Airpods And Headache/Ear Pain

[apples2apples]

"the issue is whether or not the government regulations are safe enough."

Exactly. I mean, Apple spends a gizillion on testing.

http://gizmodo.com/5589054/apples-100-million-iphone-test-chamber

So, why on earth don't they conspicuously publish the "health" part of it in terms people understand? even if only to give those conspiracy theorists a reason not to freak out when some sort of placebo or psych effect takes place. Why wont they be more transparent about it? they are very thorough when it comes to the eco-friendly bs, why skimp on radiation?

Political affiliations aside pls, look at the EPA! when the gov says "yah, that spec is within limits so u should be fine" do you take that at face value?

 

[jcmoney10]

"the issue is whether or not the government regulations are safe enough."

Exactly. I mean, Apple spends a gizillion on testing.

http://gizmodo.com/5589054/apples-100-million-iphone-test-chamber

So, why on earth don't they conspicuously publish the "health" part of it in terms people understand? even if only to give those conspiracy theorists a reason not to freak out when some sort of placebo or psych effect takes place. Why wont they be more transparent about it? they are very thorough when it comes to the eco-friendly bs, why skimp on radiation?

Political affiliations aside pls, look at the EPA! when the gov says "yah, that spec is within limits so u should be fine" do you take that at face value?

Apple has no reason to do additional testing on radiation or be more transparent about it because they are operating in acceptable levels which are put in place by the government. The reason they are so transparent about being eco-friendly isn't because they want to save the world, but rather because it's good publicity. Device radiation isn't something that most people think about, so therefore it's not something that apple is going to talk about. They are following the rules and no one cares anymore beyond that.

The ultimate problem is this, even though cellphones and bluetooth have been around for years now, it's still an incredibly new technology. Widespread cellphone use has really only been in place since the mid 2000's which only gives you about 10-15 years of "in the wild" observation. It's impossible for us to know what the long term effects are, and we probably won't have a clear picture for another 20-30 years.

What we should really be hoping for is a cure for the specific types of brain cancer that has been linked to device radiation. You probably have a better chance of that happening than you do transforming the telecom industry to produce "safer" devices.

 

[cipher29]

So odd, I noticed since using my AirPods that I was also getting headaches.. I chalked it up to coincidence, but after reading this thread, I'm starting to wonder if we are on to something. Curious to watch as AirPods become more available if this gets a bit mode attention. It's a bit concerning, that's for sure.

 

[jcmoney10]

So odd, I noticed since using my AirPods that I was also getting headaches.. I chalked it up to coincidence, but after reading this thread, I'm starting to wonder if we are on to something. Curious to watch as AirPods become more available if this gets a bit mode attention. It's a bit concerning, that's for sure.

Yea, I'm sure if a handful of people who read the macrumors message boards are experiencing this issue, then there are plenty of other "everyday" consumers who don't post on message boards who notice it as well.

 

[apples2apples]

Yea, I'm sure if a handful of people who read the macrumors message boards are experiencing this issue, then there are plenty of other "everyday" consumers who don't post on message boards who notice it as well.

You are, again, on point. We are just a tiny sample.

I'm not interested in sacrificing my health so that I can prove Apple or the FCC wrong or just to be entitled to some Class Action damages in 10 years. Im never using them again.

Regarding "...which only gives you about 10-15 years of "in the wild" observation." I think that's plenty of time to get what? 10 volunteers out of a population of what? 2 billion people.

I never thought I'd be a freakin gadget-radiation truther but this Google search and them AirPod headaches are leading me there.

 

[jcmoney10]

You are, again, on point. We are just a tiny sample.

I'm not interested in sacrificing my health so that I can prove Apple or the FCC wrong or just to be entitled to some Class Action damages in 10 years. Im never using them again.

Regarding "...which only gives you about 10-15 years of "in the wild" observation." I think that's plenty of time to get what? 10 volunteers out of a population of what? 2 billion people.

I never thought I'd be a freakin gadget-radiation truther but this Google search and them AirPod headaches are leading me there.

