Allergic to AirPod Pro eartips

I am having ear drainage when using my new AirPods pro.has anyone else experienced this problem?


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Posted on Nov 27, 2019 3:31 PM

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I purchased the AirPod pros and also had an allergic reaction to the silicone tips. I definitely would recommend that if anyone experiences itching they stop using this as it may be that there is an allergy to the tips. Follow up with a dr if unsure to avoid an ear infection.

Posted on Dec 20, 2019 10:06 AM

2,087 replies

Mar 21, 2021 8:42 PM in response to ladyanglaise

I guess I can’t speak for the UK, but no one at Apple asked me to reinfect myself/trigger the reaction. They just wanted any proof that I went to the doctor, which I could get by logging into my doctor’s web portal and screenshotting my visit notes. I’d already taken pictures of my ears, knowing how Apple handles safety escalations from past experiences, but they didn’t require any photos for the refund. I’m sure they helped.


I feel like most doctors keep some kind of record of a visit when you go in, even if they don’t have a web portal. They should be able to send some documentation of a visit, no?

Mar 21, 2021 9:09 PM in response to Cnlmanders

They had me send pictures of my ears and the AirPods in my ears, as well as pictures of the charging case. I had proof I saw my doctor but they said they didn’t need it. Now I’m waiting for the refund check which they claimed could take up to 2 months to get. I also had Apple+care on my pods which they refunded at a prorated amount. I got that check in a few weeks. Guess that’s a different department lol

Mar 25, 2021 6:30 AM in response to Edwin Ashley

I am so disappointed. I wore the original EarPods religiously with no issue. It’s taken me six months to figure out it’s the new AirPods that are causing this horrible infection in both ears. The doctor prescribed anabiotic‘s and eardrops. It took months to clear up. I wore one last night for 30 minutes 🤦‍♀️ And this morning that one ear is now inflamed and leaking fluid and itching. Are there any suggestions to fix the situation besides the obvious of not being able to wear these expensive EarPods?Thanks everyone

Mar 25, 2021 9:02 AM in response to NoelWilliams

Unfortunately, the answer, after all this time, is indeed to simply not wear them.


Months of chronicled experiments from our more persistent test subjects here typically end badly; the exceptions are not the rule.


Go to page 95 to see my regular posting and the one below by another contributor here to get a summary.


I would concentrate on replacing them and getting a refund as a better, safer use of time; you deserve the pain-free sleep.


Mar 25, 2021 12:25 PM in response to Edwin Ashley

I see a few posts where people have tried the foam tips from Comply, yet they still experience the symptoms. I'm wondering if anyone has had success with the Comply foam tips. Seems bizarre that something that is not in contact with the skin is contributing to the condition.


BTW, has there been any press on this? If there has, I have not seen it. Seems like there should be a more public conversation to get Apple to up their game on their response. Personally, I am less concerned about the refund and more interested in solving the problem. Apple clearly needs to be incentivized to resolve this. More public awareness could help.

Mar 26, 2021 12:49 PM in response to Edwin Ashley

I am having the same problem. Draining, itchy, flaky skin, ear infections. Same symptoms in both ears.

Several doctors visit with no improvement. ("Try olive oil, try cortisone, try keeping water out of your ears etc...")

Visited my dermatologist and a prescription for ic triamcinolone 0.1% cleared it up in about a week or so.

I didn't realize it was a reaction to the earpad pro's ear tips so after a few weeks to let the symptoms completely clear up, I went back to my AirPods. After just a few hours of use the itching is back.

Worst thing about it is that I love the AirPods! Great sound!

****.

Mar 26, 2021 1:21 PM in response to pajacobs

I’ve posted here before. Same issues with ear infections as everyone else. Over a period of months I have been experimenting with the AirPods Pro’s to try and narrow down the causes. I’ve tried one ear at a time, sanitising to pods, replacing the silicone tips with foam tips, and even trying a different pair of AirPod Pros. Nothing makes a difference. I’ve never had any issues with using in ear headphones ever before.

I’d like to know if anyone has narrowed it further down to the materials / chemicals used in manufacturing the pods or whether somehow the technology is the cause. I.e the Transparency/ isolation modes etc.

in conclusion I can be certain that it’s not the silicone tips. That it’s the actual air pods that are causing these symptoms. Just not sure if it’s the materials or the technology inside that’s causing the problem.

Lastly I think there could be a good case for a legal challenge to Apple over the issues caused by their product. I have evidence of GP appointments, prescriptions and photos. I challenge Apple to comment here before this gains further momentum........

Mar 27, 2021 8:03 AM in response to Dgjohnson54

Has anyone tried wearing these turned off without any charge what-so-ever to see if you still have a reaction? I wondered if the additional heat from the battery alone would be enough to cause a reaction. I don’t think that’s the reason for the problem but if it were then having a headset that didn’t have the battery inside the ear might make a difference.

Mar 27, 2021 11:25 AM in response to Starling50atThisPlace

Attempted remedies that have NOT worked for most people:


-Cleaning (pods and case - and yes we have seen all types of cleaner to the point of damaging the finish)

-Changing silicone tips type and brands

-Using no silicone tips (APPs powered on or off)

-Duct-taping pods' body

-Duct-taping behind-ear loops (used Powerbeats Pro for test)

-Medicine and ointments long term (if pods used again after treatment)


I will start posting this with the periodic, regular summary since curiosity about remedies keeps resurfacing. Understandably since we are fast approaching 100 pages.


Remedies that work:


- Stop wearing them

Allergic to AirPod Pro eartips

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