me on doing a Smell Test for Evaporation.

Smell Test:

• prepared four Ziploc Bags. (unused and aired-out, neutral smell).
• detach Tips from the Pods and put each part in its own Ziploc Bag. Bags not too big and not too small.
• let parts rest for two hours (longer is better) so whatever evaporates can accumulate in the Bags.
• (prepared an extra fifth bag for the unused Small and Large Tips).
• after two hours gently opened Bags one after the other and immediately but carefully Smell-Tested the Air inside. best to be in a well aired room and take generous breaks between the Tests so the nose can "recalibrate".
• extra Test Bags with Bose/Sennheiser Tips.

Results:

• Bag with the unused Small/Large Tips contained a shocking amount of chemical Stench!
• very similar to Industrial Grade Solvent or and Acidic Cleaning Solution. Smell subsided quickly but still noticeable when in close proximity to nostrils.
• Medium Tips no better, after three days of usage noticeable chemical Stench.
• Pods themselves only very mild (but similar) chemical Stench which vanished very quickly.
• immediately stopped using the Tips and now keep them in a Ziploc Bag.
• Test Bags with Bose/Sennheiser FREE OF STENCH.

Conclusions:

• there is some kind of highly toxic chemical compound evaporating from the APP Silicone Tips.
• Tips are contaminating the Pods inside their charging case. Would explain why more sensitive users react to the whole Pod Assembly with reactions outside of the ear canal.
• Primary Health Issues after using the APP are most likely NOT an Allergy/Infection but something similar to A CHEMICAL BURN! Ears are desperately trying to drain out out the toxic compound. Poisoned skin is drying out and dying. Infections are probably second in the chain since the skin is damaged and ready for bacterial invasion.
• would explain the long healing process and why Antibiotics barely help.
• GENTLY&REGULARLY CLEAN THE AFFECTED AREA WITH A Q-TIP SOAKED IN A SALINE SOLUTION TO WASH OUT THE TOXIC MOLECULES AS BEST AS POSSIBLE.
• selling Millions of Pods with few complaints matters nothing since the reaction might only show in people sensitive to this specific compound.
• if you lack sensitivity the compound used will STILL accumulate and might cause massive health problems long term.
• DO NOT USE SMELLING SILICONE TIPS!
• (checked long term APP owners. pre 2020 production batch seem to be mostly free of these issues as well as the Stench.)

What`s next:

• Stored all the Tips airtight and leave the Pods themselves outside so they can air-out. Will do more Ziploc Smell Tests on the Pods to check on contamination.
• IF Pods have no more noticeable chemical stench I will try third party Tips and run another Test. Results in the thread were mixed maybe due to Pod contamination.
• Will clean affected areas with generous amounts of Saline Solution as mentioned. Two washes today already brought down Itching/Swelling considerably.
• Will Chat with Apple Europe on Monday escalating the Issue.
• Will contact local Labs and Universities for a proper chemical/material analysis. Essential to find out what is used in these Tips to cause such violent reactions.

I will update the post as it develops.

I had a very similar reaction the the AirPods pros. I got them on Dec 10th and started to use them at work on Dec 11th. The first time I wore them I noticed my inner ear (where the silicone earbud would insert) was a little itchy/sore. I thought that since I have been using the old AirPods it was just sore due to the different style. I didn't think about it after that but my ear would itch intermittently. During Christmas I was off work so didn't used them as much as I would usually would so didn't think about it. After Christmas I started using them again to make phone calls and around the house. Still not having any idea of what the cause of my itchy ears are. By Dec 31st my ears were so itchy and now extremely painful (waking me up at night)- I went to my dr office and saw the PA. She stated that I had an skin allergy (Note: I had no other changes to my routine except the new AirPods). She said to take allergy meds and pain meds. She also gave me antibiotics in case the issue didn't resolve within 2-3 days. After a couple of days I came to the conclusion that it had to be the AirPods pros silicone tips (NOTE: I have never has a reaction to silicone tips. I've had numerous Jaybirds headphones with not issues). I did a quick internet search and saw others having the same reaction so I contacted Apple support to discussion returning them (I think it was Jan 2nd- the first time) and was told I could return them. I also asked if they could tell me what they are made of so that I could avid it in the future. I then realized I had already thrown away the box because the sounds was amazing and I did not have any intention on returning. So I then contacted Apple support on Jan 5th to ask how to return them since I didn't have the box (but I had everything that was included). They transferred me to their safety department rep (which I didn't request) and then they started an interrogation- asking for doctors notes, pictures of my ears and pictures of the airpod pros so that they sound give to the engineers. (NOTE: Again all I am asking for is to return the AirPod Pros- NOTHING MORE). On Jan 6th, The safety rep called me back asking the exact same questions I answered the day before along with very specific questions like... "How big is the area affected? The size of a credit card?"........ OK- WAIT! My ear is not even the size of a credit..... and how can I tell you that..... I can't see my ears.