Yea, deep down, I still believe or at least want to believe that bluetooth and cellphones are harmless, at least in general. There is still no known mechanism that suggest that low doses of non-ionizing radiation causes cancer, which works in our favor. If these devices are in fact harmful, then it means we've either missed this cancer causing mechanism after years of intense study or there isn't a mechanism and somehow using a cellphone amplifies other environmental cancer causing factors. There is also the possibility that studies suggesting there is a cancer causing link are all just poorly done or biased. Studies that use entire populations are going to be hard to quantify because almost everyone has used a cellphone in the last 10-15 years, thus making it very hard to find a reliable control. Lab studies are also difficult because, for one, mice and rats aren't humans, and too many of the studies that suggest a link are radiating their lab rats at the same level that humans are exposed to. I'm no scientist, but I can only imagine that radiating a entire rat for 9 hours a day at 1.6 w/kg is going to effect the small rat differently than it would a human.

I try not to take too much stock in what guys like Dr Moskowitz have to say on the subject because from what I can tell he isn't exactly an expert on the subject and seems to be looking more for his 15 minutes of fame. When the AirPods came out, he was mentioned in dozens of articles because he quickly came out and said they would be harmful to your health. Increased exposure for a professor typically means more speaking engagements and more revenue, therefore not making him the most unbiased resource. I prefer to read the actually studies that have been done as this is where the real information comes from. https://www.emf-portal.org/en is a good resource as it's just an aggregate of research and is constantly updating, no opinions or bias (That I can tell at least).

Overall, from what I've read, brain cancer rates have declined in recent years and while some will argue that specific cellphone related brain cancers have increased, this COULD just be a case of better technology allowing for doctors to more accurately classify brain cancers that before were either going undiagnosed or uncategorized.

While I'm very skeptical right now, I'm not labeling myself a truther just yet lol.

 

[mctrials23]

I would look at other factors before worrying about bluetooth cooking your brain. I have found that if I use particular headphones I get a headache. They are not bluetooth, they are not wireless in any way. They just either put pressure on my head in a weird place or they interfere with my ear in some way.

Ears are quite important for many things and if something is disrupting them you are likely to feel it. I assume the people who are experiencing this have tried wearing them for an extended period without the airpods actually playing any music. Even better, if you have a pair of old earpods, cut the wires off at the headphones and see if that causes you the same issues when you wear them. That would give you a slightly better idea what is causing it.

 

[jcmoney10]

I would look at other factors before worrying about bluetooth cooking your brain. I have found that if I use particular headphones I get a headache. They are not bluetooth, they are not wireless in any way. They just either put pressure on my head in a weird place or they interfere with my ear in some way.

Ears are quite important for many things and if something is disrupting them you are likely to feel it. I assume the people who are experiencing this have tried wearing them for an extended period without the airpods actually playing any music. Even better, if you have a pair of old earpods, cut the wires off at the headphones and see if that causes you the same issues when you wear them. That would give you a slightly better idea what is causing it.

Your assumption is correct, I did try wearing them without playing music just see if they still gave me headaches, and they did not. The headaches only seem to occur after playing music (or anything really) for a few minutes. This is why I think the headaches are actually caused by a tight seal and the air being produced by the speaker not being able to escape.

 

[Perene]

I have not experienced this problem after all this time using the Airpods. So that just proves the point that some people are more susceptible than others in a short term.

I too was afraid of all these complaints before and after receiving them.

 

[vinzaganga]

Hello It also started a strange feeling in my head. Began to look for information I have beats x there too, chip w1 guys it's strange there is exactly what is wrong there is not just bluethooh there that something about power is not from the fact that in the ear discomfort is in my head.
[doublepost=1502407242][/doublepost]I read everything from the very beginning. Even special here I registered to write. Beatsx very comfortable there is no plastic I wear a headphone in ear for 8 hours a day 5 days a week and not once there was no current and just bluethooh headphones wore all right.

 

[AirpodsNow]

I read everything from the very beginning. Even special here I registered to write.

Ok, same here as @vinzaganga

Just received the Airpods a few hours ago, and when using the Airpods, I immediately felt this pressures (pain, thight sensation, whatever you want to call it) starting from the side of my head (near the ear, going upwards). I googled the whether others have this, and this thread comes up first.

I tried to check the following: when I take one of the AirPods away, the feelings reduces and disappears within seconds. When I put it back on, it starts again (building up). Especially my upper left part of my head/brain feels it as well. It is not the entire head/brain, more towards the surface. I have been using the Bose wireless soundsport + charging case for more than 6 months now and wanted something smaller, and I didn't have an issue using it. So I swapped back and used the Bose and I didn't feel the pressure while listening. After 20-30 minutes, I swapped again while watching the same Youtube interview, and the pressure/pain started to build up again. It seems to be less when using one ear / Airpod.

