Allergic to AirPod Pro eartips

And to accompany the contact Apple Support post, below is a rundown of symptoms/remedies reported in this group with the AirPods Pro (APP) 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). Pictures and 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 for some.
• Consider alternatives to in-ear headphones (some wearers report long-term sensitivity after the 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.

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.

And to accompany the contact Apple Support post, below is a rundown of symptoms/remedies reported in this group with the AirPods Pro (APP) over the past 13 months.

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). Pictures and keeping medical records can help with an Apple refund request too.
• Time (weeks to months to fully recover)
• Inconclusive, varied results with coverings or new tips still means not wearing them is the recommended remedy for most; the tips may not be the only or single cause for many of us. This forum thread has a mixed bag of outcomes listed with alternative tips if you wish to explore.
• Consider alternatives to in-ear headphones (some wearers report long-term sensitivity after the 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.

[Edited by Moderator]

And to accompany the contact Apple Support post, below is a rundown of symptoms/remedies reported in this group with the AirPods Pro (APP) over the past 14 months.

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). Pictures and keeping medical records can help with an Apple refund request too.
• Time (weeks to months to fully recover)
• Inconclusive, varied results with coverings or new tips still means not wearing them is the recommended remedy for most; the tips may not be the only or single cause for many of us. This forum thread has a mixed bag of outcomes listed with alternative tips if you wish to explore.
• Consider alternatives to in-ear headphones (some wearers report long-term sensitivity after the 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.

Contacting Apple Support

• Frequently, you will be asked for evidence if you request a refund when reporting you symptoms. Documentation from a doctor and pictures can help with this process.

And to accompany the contact Apple Support post, below is a rundown of symptoms/remedies reported in this group with the AirPods Pro (APP) over the past 14 months.

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). Pictures and keeping medical records can help with an Apple refund request too.
• Time (weeks to months to fully recover)
• Inconclusive, varied results with coverings or new tips still means not wearing them is the recommended remedy for most; the tips may not be the only or single cause for many of us. This forum thread has a mixed bag of outcomes listed with alternative tips if you wish to explore.
• 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 recent posts here that AirPods Max have led to reactions too.

Contacting Apple Support

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

And to accompany the contact Apple Support post, below is a rundown of symptoms/remedies reported in this group with the AirPods Pro (APP) over the past 14 months.

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). Pictures and keeping medical records can help with an Apple refund request too.
• Time (weeks to months to fully recover)
• Inconclusive, varied results with coverings or new tips still means not wearing them is the recommended remedy for most; the tips may not be the only or single cause for many of us. This forum thread has a mixed bag of outcomes listed with alternative tips if you wish to explore.
• 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 recent posts here that AirPods Max have led to reactions too.

Contacting Apple Support

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

And to accompany the contact Apple Support post, below is a rundown of symptoms/remedies reported in this group with the AirPods Pro (APP) over the past 15 months.

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)
• Inconclusive, varied results with coverings or new tips still means not wearing them is the recommended remedy for most; the tips may not be the only or single cause for many of us. This forum thread has a mixed bag of outcomes listed with alternative tips if you wish to experiment on yourself.
• 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.

Contacting Apple Support

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

And to accompany the contact Apple Support post, below is a rundown of symptoms/remedies reported in this group with the AirPods Pro (APP) over the past 15 months.

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)
• Inconclusive, varied results with coverings or new tips still means not wearing them is the recommended remedy for most; the tips may not be the only or single cause for many of us. This forum thread has a mixed bag of outcomes listed with alternative tips if you wish to experiment on yourself.
• 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.

Contacting Apple Support

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

And to accompany the contact Apple Support post, below is a rundown of symptoms/remedies reported in this group with the AirPods Pro (APP) over the past 15 months.

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)
• Inconclusive, varied results with coverings or new tips still means not wearing them is the recommended remedy for most; the tips may not be the only or single cause for many of us. This forum thread has a mixed bag of outcomes listed with alternative tips if you wish to experiment on yourself.
• 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.

Contacting Apple Support

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

And to accompany the contact Apple Support post, below is a rundown of symptoms/remedies reported in this group with the AirPods Pro (APP) over the past 16 months.

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)
• Inconclusive, typically negative results from coverings or new tips (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. Several have even tested without using tips at all and still had reactions.
• 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.

Contacting Apple Support

• Frequently, 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.

And to accompany the contact Apple Support post, below is a rundown of symptoms/remedies reported in this group with the AirPods Pro (APP) over the past 16 months.

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)
• Inconclusive, typically negative results from coverings or new tips (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. Several have even tested without using tips at all and still had reactions.
• 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.

Contacting Apple Support

• Frequently, 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.

It's May 1,2021, and we are 18 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

• Frequently, 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!

I have contact dermatitis to methyl acrylate and ethyl acrylate and propolis. Acrylates are the problem for me. That’s what is used in the manufacturing of the ear tips of the AirPods. I get irritation that becomes a burning which produces a thin leathery scab inside my ear. There is a prescription called clobetesol that clears it up. I am looking for an alternate tip material. You may have the same allergy.

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.

I have done it Johnathan, thank you. I’ll be reviewing hoping to see in future alternative Tips to try because this is first silicone tips that give me allergy in my life and I have worn 5 different tips like this.