Allergic to AirPod Pro eartips

Even if it meant I got my money back, I’m not sure if I cld give up my AirPods. Thankfully, I got different ear tips and it solved my issues. But you know they already know WAY TOO MANY people are having life disturbing issues and doctor bills over something they chose to probably save money. I am grateful for everyone who holds them accountable like yourself. I bought foam tips that attach on the AirPods from Amazon. No problems since.

I have ordered a foam tip to try since the material used in the tips of my AirPods gives my a contact dermatitis reaction. (A thin, painful leathery ‘scab’ that forms even after just 30 minutes usage.

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.

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!

I had purchased the Powerbeats Pro late last summer and developed an itchy inner ear, drainage, and a rash on the backside of one ear. Didn't think anything of the headphones, so i chalked it up to some humidity issue. But the drainage got so bad i ended up at the doctor 2x because it lasted weeks (diagnosis was to stop using cotton swaps). I stopped using them so my ears could heal, and went back to using my original AirPods. Meanwhile my new Powerbeats Pro sat on my desk collecting dust.

Fast forward to this past weekend, i bought the new AirPods Pro from a major cellphone outlet (still sold-out everywhere here in Hong Kong), and within 2 days developed the same ear issues. I then realized it was due to the headphones. I never in my life had an allergy to any other brand ear tips (used primarily Shure and Bose for the past 10 yrs, but when the headphone jack went away i switched to AirPods.

I tried calling Apple and they were very responsive, multiple requests for info (such as doctors bill, photos, etc..) But nothing more they could do for me. There is no return policy in HK on goods, so they couldn't do anything for me even with escalation. Much harder to do since i didn't purchase at Apple. I am curious to why i am allergic to both the Powerbeats and AirPods, yet not of other brands?? Anyways, i have ordered another set of silicone tips 3rd party as well as the Foam ones off Amazon, shipped to my friend back in the US, who will ship to me. I will post a follow up once i get and try out.

I bought mine in November, used for months then suddenly I experienced the same thing described by many folks on this thread. I contacted apple, went through a few iterations of questions sending pictures of my ear and the AirPods and they agreed to refund. I haven't seen the money yet but it seems like I'll get it. That said I found these on amazon https://amzn.to/2XwpFGa, I've been using them with my wife's AirPods for about a week (when she'll let me) and so far they don't bother me.

My doctor says its Contact Dermatitis and I tried only one at a time and its now clear that the problem is from the earbud pro. I will try replacing the silicone tips too... hopeful that will solve the issue because they are a useful tool in my daily life.

Please let me know how yours work out and I will wait a day or so to order some. Thanks also for your quick response.

So I have worn the tips that I ordered from Amazon for over 6 hours today with no irritation. Noise cancellation is still working with the memory foam tips.

I heard back from apple today, to say they want my AirPods back for testing. I explained that I have found another set of tips which are working. The support agent said he would call again tomorrow for an update before he passes this information onto the engineer. He is also going ask if they just want the tips back for testing.

I really don't want a refund I like my AirPods I would rather keep them and give them information about what happens when I wear them.

My concern is that there is something like nickel in the pod itself that is causing the allergic reaction. My Doctor advised immediate discontinue of use. It was so bad, he brought one of his colleagues in to look at my ears. That was after only one day of use. The steroids and steroid cream are helping but I don't like taking it.

Because it was so severe, I am not inclined to try different tips. I have other in-ear headphones that have never bothered me.

I have a scheduled call with Apple support on Monday and will request a refund. It's been about 30 days but I only wore them three times for my Zoom meetings.

I will post here what they say in case anyone else is in the same boat and would like a refund.

I had to schedule a call with Apple support from the website. They called as agreed. After explaining my severe allergic reaction to the AirPods Pro, they provided shipping labels for me to return them for a full refund. Their customer service representative was very helpful. I am resolved, although disappointed they were not an option for me.

Good luck everyone!

I also had an allergic reaction after wearing my new Airpods Pro. Symptoms: Drainage, itching, redness, muffled sounds, etc. Not fun. I went to the doctor and got on antibiotics to clear the infection. I didn't connect the infection to the new pods immediately, but quickly came to realize it was indeed the cause after trying to use my Airpods again once the infection cleared only to have it flare up again almost immediately!

I thought the same it was Silicon tips, but I also tried the memory tips and they did the same thing. I think this is more to do with the noise cancelling feature.

There are serval people on tis thread who also think the same.

If you have't reported it to Apple please. https://getsupport.apple.com/?caller=cups under set up & usage

Just in case you didn't read my earlier post, I went to the doctor the next day when the ear drainage, itching & pain returned after wearing the AirPods for 10 minutes. I brought highlighted copies of several of the post that showed the exact same symptoms by many other people. She prescribed ear drops with hydrocortisone 3 x per day for 7-10 days. After 3 days my ears are significantly better, though not back to completely healed.

Having experienced the itch, fluids etc. from using my airpods etc. pretty much straight off after receiving them (six days ago) I’ve just now stumbled upon this thread.

I did some research on apples website and I came across this which I thought I’d share https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT211158

So it’s definitely either the nickel or acrylates that’s causing my reaction, and I’m guessing that changing the buds won’t help me.

Just thought I’d share in case it’d be of help for anyone else.

I purchased those airspo tips, and had the same reaction. I didn’t get the wrap that goes around the body, though. Maybe it’s the hard plastic that’s doing it.

Was talking to another medical professional about how strange it was that my reaction came out of nowhere after months of use. Their conjecture was that my first reaction was an inoculation, and that in a couple of months I might find I’m no longer having the severe reaction anymore.

I’m tempted to go see an ENT to make sure it’s not bacterial or fungal, but want to try the memory foam tips first to see if they also cause the reaction. Would be a really strange bacteria or fungus to only flare-up when specifically wearing airpod pros and not Bose earbuds...