I am pretty dissapointed now, because the Airpods + case looks very cool and small (compared to the Bose ones). I will try to repeatedly swap them to see whether the issue abates.

EDIT: grammer and typos, as usual

 

[wirelesspeakersss]

i rather had Dr Dre wireless headset and portable speakers that i can carry around

 

[thisistrouble]

I got mine at the beginning of August, started using them. And I experienced similar symptoms as many others have described on this thread. I automatically assumed it was sinuses, but I’ve now been to a doctor and had it all checked out - no sinus infection, but she did say I have swelling. She gave me a new spray and a decongestant.

This morning confirmed it for me - before I found this thread.

I put them in, went to the metro, listening to podcasts on the way to lunch. By the end of the 10 minute metro right, I felt that same pressure - starting with a slight pounding in the ears, and then expanding down to my cheeks, with an emphasis right under the eyes. Even a slight light-headedness that makes me feel a bit off balance. I had thought maybe this issue was from wearing them on one side like I often do, but that doesn’t seem to be the case, either.

I work at home and generally don’t use them much except for walking to and at the gym, and I’ve realized that it’s been every time I’ve left my house, put them in, and walked down the street...by the time I’m 5 minutes out of my place the same pressure has begun.

They definitely seem like an awkward fit in my ear - like pressure can’t escape. I’d chalk it up to being a poor fit and a poor “ventilation” system more so than radiation frying my brian, but that’s me.

I’m going to put them on pause for a few days and see if I feel signifcantly better...of course, now placebo is in effect, but I’m starting to think there’s something to this for me.

My girl just got a pair of the wireless Beats and hasn’t complained, I’ll give those a go and see if I experience similar symptoms.

 

[jcmoney10]

I’m going to put them on pause for a few days and see if I feel signifcantly better...of course, now placebo is in effect, but I’m starting to think there’s something to this for me.

How did this turn out? I'm still amazed by how many others are experiencing this same issue, I thought for sure I was the crazy one.

 

[thisistrouble]

How did this turn out? I'm still amazed by how many others are experiencing this same issue, I thought for sure I was the crazy one.

All issues went away. Haven't touched the things since.

Currently fighting with Apple about what to do. I live abroad, bought them from a reseller, no returns allowed. My ticket is with the Apple QA and Safety team.

They're wanting me to run diagnostics and send them data, I'm not willing to commit more time to the issue. Just would like Apple to send me the money I paid (or replace them with something else) and to go on my way. We'll see what they do.

 

[geekiemac]

Personally, I get more headaches from working long hours on my computer without moving around than from using the AirPods.
I'm not a heavy headphone/earbud user. I wear Bose QC25 (wired) while travelling for its noise cancellation features. I don't wear them more often because to be honest I find them not so comfortable. So I was thrilled with the AirPods, which I barely feel. The first couple of days or so, I tended to feel a little "light-headed" after a couple hours usage, but that went away. Now sometimes I don't even remember whether I'm wearing them or not.

So I've been using them every day, couple of hours during work and in the evenings some 2+ hours when gaming on my Mac. So far, no issues at all. I'm prone to occasional headaches (high blood pressure) but here, nada, nothing, niente.

So all in all quite happy. Whatever happens... will happen #ornot . Eventually we all die, so why worry? #zen

 

[Binarymix]

I’ve had a weird burning drying out like sensation in my right eye when using AirPods, and now my Apple Watch series 3.


Do any of you guys by chance have amalgam fillings?

I had a temp metal filling put in on my right side molar, and I read these can act as a type of receiver for rf.

I’m going to have it removed and have a normal filling put in and see if that helps.


What is apple doing to the Bluetooth that is causing problems now? I’ve used Bluetooth for years without any issue, are they magnifying the strength?

 

[geekiemac]

Do any of you guys by chance have amalgam fillings?

I had a temp metal filling put in on my right side molar, and I read these can act as a type of receiver for rf.

Nah. I got a couple of amalgam fillings (kid of the 80's ) and not really noticed any issues... okay, okay, if I use the AirPods for a long period of time (like more than two hours) then I'll get a light headache.

