skin irratations and itchy ears from powerbeats pro wireless

Hello everyone, I have followed this discussion for weeks but to be honest this forum doesn't appear to get the attention from Apple that we deserve. So I called Customer Services yesterday to open a case for replacing my Beats, the initial call went as expected, rep one had no idea these issues are happening to end users. The second rep was very concerned but had to hand the issue to Quality Insurance to proceed. During this process, I was asked a lot of questions then they asked me to supply pictures of my ears and the Beats. Later in the day, I received a call telling me a rep will reach out to me Friday to discuss if Apply is willing to replace my Beats. Now this is where I have noticed some of you also took this route, it appears for some of you the next step is a six month wait to get your replacement. This is not acceptable in my opinion, so I truly believe this forum isn't be used my Apple to understand our issues so it's bet for everyone here to call in the issue, which creates a ticket that pushes Apple to resolution. Good luck everyone...

its really a terrible reaction, isn’t it? I had a fever and had to take antibiotics. The itching and drainage inside and outside Of ears was awful. I was persistent in writing in chat rooms with Apple Support. I talked to a couple of Apple Support specialists. I work for AT&T and I sell these products. It helps me multi task when following up with leads for sales calls. But I couldn’t wear them without increasing irritation. After Apple support requested pics, I stopped wearing them. Went back to wearing the wired Apple ear buds. I’ve healed since and after a few more calls with Apple Support they are sending me a check for the amount I paid for the Pro Beats.

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.

I have had a similar experience as this. Ok for the first few months and then very serious dermatological reaction inside and around back of the ear. It took about 3 weeks and strong steroids on prescription to deal with issue. When I tried the Powerbeats pros again the stinging and rash came back after only about 30-40 mins wear. I have only just researched the issue and found very similar cases in the Reddit post and this site. I have contacted Apple and they have taken the issue seriously and taken a full note and photos of the ears and pods. The problem seems to be after a few months of wearing even when cleaned regularly. The inflammation on the outside of the ear is really painful and a kind of burning or stinging sensation. The inflammation in the ear is worse. I am going to the doctors again if and when COVID 19 allows but will speak with my GP to advise. This is such a serious problem from my reading that possibly a group of people with similar problems should provide This information to doctors with coordinated approach as no other in ear earphones have ever given such a reaction. To my experience these are potentially able to cause serious harm to your ears through wear.

i hope Apple will take clear note of this issue as befits a diligent customer focused company. We shall see.

It could be different for each person. My ears broke out after wearing them for 20 minutes on a business call, so I wasn’t sweating. There is another discussion forum just like this one for people with this same issue with the iPod Pro

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250896003

For working out I’ve switched to another brand that uses bone technology so they sit outside the ear. They are phenomenal plus your ears are open to hear traffic if you’re running outside or if someone is talking to you. Not to good if you need noise cancelling however so I use over the ear headphones in that case.

Love them but have the Same problem as the rest with the tips that go in the ears crusty, draining, red and itchy , also the clip that goes behind the ear is very irritated and crusty—actually a line of crusty skin on the back of the earlobes too...trying different ear tips and cleaning the clip with 90% rubbing alcohol. Will see how it goes.

I contacted Apple and they’re having me send them in for testing or something. Had the same issues as all of y’all. Just sent them in and they said they’re going to refund me so we’ll see what happens.

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!!

nedklly22, My doc diagnosed contact dermatitis with my ears (see my April 19 post). I think you are right that drops etc. won't solve this problem. Are you going to ask Apple for a refund?

Send them back and Apple will refund you

As a caution don't wear the PP Beat anymore you will have terrible ear infection. Even today both my ears is not the same.

I have had the for about 3 months now and I have noticed the drainage and ear irritation. I stop using them for a couple of days and it clears up. I have owned other beats headphones and never experienced this.

Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Communities.

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

By the way, I've fashioned the first of a pair of skin protectors to wear with the PBPs in the hope of preventing our problem from occurring. The material is Alcantara, an artificial suede-like material. Nice and soft and no allergic reactions. Below are some photos. I had to make it from two pieces so I could keep the ear hook from touching any skin behind my ears. I'll trim them down as much as I can (so they don't look so outlandish) and likely sew the part behind the ears together so the ear hooks are kept covered. There still seems to be a bit of skin contact inside and near the ear opening, but maybe I can work out some modification to deal with that. I haven't finished the second one yet but when I do I'll give both of them a good test and report back.

Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Communities.

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