I stopped the conversation when it was quickly reaching 30 mins of these silly questions..... the rep was going to then contact the engineers with the information provided. I again reiterated that all I wanted was a refund.

I am avid Apple customer. Currently my house at the moment has-

• 2 Apple iPhone Xs max
• 2 Apple iPhone X
• 2 MacBook Pros
• 2 MacBooks
• 2 iPads
• 1 iMac
• 2 sets Airpods
• 2 sets of AirPod Pros (One of which I'd like to return)

Do you get my point? We like Apple......

Today, Jan 7th- I received a call of the safety rep again following up from the engineers and it was determine that I cannot get a refund since I did not provide personal information (PA's notes) and did answer their questions the day before. They did state that I could be connected to a customer service rep for a partial refund. WHAT?

The moral of this story- I will definitely think twice before purchasing another Apple product.

And be very cautious with this product.

ALSO Apple still won't tell me what the product is made of so I can avoid another allergy.

I guess I'll just have to start finding non-Apple products from now on.

OmG I am so happy to find this thread. I have been going crazy. I bought the AirPods Pro, I love them but every since I bought them I have been suffering With bilateral otitis externa. I have been on many courses of antibiotics and nothing helps. I am at a point if some Sever ear issue. I only use them at night to listen to my podcast to go sleep, but will have to quit. I am upset as I spend to ton of money on them. I will contact Apple to see if I can get my money back. But like other I would like to know what is causing this. I used all the other Apple earbuds and no issues thill the pros. I used Bose earbuds for 7 years and never had a single issue. This is very upsetting. They should tell us what is the issues.

Apple is being ridiculously lazy with this one. We all deserve a refund and an explanation as this is obviously a hazardous and unsafe product.

And to accompany the contact Apple Support post, below is a rundown of symptoms/remedies reported in this group with the AirPods Pro over the past 11 months. Also, advocate if you can!

Common Symptoms

• Itching (Very common)
• Pain (Very common)
• Crusting around outside of ear (Very common)
• Fluid drainage (Very common)
• Ear pressure
• Headaches
• Ringing of the ears (later stages for some)
• Partial hearing loss/distortion (later stages for some)
• Apple's list of materials that may cause sensitivity: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211158

Remedies

• Stop wearing them (best and recommended solution)
• Prescription medicine from doctor in some cases (take this issue seriously, it's your hearing). Keeping medical records can help with an Apple refund request too.
• Time (weeks to months to fully recover)
• Very few have had any sustained success with coverings or new tips (stop wearing them is recommended)

Advocating

• Contact Apple Support directly and report this allergy shared by many of their APP users. Tell the support agent, "I want to raise a Safety Escalation." And relate your story and the stories of fellow sufferers here.

I spoke to someone in AppleCare in their Safety department. AirPods Pro 2 have the same formulation in the eartips as the 1st generation. If you are having an allergic reaction to the original AirPods Pro, you will have the same allergic outcome with the 2nd generation AirPods Pro. I made a report of my allergic reaction with them. I was asked many many questions, which at first I thought some were odd, like ever being allergic to acrylic nails. Not so odd after all...