 

[nonolerobot]

i am adding my experience here.
frankly i had pain since the beginning and neglected to give it more than 0.02c. some was discomfort but mainly lots of headaches. so i figured using one at a time was better. and it helped having longer time on the phone. I am in meetings all day and need to be on the phone as well.
until two days ago i was still bearing it. but then in the morning the pain got very bad and the feeling of burn was outstanding. so i decided to immediately stop. have not used since then.

i called apple and reported it. they asked for pictures of my ear and serial number. not sure what are the outcome but I have scattered the web and found thousands of people in the same situation.

mainly this is due to the high EMF and the impact on your brain. sooner or later you will have pain and impact on your brain and ears. this is a class 1 device not 2 or 3. this means the radiations are very very high.

Apple is definitely aware of that and made the deliberate choice. they also asked the FCC for antenna specification confidentiality. all other vendors have published and have ethical choice.

mp if you want more details on how to get your money back and even more.

thank you

 

[nonolerobot]

fresh of the press: Apple will refund you if you ask for it in a "indirect way" and their response is indirect as well..
so i opened a case with their support a couple of days ago and argues it is burning my ear. which truly is the case but not the skin, the underlying tissue as it is the case with radiation.
they responded today it is an allergic reaction (as the device does not emit heat.. no need to argue with Apple engineer they are not scientist lol) but we are happy to take them back and provide you a new pair. I argued you want to exchange a product that is causing an allergic reaction with a product that is again causing an allergic reaction?
then she called the closest apple store, NYC UWS and got the manager to approve a refund.

I would have never though I will go against a nice piece of tech device

good luck folk, my best guess, get your refund now ! and revert to wire earpods - safety and health first.

any of you got their refund already ?

 

[Salmanor]

Bluetooth headphones may have lower emitting power but it does it in pulsating manner. Which, according to researcher at UC Berkeley, has greater effect at disrupting your Brain Blood Barrier (BBB). Im a med student and I did a extensive research into this. If it does indeed disrupt your BBB, it may explain your headache because BBB normally keeps toxin away from yout brain.

Food for thought.

I can verify I have come to learn the same thing after developing a mild form of EHS.
It's basically not always the 'strength' of radiation that is dangerous is it the pulsing rates of that radiation. The more irregular and frequent the more damaging. And yes there is evidence to support the theory that the blood brain barrier is damaged. You can watch a video on YouTube demonstrating the effects of pulsed radiation on cells. It's an extract from the the documentary 'take back your power'. Watch it, it might save your health.

 

[bobob]

To reduce ear pain, be sure to insert the wide end into your ear!

 

[jonblatho]

Anyone else want to cite Joel Moskowitz?

 

[DataChris]

I love my AirPods. They fit super comfortably, the sound, battery life, syncing, case, etc are all great... BUT the longer I have used them (about 6-7months now) the more I notice a subtle semi constant tingling sensation in my ears (mostly my outer ears/lobes). Maybe it's an unrelated effect of something else (sun damage?) I don't know but I do know in weeks that I use them more, I notice the buzzing, tingling more.

 

[Perene]

I've been using the Airpods for almost a year and haven't notice anything wrong, that would make me stop using. But I usually stay (and sleep) in a room where a gigabit router (Archer C8) is installed (and always ON, 24/7), and rarely turn Airplane mode ON, to avoid having to pair the Apple Pencil again. If I remember correctly this is fixed in iOS 11, however I don't want to update from iOS 10.

http://naturopathicearth.com/2017/10/19/npe62emf/

https://soundcloud.com/user-316262942/npe83rf

In these episodes it is suggested that we should turn the router off when going to sleep, and Airplane mode ON when not using the internet. I wonder if the latter suggestion will make any difference. I use an iPAD Pro 10.5.

https://www.electricsense.com/6854/ipad-radiation-emfs-reduce-exposure/

http://time.com/5069317/california-mobile-phone-radiation/

The ultimate problem is this, even though cellphones and bluetooth have been around for years now, it's still an incredibly new technology. Widespread cellphone use has really only been in place since the mid 2000's which only gives you about 10-15 years of "in the wild" observation. It's impossible for us to know what the long term effects are, and we probably won't have a clear picture for another 20-30 years.

What we should really be hoping for is a cure for the specific types of brain cancer that has been linked to device radiation. You probably have a better chance of that happening than you do transforming the telecom industry to produce "safer" devices.

That's what we should ALWAYS remember: all these devices and technologies have been around for only 1, 2 decades, and this is not enough time to study their side effects on our health.