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
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.
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.
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.
Another user noted that the AirPods Max shifted their infection to the outside of their ears.
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.
Unfortunately, with the AirPods Max’s condensation issue, the risk is doubled.
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
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.
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.