Drainage and itching when using AirPods Pro

My issue was with the airpod max.

While I thought it could have involved an ear infection, it appears mine was an allergic reaction to the adhesive used to glue the synthetic material to the foam.

Was able to get the swelling down and back to normal within two weeks. I bought them at MicroCenter, an Apple retailer, didn't have any issues... of course two days later Apple support wanted me to return the pair back to Apple... too late. ;-)

I ended up getting a different brand which had natural leather ear cups. So far, no issues. I would consider buying a pair of Airpod maxes if they had a natural leather air cup available. The fake pleather on the beats just didn't hold up over time.

Of course there's another issue.. condensation within the cups w prolonged usage. Something else to watch out for.

I had the ear fluid drip issue with the AirPods Pro after about 9 months of incident free usage from new. Have tried below after recovering from the bouts of ear fluid drain.

1) Using wife's AirPods Pro - Fluid drain persists

2) Using aftermarket sleaves for the pod housing and the the - Fluid drain persists

3) Using new replacement earbuds provide by apple due to connectivity issues - Fluid drain persists

Got Myself a AirPods 3 couple of days ago on 27th Oct 2021

I have got the fluid drain on the AirPod 3 again on the 29th Oct 2021

It may be worth noting that my AirPods were connected android phones and Mac book pro 2019 during the time it worked well for me. Once I switched to iPhone 11, 12 and MacBook pros 2019 I started experiencing the fluid drain. My daughter is now using my AirPods pros on android phone and Mac book pro 2012 and she does not seem to have any issues with ear fluid drain. My wife using AirPods pros on iPhone 11 also has the itching, scabbing shedding and fluid drain when using AirPods pros. In both our cases it has been happening over several firmware updates and after a couple of hours of usage every time.

In my opinion the issue is not isolated to AirPods pros not its silicon ear tips, I suspect it has to do with the plastic material or more so the signal radiation itself when connected to iPhones. On my 4th attempt with 3 different devices I give up on apple AirPod line.

I bought my Air Pod Pros last spring and used them through the summer. I had horrible ear problems - fluid, eczema, infections until I quit using them. I went to both an audiologist and then a dermatologist trying to figure out what was going on. Then I found others are having the same problem. I have quit using them permanently for now.

I have no problem with the plastic air pods or my Bose. I will try different tips. I am appalled that so many people have this issue and Apple has stayed silent.

Have you gone to the Apple store or called support? Between the two someone should be able to help. They know allergy to their products has been an issue for many.

I'm also experiencing the same allergic reaction from the airpods pro. I tried other tips as well. first was cloudfoam tips then xelastic tips, same result. probably it was the head part of the airpods pro causing the allergic reaction for me. hope they will use new materials for the airpods pro 2 but I'll be sticking with my regular airpods for now.

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

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

Same here. As the problem went on even after switching the tips with other brands, I had to finally give up using the Airpods Pro. The nickel in the mesh theory is a good one, since the large black stripe on the top of the airpods is in direct contact with the skin.

I wish I had seen your post before buying them.

Got a pair this past Sat. Started having issues Mon, thinking it could be from prolonged wearing.

Woke up middle of the night w lots of pain w ear and ear canal swollen. (Both ears.)

Not good.

Kelly I had the exact same symptoms. Did switching the tips out help? I really like the AirPod Pros - but can’t wear them because of the reaction my ears have to them. Hoping to find a solution - like different tips. Thanks for the help!

I've been screwing around with this issue for over 6 months and currently on my third pair of Airpod Pros. I hate to throw $250 down the drain but the itching and aching (with occasional clear drainage) of my ears just aren't worth it. I even bought the Comply foam tips but they fall apart after awhile. I've been diligent about cleaning my Airpod Pros daily (especially after the gym) and also cleaning the replacement foam tips. Nothing has helped at this point and having to struggle with the ears just isn't worth it.

This was also my situation. The first set I bought was OK - I had no allergies at all during many months wearing them. Then, after sending the Airpods for service, Apple switched then for a new set and the problems with itching/drainage/pain started. I believe Apple should investigate a change in production that could have made this happen.

I’m really shocked to see so many others with the same story. No issues with the for a long period of time however, after having them replaced for service the new pair causes a rash. Sounds off to me. I never had any issues whatsoever until this last pair. Smh

I am having the same issue. Went to the Dr. and found out it gave me double ear infections and a crusty runny drainage. I wish I had figured it out before the return date was up! I am very disappointed that Apple hasn’t addressed this. I have been an Apple fan. They are really beginning to lose me.