skin irratations and itchy ears from powerbeats pro wireless

I purchased powerbeats pro in May 2020 to use for work. I've noticed in the past month that my ears are hurting, draining, and flaking with every use. I initially thought it was an ear infection and went to the doctor, who told me he couldn't tell what it was but that there was some irritation. It clears when I'm not using the headphones, but the draining starts almost immediately with use. I love the powerbeats functionality and how they fit to my ears, but not at the cost of this level of pain. The flaking is gross and comes out in large pieces. It's definitely some type of allergic reaction. Hoping to be able to get this solved with Apple.

It’s the metal they put in their plastics. Look at it on Redit. Don’t wear them, i lost hearing in one ear and they won’t even refund me for the purchase of the beats much less my multiple medical bills and kept my headphones when i sent them in and requested them back after the denied my reimbursement.

I've had the same issue. I even went to the doctor because I thought I had an ear infection. I emailed apple about this but no response. It's something on the powerbeats that's irritating the ear inside and out. This is ridiculous that they haven't addressed the issue. My ear is irritated every time I wear them.

So sad, a great company would admit wrong doings and help their clients, especially if you have more than 100billion of cash sitting on your bank account. Apple is turning in to a classical corporate only focussing on share holders value.

I'm having the same issue with my ears using the The Beats Power Pro. I have tried everything cleaning them with soap and water when after I use them, but still no relief. My ears itch after use and drums get sore, but I am a big fan of Beats and this I'd the first time encountering this and I have to pairs of power Beats wireless and never had this problem. What seems to be the different in materials when making this model? And how can I rectify the issue I have ie...Replacing this product?

Javoris, as you can see by reading previous posts, many of us have successfully applied for and received refunds for our PowerBeats Pros, but we have received no explanation from Apple about what the problem is or what they plan to do about it. It's really unfortunate because the design of the PBPs is really good, the sound quality is great etc. but we just can't wear them because of the skin reactions and itching. It really is puzzling to me as a long-time Apple user that the company has remained silent about this problem and doesn't seem interested in producing a replacement that we can all use. If Apple did so, I'd be the very first in line to buy a pair. Please, Apple, please! Have pity on us!!

I’m really disheartened to see this has been an issue since the products come out. I initially bought my my PBPs because other in ear headphones don’t stay securely on. Always thought my ears are too small for other designs. I was so excited they work great, connect well with all my devices, stayed charged long enough to do work calls and work out on one charge BUT I immediately noticed an irritation after my second use. I thought it was due to the attachment part being too large for my ear, switch down to the smallest possible and still had issues. Then I realized it wasn’t the attachment part it was the larger in ear part that was making me super itchy, again I thought it was too large and stretching my ear.

After doing one search I see this has been ongoing for over a year with thousands of cases. It didn’t occur to me that the material itself was causing the reaction not the size.

I’ve had contact dermatitis on my hands as an ongoing issue for years now. I’ve had to completely change my routines, get steroid creams, wear gloves when doing dishes, gloves when cutting vegetables, and frequently have itching burning sensations without knowing what I’ve touched to cause the issue. To say the least I’m not willing to start dealing with this on my ears.

As an FYI to others I bought mine through Walmart, just checked their return policy and you have 90 days from purchase for return or exchange of an item. I’ve had mine maybe three weeks and don’t plan to see if my ears adjust, I’ve read enough to see it’s not going to get better, I’ll be returning mine is soon as possible.

onemac, please could you tell me what process you following in order to get a refund? I’ve been having the same issue as others. I’ve been persevering because they are great headphones and cost a lot of money but I cannot tolerate the irritation anymore and cannot continue to use them. Thanks

Hi Jayz,

It's many months ago that I started my own (successful) process that got me a refund. As I remember I simply got in touch with Apple support, explained the problem, and eventually spoke with a succession of agents (or whatever they're called) and finally I got to someone who then began the real process of gathering "evidence" which included answering questions about my particular issues and sending in photos of my ears, doctor's reports etc. It took a fair amount of back and forth and, when that stage was over, there was a wait of six weeks or so until my refund arrived. Now that so many people like us have reported the problem, I would hope that Apple has streamlined the process of getting a refund, but as I've said a number of times in this discussion, what I really would like Apple to do is produce a new version of the PBPs that won't irritate my ears, because I still think the PBPs are a great design and I would buy another (non-itchy) pair in a second. But so far, Apple has remained silent about the problem and have not produced a new version of the PBPs. Anyway, good luck with your process. It will take awhile but be patient and stick with it.

Exact same problem and it’s a bad reaction every time I wear them. Eczema/red extreme itching and oozing/crusting for days after wearing. Without fail. I love the sound and the product but the reaction is unmanageable. Anyone think of an alternative? Love listening to music while outside.

Sbbot, I'm about to try out an alternative I discovered recently. It's an earhook design that I hope will hold onto my ears as well as the PBPs and will have comparable or even better sound. I'll report back soon.

I too have had the same issues. I would clean the earpiece and hook with an alcohol pad before and after use. I would get severe drainage from both ears, not use them for a week and my ears would get better. This happens after each use. I honestly believe it’s the material used in the earpiece. I switched out the earpiece with a knock-off brand and my ears feel great. It’s disappointing when you pay for a good product and you end up going to an ENT because you have no idea what’s happening. Apple should redesign the earpiece with a different material- do the right thing and all.

I got these Beats for Christmas and used them for a few months until they made my ears blister and ooze puss. It took about three weeks to heal. Now I need to figure out how to return them without a hassle.

After finding this discussion I contacted Apple who actually seem to be taking this quite seriously, although not very quickly. I described the issue I was having then was asked some questions (how long I wear the earphones, how I clean then, what symptoms I have, how long the symptoms last etc) I was then asked to send pictures of the irritation I was experiencing and pictures of me wearing the earphones. After over a week Apple contacted me and asked me to return the earphones and case. They are sending packing materials for me to do this. There has been no mention of compensation or a refund. I assume they want to examine them.

I would encourage you to do the same so that Apple is forced to acknowledge this issue. They are damaging themselves by making a great product unusable for a significant number of people.

Hello I bought mine last summer and am getting the same feeling in ear and the skin irritation (fungus like) around my ear where the hooks lay. I’m actually concerned because I’ve actively clean the buds with 91% alcohol to prevent this very experience. I am going to the doctor to check into it. I hope it doesn’t spread.