skin irratations and itchy ears from powerbeats pro wireless

I bought mine back in november of 2019 and all was fine for few weeks when I noticed patchy skin behind my ear. First I thought it was just from a sweat, waited a week for it to clear and put them back on and 2 days latter I got such bad reaction I got ear infection with patchy skin, it took me 2 weeks and full antibiotics to clear it up. So I did not wear them for months and tonight I put them on just to test it again I cleaned them first and wore them for maybe 20 min and now my both ears itching and so red... I really love them and they fit perfectly but now I have to get something else. I hope Apple reads all of our posts to fix this issue, no point of buying new version if they are all made of same material. 😕

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Recommend one and I’ll try

They need to be free from

Acrylates

How does acrylate allergy present? In individuals allergic to one or more specific acrylates, direct contact with acrylate monomers produces classic allergic contact dermatitis. The dermatitis is usually confined to the area of contact and may cause itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering.

I have all the same symptoms but only at the ear canal. This photo is after only wearing them for about 30 minutes today and 30 minutes yesterday.Starts with itchiness, then clear drainage, followed by dead skin and finally scabbing, irritation and pain when touching. I stop wearing them for a week and it clears up. Couple of days of short use and right back to the symptoms. I also wear earplugs for short periods of time at work but I’ve never had any of these symptoms from the earplugs. I’m going to try and fashion some tips from some earplugs and see how that goes.

By now, apple should have figured out the issue with the materials and perhaps a recall and replacement with a more skin friendly material.

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Don’t give up. Keep trying Apple Support Chat and answer 1-800, or 1-866 numbers. I began my chats on a Sunday. By Tuesday, I was getting call backs. You’ll repeat your case over and over, but they will come up with a resolution. Good luck!

I posted earlier. I got my money back from sportchek no questions asked so kudos to them. The bad news is I replaced my powerbeats with airpods and although not as bad they still irritate my ears so in short this must be a coating used by apple on their products. Unfortunately it must be a small minority of us that have this reaction. However, I wanted to update this thread just to warn others in case they are thinking if doing the same.

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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.

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.

Now it’s not just the Powerbeats. They are using the same silicone material in the iPods Pro and people are reacting to that as well. I talked to two people on my last flight that are having the same problem. Apple needs to step up and fix this and do a mass recall. Of course they won’t since they don’t really care about the public and only their bottom line.

I owned all of the top of the line true wireless earbuds, I had this problem only with PBP

So, I replaced my PBP ear tips with the extra ear tips I have from Jabra Elite Sport (used em for 2 years with no problems). Will see what’s gonna happen.

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I tried new tips and I kept trying to see, new tips did not help. I gave in and contacted Apple last week and opened up a safety report. Sent them photos and waiting for a call back from the case manager about it.

I finally got my refund after six months of back and forth. They never once mentioned an updated version/replacement/cover option to keep using them.

I really really wish they would come out with a new version because the PBP fit the best of any headphones I've ever tried.