This page explains that the AirPods Pro contain Acrylates 'in trace amounts': Wearing your AirPods, EarPods, or Beats devices - Apple Support and in the link in footnote #1 at the bottom of that page, they list Acrylates as a 'restricted chemical for prolonged use'. I never had a problem with the original wired EarBuds (or even the AirPods Pro for the 1st 6 months of use). Similarly, I had acrylic nails for 10 years and then formed an allergic reaction. It's something that can happen over time. Then you're done. The issue doesn't just go away. After you stop using the AirPods Pro (or whatever product is causing your ear drainage, etc) for a couple weeks, and your ears heal, you will immediately have that problem again quickly, if you go back to using them again. That's what happened to me. Unfortunately, they list AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, EarPods, and Beats headphones & earphones as all containing Acrylates. Thankfully, this compound does not appear to be in the Solo Loop watch band, as I have worn it without issue all day, every day.

My temporary fix for my AirPods Pro: After reading other recommendations, I started using the COMPLY foam tips and they seem to work. I still don't push it though, and don't wear my AirPods Pro for extended periods of time. The COMPLY foam tips on Amazon were also recommended to me by an Apple Store employee: https://tinyurl.com/ythtnx4y I found the Medium size fit me just the same as the original Medium AirPods Pro tip. I would think you could try any of the various foam tips that others have recommended in here as well.

Report your allergy issue to AppleCare, and ask to speak to someone in Safety. Maybe if enough people alert them to having an allergy to their products, they will create something that we can all safely wear. I really wish there was a better solution (something Apple that I could use), but for now, Apple has offered me a full refund for my AirPods Pro.

Complete with discharge from the ear, itchiness, dead skin.💁🏻‍♂️ Doctors had no idea since I have no allergies so they gave me ear drops. I forgot my Pro’s on a trip and went back to the originals and the condition improved. I sent them back to Amazon and exchanged them for a new pair. Same gross result. Tried different tips... no luck.

Its definitely the Pro’s and some material Apple is using. Just bazaar.

And to accompany the contact Apple Support post, below is a rundown of symptoms/remedies reported in this group with the AirPods Pro over the past 13 months. Also, advocate if you can!

Common Symptoms

• Itching (Very common)
• Pain (Very common)
• Crusting around outside of ear (Very common)
• Fluid drainage (Very common)
• Ear pressure
• Headaches
• Ringing of the ears (later stages for some)
• Partial hearing loss/distortion (later stages for some)
• Apple's list of materials that may cause sensitivity: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211158

Remedies

• Stop wearing them (best and recommended solution)
• See a doctor and don't self medicate. Prescription medicine is needed in some cases (take this issue seriously; it's your hearing). Keeping medical records can help with an Apple refund request too.
• Time (weeks to months to fully recover)
• Very few have had sustained success with coverings or new tips (stop wearing them is recommended); the tips may not be the only cause.

Advocating

• Contact Apple Support directly and report this allergy shared by many of their APP users. Tell the support agent, "I want to raise a Safety Escalation." And relate your story and the stories of fellow sufferers here.

Yes! I had had this problem. Plus my ear where itching so bad on the inside it was driving absolutely crazy!

Thought it was regular allergies but didn’t use AirPod pros for a week, itching went away. Then used them on an airplane ride totally came back. So 🙁 bummed. I have tiny ears & these are 1st to fit my ears & the sound is incredible. I have several different Bose- do not have this problem. Expensive problem for me!

Unfortunately I am also experiencing swelling of the ear canal, burning, itching, drainage and before finding this thread had to go to an ENT specialist twice. Called Apple Support but their reply was they have no alternative. So I went to Amazon and ordered these hoping to solve the problem. But I never expected Apple to let us all down and on our own!

It's June 1, 2021, and we are 19 months into continuous reporting of this unresolved issue. Below is a rundown of symptoms/remedies reported in this group.

Common Symptoms

• Itching (Very common)
• Pain (Very common)
• Crusting, flaking around outside of ear (Very common)
• Fluid drainage (Very common)
• Swelling
• Ear pressure
• Headaches
• Ringing of the ears (later stages for some)
• Partial hearing loss/distortion (later stages for some)
• Apple's list of materials that may cause sensitivity: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211158

Remedies

• Stop wearing them (best and recommended solution)
• See a doctor and don't self medicate. Prescription medicine is needed in some cases (take this issue seriously; it's your hearing). Pictures and keeping medical records can help with an Apple refund request too.
• Time (weeks to months to fully recover)
• Consider alternatives to in-ear headphones (since many have reported long-term sensitivity after the initial APP reaction), such as over-the-ear or even bone conduction headphones. None of these go in the ear canal and are less likely to trigger an allergic response. Do note, however, that there have been a couple posts here that AirPods Max have led to reactions too.

