Allergic to AirPod Pro eartips

I was apprehensive about trying the AirPods 3 after having bad reactions to the AirPods Pros. Especially after testing I had a reaction with the tips installed, removed and tips alone even after cleaning them with alcohol. I am happy to report I have no reactions with the AirPod 3's.

I had the APP for 6 months without issue. Then one day one of the buds started to have a static sound so they were sent back to Apple. When they were returned (replaced I assume) the irritation and clear discharge started. I tried cleaning them, replaced the tips with Comply ones, using just one at a time but still the same issue. Eventually Apple refunded me. I tried another set 6 months later and same situation.

I then tried the AirPods 3 hoping that without the tips and noise cancelling I would be ok but the same happened again (though slightly less irritation) so stopped using them. Today I bought the Beats Studio Pro but now I’m getting a load of clear discharge and irritation.

Apple wired headphones are fine (been using them in between wireless headphones) but this is really frustrating as Apple won’t state what the issue could be - sure some cases will be a reaction to the silicone but reading through this thread it’s obviously not just a silicone issue so is it the other materials used in their construction ? The ANC or Spatial Audio tech? Definitely could do with some honest answers here

when I first got my AirPods pro I had no problems. After I took them back due to recall and was given a new set the problems similar to yours started. I can't use them anymore due to itching, fluid and skin problem in my ear. I have talked to apple support a few times and am waiting for them to make a decision. Until apple makes a decision about what they are going to do. I have recommended my friends to not buy them.

I unfortunately found this post after four ear infections. I have never had problems with inEar headphones, of which I have tried many. With the AirPods Pro, this is absolutely reproducible. 2-3 hours after wearing them, the inner ear becomes moist and produces so much fluid that it runs out of both ears. After the infection clears, I don't have ear problems for months, all it takes is a short wear of the AirPods Pro and it starts again. Some time ago I had such a massive infection with very severe swelling even on the outer ear that lasted longer than a week and was very painful. I think it's a shame that Apple is obviously not looking into this problem with this expensive product. Money made, that's it. Maybe it would be helpful to go much more public with this issue?

I've been testing the Beats fit Pro for a week. And so far I have no problems. They have the same features except of QI charging. But I don't recommend testing it directly after an inflammation, because then you can have reactions to any in ears.

Yes I have and what’s interesting I have been battling it for months. Let heal try again same thing. Then clean them same thing. Then I decided to buy and try Gen 3 AirPods same thing happens. I thought maybe it was the silicone but I’m finding it has to be something else. I’m thinking maybe it maybe the metal on top don’t know. But I only need to wear them 2-3 minutes and I get a reaction!

My advice is to contact Apple..I had a long not very nice experience with the customer service but I’ve finally got it returned and got the refund this week. I’m happy with my Bose now. Never doing AirPods again.

OMG I have the same problem with AirPods Pro, my ears start itching after 10 minutes of using it( but this is first silicone tips that give me allergy in my life and I tried a few different brands before and everything was fine so far

I’m very disappointed ☹️ the only thing that helps me to get rid of the allergy is washing my ears with peroxide

I got them on Airpod Pro, Power Beats Pro, Airpods Max. I switched to over-ear Bose 700s after the Airpod pro and Power Beats Pro issues. I thought i'd be fine with the Max. NOPE. I'm scared to try the Beats Fit Pro as I've not used any in-ear earbuds since the AirPods pro issue gave me double ear infectinos. If the Beats Fit Pro don't have an issue though AND have the spatial audio I'd be so happy!

Yep, that’s consistent with what me and most people here have experienced.

Im still convinced that putting them under strong light for several hours and then cleaning them worked for me, but others didn’t seem to find the same.

I am highly fascinated by your experience. As I am searching for a way to fix this issue.

First I changed the tips to Comply tips but still same problem. Also tried cheap 3rd party tips and still no change. This gave me the thought it might be the hard white plastic. I tried to put tape around the first part which is closer to the entry or the ear canal. Thats where I get the reaction, nowhere else where (not the stem).

from your reaction you also think it is the white hard plastic, not the tips? Which tips you use now? Original or foam? Did you do additionally desinfected the tips?

thnx for giving some hope!

Wow I’m amazed at all the people having this same problem. I truly thought it was just me. What’s weird is I’ve had my airpod pros since they came out… never had a single issue with them. Then the sound started acting up so I contacted apple and had to send them in to be repaired, apparently it was a known issue. I am pretty sure they just gave me a new earbud. Ever since I got them back, I’ve had issues. The sound is great but my ear get wet inside even after 30 mins of use. Then it gets crusty 🤢 and swollen and itchy. It’s horrible!!!! Then it hurts really bad. The weird thing is…. It’s just my right ear. And it was the right earbud that was having the sound issues before… My left ear has no issues at all. My right gets so swollen inside that I can barely hear. So I don’t wear them for a week or so and my ear heals, then if I use them again it starts right back up. I feel like, for me at least, if it was the silicone tips, wouldn’t both my ears be having problems? I’m starting to truly think it’s the actual earbud or something in it.

Can you tell us more? What other brands have you tried. This is an important test. If the reaction happens after replacing the ear tips, that would suggest there is something else going on beside the ear tips.

Adding my name to the list of those who have experienced allergy like reactions to airpods pro. pain, itchiness, drainage and swelling. i am an audiologist and going to see if i can get some custom molds for mine and see if that helps….

Interesting… my ear irritation started after receiving a replacement pair as well. It hadn’t occurred to me, until I read what you wrote, but I don’t think the first pair caused any problem at all (incidentally, mine were returned due to a rattle too).

I use mine without the silicone tips these days and they cause the SAME problem so I don’t think it’s the silicone.