skin irratations and itchy ears from powerbeats pro wireless

I bought my Powerbeats Pro Wireless from Best Buy local retailer and I have been having the same issues with discharge in both ears. Went to my EN&T specialist and she took a culture sample and had it sent to the laboratory. The results came back as being yeast infection due to severe ear dermatitis. I have had the Powerbeats Pro wireless headset for a year. 1st time I wore them the infection was only in the right ear. Now when I wear them it has gotten equally alarming in both ears. Every time I get it I stop wearing them and after about two weeks it clears up. I have now resorted to wearing over the ear wireless headphones connected to my Yamaha Bluetooth stereo system and my ears have never felt better. Also my Apple wired headphones have never ever done this.

Im having the same issue. I Love the way they sound nice and clean but the itch tingling feeling almost like a slightly burn feeling is a bummer im definitely returning it . Especially that apple hasn’t addressed this issue will be telling friends and family so they don't have to go through it Untill than ill go back to my AirPods .

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I am having the same issue. It has taken me a while to figure this out. (Slow learner, I guess) I bought black PBPs 03/20 to replace my existing workout earbuds. Shortly after, Covid shutdowns caused my gym to close. The gym reopened in May, and all summer I was complaining about what felt like water in my ears, and ear itching. I swim a lot, so I thought that was the problem. Towards the end of October 2020 I got a bad ear infection in my left ear. I went to the Dr, the swelling in my ear was so bad, he couldn't see my ear drum. My right ear was hurting, but not as bad, and my middle ear and tubes felt inflamed. The Dr gave me antibiotics and antibiotic drops. The pain was terrible for the next few days. After a few weeks the serious infection subsided, and I was back at the gym. It never went completely away, I still had crusty ear canals, and severe itching. It also felt like the infection moved to my right ear, but was not as severe. Eventually behind my ears, and the top connection of my ear and head had what felt like cuts. I was trying everything to figure out what was wrong, my glasses, shampoo, etc. Last week I came home from the gym, and my ears felt like they were on fire. I searched, and found this topic. I am so grateful for everyone that has posted here. I am so grateful to finally know what the cause of this is. I am in the midst of my second ear infection, but at least now I know what is causing this.

I have another symptom that has been going on since my first ear infection in October. At the same time, my tongue, specifically my taste buds are irritated and swollen, additionally the roof of my mouth always feels slimy. This is consistent after I brush, use mouthwash, etc. It seems to be flaring up more now that I am on my second ear infection. Has anyone else noticed these symptoms?

Thanks again everyone.

My ENT said to use OTC Cortisone 10. It cleared it up in about a week. He said to continue using for about 10 days and don't user the Power Beats anymore. If you continue to get infections from using them it can become chronic.

Apparently, there's a latex concern. Some ear buds providers have had silicone ear attachment to alleviate the issue. However, the wrap around on the back side of the ear with the powerbeats caused the same reaction for me and that is not a part I can swap out.

i agree with the blog complaining about the Power Beats Pro with getting bad ear rash when using them on my ears. I got really bad rashes inside and outside my ears as described by other consumers. Apple should recall them as soon as possible. Overall really causing health problem.

Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Communities.

We want to make sure you reach the right team for help with your Powerbeats Pro. We recommend that you contact Apple Support directly. Depending on your region, you may be able to reach them here: Get Support

Has anyone had the same experience with the Powerbeats wireless headphones (not the Pros, the ones with the wire that goes behind your head) that have been purchased recently? Those were the headphones I used before trying the pros and never had an issue with them but I'm worried that they may have updated them to the same material as the Pros in the last couple years. Thanks for any information you can provide!

I have experienced this problem recently. Itchy ear ++ and clear discharge leading onto some crustiness. Got my PBPs in June 2020 from JB HiFi. No problem initially, from memory; but I don’t wear them very often either. In the last two weeks I have experienced this in each ear after wearing them. Yesterday was the kicker for me that the PBPs could be the problem because I went for a ride with only the left bud in, and last night the itchiness started, followed by the discharge, only in my left ear. Guess I will raise a support request with Apple and see what happens.

I just got off the phone to Apple support. Among other things, they asked what my expectations were for an outcome and I advised I was seeking a refund. After speaking with their supervisor, the Apple consultant referred me back to JB Hi-Fi. Off to the store I go.

Stop using them. Infections will reoccur. Others have had loss of hearing. I was persistent with Apple Support. Numerous phone calls and emails back and forth. 3 months later after a claim filed, provided proof of purchase and Apple sent me a return label to send my Powerbeats back for their lab to examine and photos of inside and outside ear infections, they sent me a check for retail price of my the Powerbeats.

So, I love my Powerbeats, but not the constant skin dermatitis and occasional secondary infections, but someone suggested replacing the silicone tips with the foam ones (best reviews=comply tips) and it’s wonderful!! So, if you’re also sensitive to the material or coating that the tips are made with, but love the design and sound, then this should work for you.

Went in to JB Hi-Fi. Spoke to the manager. He wouldn’t issue a refund straight up and he too contacted Apple. Long story short; manager needs to contact his head office to discuss my request for a refund. Given today is a public holiday, he advised he will try calling them tomorrow and get back to me. I left him with the headphones, advising I don’t want them and will not be putting them anywhere near my ears again.

I am really disappointed about this whole situation. I really like the headphones, but In the absence of any acknowledgement by Apple that there is a problem, I cannot trust this product. The irritation they caused was/is of significant concern. I cannot see how Apple can continue to sell this product 🤷‍♂️

I spoke on the 'phone today with an Apple senior adviser, Lauren, about whether there is any "word" from Apple about what is causing the problem we are all having with the PBPs (itching, oozing, crusting etc.), and whether Apple has fixed the problem and will be producing new PBPs made from non-allergic materials. No word on all counts, so we continue to wait and Apple's reputation continues to suffer. It has been just over a year since this thread was started by boomer1912 and although Apple has at least acknowledged the problem by granting us refunds, there have been no public announcements, , technical advisories, warnings to potential customers, etc. I just don't understand Apple's silence on the issue.