Attempted Remedies That Do NOT Work for Most People

• Cleaning (pods and case - and yes we have seen all types of cleaner to the point of damaging the finish)
• Inconclusive, typically negative results from coverings or replacement tips from Apple or other brands (documented many times over) still mean not wearing them is the recommended remedy for most; the tips may not be the only or single cause for many of us.
• Using no silicone tips at all (APPs powered on or off)
• Duct-taping pods' body
• Duct-taping behind-ear loops (used Powerbeats Pro for test)
• Using AGAIN after medicine and ointments - it comes back

Contacting Apple Support

• Typically, you will be asked for evidence if you request a refund when reporting your symptoms. Documentation from a doctor and/or supporting pictures may help with this process.

I had the same issue.

Here are my details:

I originally had the first gen AirPods Pro. I wore them extensively and for prolonged periods of time without any issue.

Had an issue with some “crackling” noises and Apple replaced them.

After I received the replacements, after a few weeks I started to experience all of the common symptoms people are listing. So bad that I went to the doctor NOT realizing that the AirPods were the cause.

After more research and concluding that the AirPods were the cause I contacted Apple and went through a very lengthy evaluation process.

Not only did they refund the price of the AirPods, but after my insistence, they agreed to pay for my medical bills.

After the AirPods Pro 2 were introduced I tried again (they really are the very best quality earbuds on the market - except for the fact that I am apparently allergic to them!)

Sadly, after using them for about a month my problems started coming back. My wife now uses them without issue.

I decided to try the Beats Studio Buds +. They are significantly better, but I still have mild symptoms and I am worried about long-term permanent ear/hearing damage.

SO - until Apple addresses, does anyone have any recommendations for high quality ANC earbuds that do not trigger allergies???

Thx all!

And to accompany the contact Apple Support post, below is a rundown of symptoms/remedies reported in this group with the AirPods Pro over the past 12 months. Also, advocate if you can!

Common Symptoms

• Itching (Very common)
• Pain (Very common)
• Crusting around outside of ear (Very common)
• Fluid drainage (Very common)
• Ear pressure
• Headaches
• Ringing of the ears (later stages for some)
• Partial hearing loss/distortion (later stages for some)
• Apple's list of materials that may cause sensitivity: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211158

Remedies

• Stop wearing them (best and recommended solution)
• Prescription medicine from doctor in some cases (take this issue seriously, it's your hearing). Keeping medical records can help with an Apple refund request too.
• Time (weeks to months to fully recover)
• Very few have had any sustained success with coverings or new tips (stop wearing them is recommended); the tips may not be the only cause.

Advocating

• Contact Apple Support directly and report this allergy shared by many of their APP users. Tell the support agent, "I want to raise a Safety Escalation." And relate your story and the stories of fellow sufferers here.

glad to have found this thread since my husband thinks i am crazy when i told him im allergic to my air pod pros.

took a bit of trial and error over a few weeks to pin the cause to the APP. was super excited to finally purchase these but have since given them away due to the terrible ear reactions. i did not think target would return an open product so

didnt even attempt the return. i had weeks of painful itchy ears after using air pod pros for about 30 minutes. eventually external ear canal developed crusting and discharge. was incredibly frustrating and confusing as i have NEVER had an ear infection prior. was treated for dermatitis that eventually cleared up, but sure enough after using air pods again the whole cycle re-developed.

i am not an allergic person…never had issue with skin sensitivities. this is very concerning that Apple has so many consumers with this issue and not come out with a recall on the product. My husband and kids love their air pods but unfortunately i cant share in the same enjoyment 🤷🏻‍♀️

I have worn my AirPods pro only for 45 min and have allergy symptoms in both ears with itching and inflammation. I suppose that Silicone air tips are not same material as other devices like Sennheiser because I’m always using this kind of stuff.

If there is any alternative ear tips material it would be great to get back my AirPods pro.