Why Do AirPods Make My Ears Itch? (Here's the reason) -

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Are your ears itching? Perhaps they are now that I’ve mentioned it. Do you wear AirPods? If so, your AirPods might be making your ears itch.

AirPods can make your ears itch. Wearing AirPods incorrectly can cause ear infections that make your ears itchy as well as painful. You might also be allergic to some of the chemicals used to make AirPods.

We’ll go into greater depth in this article on how your AirPods might be causing an infection or allergic reaction and what you can do to stop it.

Why Do AirPods Make My Ears Itch?

So you’ve got itchy ears and you think your AirPods are to blame. This is certainly possible as a lot of AirPod users anecdotally claim their AirPods have them scratching their ears. There are a few possible reasons why AirPods make your ears itch. We’ve listed them below:

You have an allergic reaction. Apple AirPods can cause allergic reactions in rare cases. They contain acrylates, to which 2.4% of people can have an allergic reaction.
You have an infection. Another possibility is that your AirPods make your ears itch because you have an ear infection. Wearing AirPods incorrectly can increase your likelihood of contracting an ear infection. This would be painful as well as itchy.

Your AirPods are dirty. Your AirPods are in your ears, where they can pick up all kinds of dirt and sweat. If you don’t keep them clean, that dirt can cause skin irritation.

Are You Allergic to AirPods Pro?

Believe it or not, you can be allergic to your AirPods. Airpods are made with proprietary acrylates, which are possible allergens. Acrylates are a category of chemical commonly used in glue and coatings on many consumer products.

That might sound scary but acrylates are also commonly found in acrylic paint and acrylic nail polish. They are completely harmless to most people. The only exception is those who have a rare allergy to acrylates.

There’s scientific backing to the relationship between AirPods and allergic reactions. A study published in the International Journal of Dermatology identified four cases of patients who presented with allergic reactions to acrylates, methacrylates, and other components of Apple’s AirPods.

The British Association of Dermatologists reports that 2.4% of people are allergic to some type of acrylate. A far smaller percentage will be allergic to the specific acrylates in AirPods.

If you are allergic to acrylates, then using Apple AirPods could cause a reaction called “allergic contact dermatitis.” Allergic contact dermatitis is just a medical term for common skin irritation caused by an allergic reaction. It should go away if you stop using the AirPods.

How Do I Stop Airpods Pro From Itching?

The obvious solution to itching from AirPods is just to stop using them. Buy new earbuds and use those instead. But maybe you don’t want to give up your AirPods just yet. There are a few steps you can take to stop AirPods Pro from itching. We’ve listed them below:

Clean your AirPods. Your AirPods come into contact with dirt, sweat, sun cream, and lotions every day. This accumulated crime can worsen the risk of infection, so clean your AirPods regularly. Alcohol pads are a great way to kill off any bacteria.
Clean your ears. Keeping your ears clean is a great way to ward off the risk of infections. We don’t mean shoving Q-tips down your ear canal. Just make sure your ears are clear of any lotion or pool water before using your AirPods.

Replace your tips with foam ones. Airpod tips are made with acrylates that can cause an allergic reaction. If this is your problem, consider replacing them with aftermarket foam tips. Some doctors report anecdotally that this can clear up the problem.
Use Cortisone to relieve itching. This won’t stop the cause of your problems, but using cortisone cream is an effective and medically safe way to alleviate the itching. It’s much safer than scratching your ears with a toothpick or Q-tip.

Can AirPods Cause Ear Infections?

AirPods can cause ear infections if worn incorrectly. Pushing your AirPods too deep inside your ear or wearing them for too long creates a sealed environment in which bacteria thrive. These bacteria can create a painful infection that requires medical attention.

So how do you know if you have an ear infection? Ear infections are painful and that pain will persist long after you remove your AirPods. That’s the big difference between AirPods that are just uncomfortable and an ear infection caused by your AirPods.

You’ll also feel that pain deeper in your ear. Infections tend to occur in and around your eardrum. Pain that you feel deep in your ear canal is more likely to be an ear infection than simple discomfort. Ultimately, you need medical attention if you have an ear infection. Most likely, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics that should resolve the problem.

Final Thoughts

Most people who use AirPods have no problems. In rare cases, Airpods might be making your ears itch because of an infection or allergic reaction.

Less than 2.4% of people are allergic to acrylates. Of that 2.4%, most will never react to Apple AirPods. But, if you do, consider swapping out your AirPods for an alternative brand or at least buying replacement foam tips.

You might also be wearing your AirPods incorrectly, which can cause ear infections. The good news if this is your problem is that you don’t have to abandon your AirPods. Just avoid pushing them too far into your ear or wearing them for hours on end.

For more information on Airpods, check out our articles 7 Things To Know About AirPods Pro 2 Before Buying and Are AirPods Pro Still Worth The High Price?