Getting strange headaches w/ AirPods

Question

Getting strange headaches w/ AirPods

https://www.apple.com/legal/rfexposure/

The absence of the AirPods in that list is certainly disconcerting.

The only reason I start this tread is b/c I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING STRANGE HEADACHES in the last couple of days since I got them - which is not the norm for me as I get 2 or 3 headaches a year (Seriously, it is not a common thing for me).

Like most of us here, I am indeed an Apple fan, so I hope I'm not coming across as some sort of alarmist troll or the like.

With that said, I'm open to suggestions as to how we can get Apple to post AirPods' RF Exposure info on their website because I cannot find any other theory that would make sense. I have been using the wired EarPods, Bose headphones for years with no problems, so those "ear canal pressure" theories are not convincing.

Please dont start personal attacks here, but if they are messing with our health with this much cynicism and disregard...shame on Apple.

I LOVE tech. I use tech and my business is in tech. I am definitely not one of those conspiracy theorists and I'm really trying to get that across! I've been using cellphones forever and have NEVER had an issue or even believed in those clowns saying that cellphones or RF will for sure give cancer. I dont.

This is NOT a conspiracy theory. It is quite the opposite. I WAS EXCITED TO GET THE AIRPODS AND IT PAINS ME (NO PUN UNTENDED) THAT I HAVE TO GO BACK TO MY WIRED PODS BECAUSE THESE AIRPODS GIVE ME VERY STRANGE HEADACHES and there are tons of people on other sites reporting the same.

AirPods-OTHER

Posted on Jun 27, 2017 2:35 PM

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Answer 1

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

236,651 points

Jun 28, 2017 1:08 PM in response to apples2apples

Here is a link to the AirPods support. AirPods Support - Official Apple Support I know that they work separately, because that is what I do, as I explained earlier. The original problem with the release of the AirPods had to do with how they sync together to deliver the correct sound in each ear when used as a pair. You can search the internet for information about that.

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Answer 2

Jun 28, 2017 11:27 AM in response to apples2apples

It could be that you are, unknowingly, tightening the muscles in the area of your ears thinking your AirPods might fall out. It is not normal to have something in our ears. I found that I had to remind myself not to tense up and relax as I have never had an issue with them coming close to falling out. Even with jogging, doing yard work and the like.

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Answer 3

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

236,651 points

Jun 28, 2017 10:00 AM in response to apples2apples

If you are experiencing health issues, then discontinue using the devices and make an appointment to see a doctor. These are low frequency Bluetooth devices, just like any other Bluetooth headsets. If you are able to use other Bluetooth devices with no problems, then it is not the AirPods. Your statement about others experiencing this is similar to the issue regarding the wearing of the watch and it causing pain in the wrist. This is individual, and not a far reaching issue. Just because others experience similar symptoms, does not mean it is a causation factor.

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Answer 4

Jun 28, 2017 11:46 AM in response to AlphaTDelta

Finally someone makes an honest effort to help another user, which is what these forums are for.

You might be right. That could very possibly be the reason for the headaches. These things will not fall out, I even jump rope with them and they stay put! but because they fit so well, the lack of the pressure points give a sense of them "about to fall out" even if they aren't.

Leaning towards RF emission was my common-sense approach, and reading on other forums just reinforced that expectation. Like I said earlier, I have been using Bluetooth devices for many years with no problems whatsoever, so I was too in a dissonant place when writing this post.

Now, that doesn't mean that: RF Emission x 2 Devices stuck in the head x Prolongued Exposure = definitely safe, not at all. But it is early to tell otherwise until there is an in depth study by Apple on this, which is what I'm pushing for.

😕

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Answer 5

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

236,651 points

Jun 28, 2017 12:14 PM in response to apples2apples

apples2apples wrote:

Finally someone makes an honest effort to help another user, which is what these forums are for.

I'm guessing this is a veil attempt at discrediting my response?

apples2apples wrote:

an in depth study by Apple on this, which is what I'm pushing for.

This is a user to user support forum, and Apple does not participate here. So your attempt to push for an in-depth study by Apple is falling on deaf ears. They will not see your attempt.

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Answer 6

Jun 28, 2017 12:32 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

Im quoting ChrisJ4203: "If you are able to use other Bluetooth devices with no problems, then it is not the AirPods."

