Apple’s popular AirPods Pro headphones can apparently cause allergies in the ear canal in individual users. The problem has been known since the ANC plugs first appeared in 2019 and has been repeatedly discussed on Apple’s support forum for several years. One of the main sources on the topic There are already 140 pages And there have also been Scientific case studies Published on this topic in the International Journal of Dermatology.
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Current theory: Apparently a contact allergy is involved Acrylateswhich are in the silicone tips Apple hasn’t yet come up with an adequate solution, although the company has already launched three generations of AirPods Pro (two main models and a USB-C variant).
Itching, discharge, swelling in the affected area
Those affected by the problem experience it in different ways. At first it can be just a simple itching that disappears when the AirPods Pro are removed from the ear canal, which is based on the in-ear principle. In more severe cases, secretions can also occur in the ear in response to prolonged wear. This can be very unpleasant, disappearing after removal, but often occurring again and again for those affected. Finally, inflammation of the ear canal is also known as the most severe reaction, as bacteria can enter the area due to an allergic reaction.
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Replacing and cleaning the silicone tips – nothing more is possible
It does not appear that this is a simple allergy to silicone, the main component of silicone tips – these are considered quite rare. Instead, Apple appears to process additives, said acrylates. Silicone tips also have a specific smell that does not disappear even after months of use. In the worst case, you will have to return the AirPods Pro or buy replacement silicone tips – for ten euros – to see if they cause the same problem.
This happens quite often, so a serial error cannot be ruled out, at least in the opinion of those affected. Nevertheless, the problem has persisted for years. Another solution could be to obtain ear tips from competing suppliers – and hope that their composition does not cause a contact allergy. There is a whole range of suppliers from Asia on Amazon. Companies such as Comply also offer memory foam as an alternative to Apple’s original ear tips, which fits better in the ear and is made of a different material.
(B.Sc.)
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