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PSA: Reports of Users Getting Nasty Infections From Wearing AirPods Max Are Growing

Users are getting infections and irritations from the AirPods Max.
Users are getting infections and irritations from the AirPods Max.

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This is why taking breaks from using your premium headphones may be a good idea.

Apple’s AirPods Max are renowned for their sleek design and premium sound quality. But reports of users getting infections and severe irritation from extended wear have cast a shadow over their reputation.

User Experiences and Complaints

Sarah Stusek claimed her AirPods Max gave her an ear infection. (From: sarahshooots/TikTok)
Sarah Stusek claimed her AirPods Max gave her an ear infection. (From: sarahshooots/TikTok)

After purchasing the AirPods Max, author Sarah Stusek reported symptoms such as intense itching and discharge. She shared her thoughts in a TikTok video, blaming her new headphones.

“I keep waking up with the itchiest, wettest ear. It’s disgusting,” Stusek lamented in her video, while describing the feeling as “wet” with “discharge.”

“It’s from my Apple headphones, like, the big AirPod Maxes or whatever the over-the-ear headphones are called.” she added.

Sarah Stusek's DIY advice on how to treat this infection. (From: sarahshooots/TikTok)
Sarah Stusek’s DIY advice on how to treat this infection. (From: sarahshooots/TikTok)

To treat her symptoms, Stusek put a boiling hot, damp paper towel in a cup, suctioning it to her ear. She claimed she could feel the soothing heat “pulling out” the presumed infection.

“I Googled it and other people are having this problem too. It’s more so annoying and like a little bit of pressure, but it feels wet, like there’s discharge. It’s disgusting.” she said.

Stusek is not alone in her discomfort. Online forums have seen an influx of similar complaints, ranging from minor irritation to severe allergic reactions.

Some have even stopped using the headphones to avoid further health issues.

One user expressed frustration, stating, “I have been having significant skin irritation on one of my ears. I couldn’t figure out the source at first, but I wasn’t wearing my AirPods Max for about a week, my ear healed. I wore them again last night and now my ear is red, and itchy again.”
Wearing the AirPods Max can have some consequences. (From: Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
Wearing the AirPods Max can have some consequences. (From: Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)

Another user noted that the AirPods Max shifted their infection to the outside of their ears.

“I decided to give the AirPod Max a try because surely if it’s not going IN the ear canal, I should be fine. Nope. Only thing that changed was the irritation was now on the outside of my ears instead of the inside,” said skoo9382.

Can Headphones Cause Infections?

Closed-back headphones like the AirPods Max can worsen ear health issues by trapping moisture and earwax within the ear canal.

Their enclosed metal ear cups can increase the humidity and temperature inside the ear, leading to conditions ripe for bacterial and fungal growth. This can be especially problematic for people who are susceptible to ear infections.

Broken AirPods Max due to condensation (From: Twitter/Donald Filimon)
Broken AirPods Max due to condensation (From: Twitter/Donald Filimon)

Unfortunately, with the AirPods Max’s condensation issue, the risk is doubled.

Apple was recently sued for a “defect” in the AirPods Max headphones called “condensation death”. This allegedly allowed moisture to collect inside the ear cups and disrupt the product’s performance.

Those with sensitive skin may also experience reactions to the memory foam found in AirPods Max ear cushions. Memory foam may contain compounds like isocyanates, a toxic irritant to the skin.

IAMONEFRAME on Reddit said, “I am also thinking it was the chemicals in the cushions (i.e the memory foam itself). So I actually washed all my ear cushions with mild detergent then dried for over 24 hours. The reaction would be delayed to up to 24 hours after wear. So you could say less severe.

A note of caution, I also tried covering the ear cushions with Geekria silicone ear cushion covers that cover the entire ear cushions that touch the ears – no go. I still get the reaction. Which is why I’m not sure where the offender is coming from. Either the chemicals are in the cushions or inside the ear cups.”

User Remedies

The AirPods Max should be wiped every after use to avoid such issues. (From: Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)
The AirPods Max should be wiped every after use to avoid such issues. (From: Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir)

Apple recommends cleaning the AirPods Max with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth and using a damp cloth only if they are exposed to substances like soap or lotion. However, these guidelines may not effectively prevent moisture buildup.

Apple has yet to offer specific advice or solutions to address the risk of infections associated with this moisture issue.

So to minimize infection risks, users have developed their own strategies.

Some alternate between different headphones or limit their use of AirPods Max. Others wash the ear cushions with hypoallergenic, non-perfumed solutions. And, a few users have found relief using swimmer’s ear drops or antibiotic ear drops to combat infections.

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