Ear infection from AirPods Pro:

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Level 1

28 points

Ear infection from AirPods Pro:

I purchased the AirPods Pro in Oct 2019 when they were released. Best headphones I've ever used. I first started having the "ear issues" right off the bat, but wrote it off as something else, and never made the connection. It got so bad that on Dec 31, 2019, I was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with a severe case of Relapsing Polychontritis, a rare autoimmune disease.... Come to find out, it was an ear infection caused by the bud, but was so bad, it presented the same way. Treated it with topical steroids and antibiotics. Has anyone found the actual issue? Is it with the silicone? I've never been allergic to silicone prior to this. Is it a material that is used to fab the headphone itself? I love these headphones, I need to use a headphone while at work, but this is torture and literally almost cost me my hearing in my left ear. I'm hoping that switching ear piece will fix the problem... Has anyone figured anything out regarding these ear issues caused by the Pros?

Posted on Oct 18, 2021 4:16 PM

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Answer 1

javaliga

Level 10

120,173 points

Oct 18, 2021 6:33 PM in response to crouvalis

You could try periodically cleaning the AirPods. See the 'Clean your AirPods and AirPods Pro' section in:

How to clean your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and EarPods - Apple Support

Also, if you think it might be the silicon, you could try third-party soft foam ear tips. Search for them on Amazon for example.

Is it OK to use a disinfectant on my AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or EarPods?

Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75 percent ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or EarPods. Don’t use on the speaker mesh of your AirPods, AirPods Pro, and EarPods. Don’t use on the knit mesh canopy and ear cushions of your AirPods Max. Don't use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don’t submerge your AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, or EarPods in any cleaning agents.

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Answer 2

Oct 19, 2021 3:09 PM in response to crouvalis

If you think the AirPods are causing your ear infections, you need to stop using any type of earbuds.

You apparently are prone to ear infections, time to switch to over ear headphones.

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Answer 3

Sterling_W

Community Specialist

Oct 19, 2021 1:02 PM in response to crouvalis

Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Communities.

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

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Answer 4

crouvalis Author

Level 1

28 points

Oct 18, 2021 6:48 PM in response to javaliga

Thank you for the reply. I actually clean them every day. Seeing as I need to be hands-free at work, I do it to take precaution and try to cut out as much disturbance to the ear as possible. I just have to take them out often, and switch ears (L on, then R on, etc) to avoid a bad flare-up. Looks like I’ll be downgrading to the AirPod Gen3 for, hopefully, a permanent fix.

Thanks again for the help. I think I’m one of the first people to experience this as I was having issues a couple weeks after they were released, but through the months and couple years now, I have yet to find anyone that’s pinpointed the issue. If these things weren’t so **** good, I’d just move on to something else, but still feel like they’re the best buds on the market. Hopefully the A3’s have similar performance and SQ. I use the noise cancelling feature every day, even in just one ear, but this pain and irritation is getting pretty old.

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Answer 5

javaliga

Level 10

120,173 points

Oct 18, 2021 7:46 PM in response to crouvalis

You're welcome. I had a set of AirPods before I got the pros but never got a good fit from them. Why not consider the AirPods Max (headphones) so you don't have to stick them in your ear canal?

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Ear infection from AirPods Pro:

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