There are a few points to consider here.

a) We're on Firmware version 3.7.2 (yeah, thats about 12 revisions in 6 months, many of them with increases to transmission levels to reduce signal drop)

b) If Apple’s AirPods do not each connect separately to the audio source but rather, they connect with a master AirPod, which then synchronizes the audio signal with the other AirPod? what kind of RF signal are they using to do this? why is all this hidden from the consumer?

c) Whatever you mean by "devices", I will assume you're talking about earpieces. Those mostly recieve. Now, if the "Master Airpod" speculation is true, then the AirPods should transmit a thousand-fold what other in-ear "devices" transmit. Does that not make you wonder about RF emission safety?

LET ME BE CLEAR: I'M NOT SAYING THAT RF EMISSION IS FOR SURE AN ISSUE WITH AIRPODS, BUT APPLE SHOULD POST STUDY RESULTS AND TX LEVELS AND THE TYPE OF SIGNAL THEY USE - ESPECIALLY NOW THAT THE WORDS "HEADACHE" AND "AIRPODS" ARE POPPING ALL OVER THE WORLD.

And for the record, I wear the Watch daily, I even use the freaking Pencil. So I am not doubting Bluetooth itself, but I had this experience, like many other Apple Fans who were excited to use the product. I dont need a doctor, but thanks for the wise advice.

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Answer 7

Jun 28, 2017 12:35 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

REPLYING TO DELTA:

"I'm guessing this is a veil attempt at discrediting my response?"

NOT AT ALL, SORRY IF IT APPEARED THAT WAY. I REALLY AM THANKFUL THAT YOU PUT THE TIME TO AT LEAST SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE AND CONTRIBUTE.

"This is a user to user support forum, and Apple does not participate here. So your attempt to push for an in-depth study by Apple is falling on deaf ears. They will not see your attempt."

PROLLY RIGHT ABOUT THAT 😟

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Answer 8

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

236,651 points

Jun 28, 2017 12:46 PM in response to apples2apples

As with any question that anyone has regarding health issues and Apple products, Apple recommends that you discontinue using the devices if you believe they are causing you health issues. Then you should consult a physician.

Not exactly sure what you are referring to in b) above, but the AirPods connect to the device, and can connect separately, or together, and they sync together to ensure the same audio being delivered by each, so there is no Master AirPod, because you can insert either one first, or by themselves. I have a hearing aid in one ear, so unless I'm not wearing my hearing aid and decide to use both AirPods, I only use one of them, so I'm not so sure about your claim of 1000 fold transmission by one device.

If you could also refrain from using all caps in your responses, that is considered shouting on the internet and forums, and is considered extremely rude. Not sure why you would want to verbally attack me, since all I did was provide you information about Apple recommendations when you experience health issues you believe to be caused by an Apple device. And if you are experiencing unusual headaches as you indicate, you certainly should see a doctor.

And finally, I'm not "prolly right" I am correct. Read the Terms of Service for the forum regarding Apple's participation here.

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Answer 9

Jun 28, 2017 1:00 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

I wasn't replying to you with those last comments.

In any case, I dont want to turn this into a personal attack. I just want to explore whether it is possible for the AirPods to have detrimental effects on people's health due to so many posts on the Internet about this.

I appreciate your response: "... can connect separately, or together, and they sync together to ensure the same audio being delivered by each, so there is no Master AirPod" that's true. But again, can you cite a source for this? No, and that is part of the issue.

I guess we'll see contributions by other members about this over time, hopefully negating the possibility of these things causing pain/harm.

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Answer 10

etresoft

Level 9

57,720 points

Jun 28, 2017 1:42 PM in response to apples2apples

Hello apples2apples,

I haven't seen many posts at all regarding airpods and headaches. After you suggested it, I looked and found a couple, but only a couple. Considering the scale of Apple's market, that is significant. I would have expected many, many more such reports.

Perhaps your you do have greater-than-normal sensitivity to these signals. If they give you pain, don't use them. It seems like a simple enough solution.

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Answer 11

JimmyCMPIT

Level 7

29,306 points

Jun 28, 2017 2:03 PM in response to apples2apples

Make an appointment with a health professional.

Whatever the cause may be it is not in anyones place to offer any suggestion other then "stop using them and go see a doctor" - no one here is a doctor and any "medical advice" you are seeing here could exacerbate your condition into a much larger problem.

Your symptoms could be the result of a multitude of things that a volunteers for support community for Apple products should not continue entertaining guesses. When health is concerned you see a doctor, that should be the only consideration in this matter.

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