AirPod pro allergic reaction in ears

I had persistent problems with this, and called apple support. I can tell you that this is not any normal allergic reaction that people are experiencing, and apple suspect apple is quite worried about it. They took the issue seriously, which I appreciated. I spent hours sending them pictures, running various tests, etc. Eventually, after a couple of months, they asked me to send them the AirPods for testing and told me they would give me a refund.

I Returned the AirPods in November, 2020 and their receipt was confirmed. It has now been over 3 months and I am still waiting for the refund!! I have had numerous calls, but they just keep telling me it is being "processed". This has completely soured by experience!!

If you look at the earphones in your ears, you will see that much of the contact is with the body of the earphones. For several reasons, I don't think the problem for many of us is with the tips.

1. I don't react to other models of in-ear earphones with silicone tips.
2. Switching to Comply foam tips did not stop the reaction
3. My reaction, and that of many others on this site, is not a typical allergic reaction (beginning with clear fluid drainage). A typical allergic reaction would begin with contact dermatitis. Google Otorrhea to learn more.

Same problem as everyone else, as described. First few months I didn’t have any issues. Then, it started. Been to the doctors multiple times. Finally, I associated it with my AirPod pros.

I have had mine swapped out a few times due to technical issues with them. Wonder if some batches are coming from a factory that has more irritants.

I just purchased some memory foam tips to see if that makes a difference. I’ve also started putting Cortizone in my ear, which came recommended from someone else who’s having this issue.

I’ll report back in a few days if I have any success. Certainly sucks not being able to use my AirPods.

Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Communities.

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

Dear Pelelieu,

Thanks a lot for confirming my finding and keeping my sanity! :-)

It is exactly what I experienced, the new or better the replacement batches of the Original AirPod Eartips are different.

It is hard to figure out what changed but the result is what counts. I've been using mine now with the original Apple replacement tips for weeks and always for many hours daily including sports with no further issues.

I hope Apple has learned from this?

With greetings

Xenion

Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Communities.

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

I have Ren having same problems since I ever purchased them. I end up using alcohol cotton swabs because of the itching and drainage I get from wearing them . I am convinced there is something to the material causing such reaction as I stop wearing them and when used again the same allergic reaction comes back. What for? such good quality listening device and it cannot be used because of the poor quality material .

Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Communities.

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

Bought a set for my granddaughter July 2020 and she too has developed itchy ears and can no longer use them.

It's gutting to be told stop using them but they are very expensive and she never has had trouble with ear phones before nor is she allergic to silicon or latex.

No guarantee covers this either.

Why does Apple act like it's nothing to do with them and why am I stupid in thinking they are a caring company?

That is similar to me. I used them for a few months successfully before my ears developed an intolerance for them. Now I can't put them in for 10 minutes without the familiar tingling itch. I am selling them on FB marketplace now. Glad I kept my Bose wireless.

I have the same problem. I don’t even have to wear them more than a few minutes and the pain and crusting return. I’ve switched the tips out to foam and it’s still happening. So it’s something in the device, not just the tips I believe.

Some things I can tell you from my research.

1. Clear fluid draining followed by irritation is not a normal allergic reaction. Symptoms are more consistent with ear damage. I infer from my conversations with the team working on this that they are trying to determine if it has to do with the electronics or sound.
2. I also experimented with different tips, and also tried taping both the tips and body of the AirPods to my wrists (including while the AirPods were on and playing). I got a mild, delayed reaction to the body of the airpods
3. They are clearly concerned, and have a safety team working on it.
4. They had me return mine for testing - have been waiting for + 3 months for my refund!!!

Clear your Airpods properly, sometimes the virus of the allergic can be there.

I have now had long conversations with Apple support and sent them pictures etc and waiting to hear back. Lets see what they have to say

Agreed - I switched the tips in mine to foam tips and I was still getting the issue. So weird!