Music is considered a good vibe and makes you feel nice. Sometimes you may use your AirPods, and you get a headache after a while. So, you may ask yourself if AirPods cause headaches.
Yes, but reasons include how deep you place the AirPods and your frequency sensitivity. Additionally, also listening to music at high volumes can cause headaches.
The issues from customers have allowed the research of the issues. Here are some of the reasons for these:
1. Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS) and Loud Noises
ESH is a condition where a patient has non-clear symptoms upon exposure to Electromagnetic radiation. The symptoms may range from headaches and dizziness to sleeping problems.
Airpods are gadgets that use Bluetooth, which uses frequency in the Electromagnetic spectrum. This generally points out that people may contain ESH and then blame it on the Airpods.
2. Wrong Airpod Fitting into the Ear Canal
Another cause of the headaches is how you fit the Airpods into the ear. The design from Apple ranges from the first to the third generation and is supposed to fit an average user.
However, some people may have tiny ear canals, yet they have non-adjustable Airpods. Using the Airpods by such a person makes one uncomfortable and gets headaches eventually.
Airpods are made to fit precisely into the ear canal. Additionally, they aren’t only in one size.
3. Ear Canal Pressure from Airpods
Headaches caused by AirPods are a result of built-up pressure inside the user’s ear canal. Even though AirPods fit comfortably into the ear, so they don’t fall out, they may cause air blockage. This air blockage may lead to the building up of pressure.
4. EMF Radiation from AirPods
The large amounts of EMF radiation from the Airpods which are close to your head, may cause a headache. Therefore, if you have an EMF meter, you’ll manage to determine the radiation of the Airpods.
Despite the headaches being rather common among EHS carriers. The EMF is always working side by side with EHS due to radiation from cellphones, WiFi, and Bluetooth Headphones. Therefore, it’s advisable to use corded headsets rather than AirPods that emit microwaves near the brain.
Due to the headaches, Apple has safety requirements like FCC for Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) used to check on the EMF radiation.
Common Side Effects of Wearing AirPods
Gadgets without wires, like Apple AirPods, use Bluetooth to transmit information, which might lead to health issues. AirPods utilize Bluetooth 4.0 technology which is known to produce frequency radiation between 2.4 and 2.485GHZ.
For regular use, AirPod users may encounter the following side effects:
- Tinnitus
This problem is when you hear non-existing noises, such as ringing, buzzing, and hissing. The use of high volume for music causes tinnitus as a permanent health issue.
- Insomnia
It is a sleep-related problem caused by using AirPods while sleeping, leading to insufficient sleep.
- Irritability
When you brush AirPods on the skin, they irritate. This irritation may cause a burning sensation when the devices are put in the ear. It is necessary to note that not everybody encounters this problem when using AirPods. Not everyone may get a headache.
If you have any of the issues listed above, you should visit a doctor and be certain of the issue. However, for the time being, listen to music at low volume and even take a break from the AirPods. If you decide to keep the AirPods, manage the volume, so it’s not too high for you.
How to safely use Airpods and avoid Headaches
To minimize the chances of getting headaches caused by Airpods, you need to have good Airpod practices. These include:
- Proper placing of Airpods
Placing AirPods in the ear canal while applying lots of pressure may instantly cause headaches. It’s therefore advisable to do it gently to avoid such issues. You may choose to use the upside-down method if it works for you.
- Minimize time spent using AirPods
The less time spent on AirPods in your ears, the lesser the number of headaches you encounter. This minimal usage may seem too simple, but it does its job.
- At times use a single AirPods
It may help if you use a single AirPod rather than both. You need to switch between the ears as it relieves each ear from the constant noise. This method, combined with minimal usage, is very good.
- Spend a day off from your devices
Unplug from electricity for a day if you are sensitive to Electromagnetic frequency (EMF) radiation from your gadgets. To do this isn’t a must; you place aluminum foils on the walls, but just go out for a nature walk with your phone off.
Is wearing AirPods Harmful?
No evidence has been received that Bluetooth radiation to humans is harmful. ”Exposure to Bluetooth radiations while using AirPods is generally harmless to humans,” this is according to Food and Drug Administration(FDA).
The other side effects that you may encounter are temporary. Some customers are more sensitive to EMF. However, apart from EMF, other additional factors may change the pending side effects:
- How deep do you place the AirPods inside your ear
- The period you use the AirPods for a one session
- Your general health when using AirPods
- Environmental issues like temperature
Professionals have suggested that placing AirPods deep in the ear canal may cause cancer. “The non-ionizing EMF in the AirPods audio-frequency range are possible carcinogens,” International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
IARC, part of the World Health Organization (WHO), mentioned that AirPods are cancer contributors. For instance, using such gadgets can contribute to glioma, a type of brain cancer.
How to Get Rid of a Headache
If by any chance you’re experiencing a headache from using the AirPods. Then prevention tips can’t be of any help at this time. To get rid of the pain, then you may need to do the following:
- Painkiller: The use of aspirin sorts the headache almost immediately. Take the painkiller with a glass of water, which may work for approximately 30 minutes. However, ensure you read the safety information.
- Nap: A short nap is advisable as it helps relieve a headache for many people. Such kind of a nap during the afternoon is a good recommendation. However, don’t use your AirPods while taking a nap.
- Warm Shower: A warm shower is ideal as it allows the blood to flow well while at the same time relieving nerve tension in the head.
- Head Massage: Head massages are good for relaxing your head and are simple to perform. You simply use two fingers to rub the temples on your head circularly.
- Get Some Fresh Air: Going for a nature walk may be one of the best decisions to make if you have a headache. This walk is beneficial as it doesn’t only keep your mind busy but also allows oxygen intake.
Hearing Harm and Headache
AirPods are safe when you’re listening to them at low noise levels. Listening to AirPods to drown out sounds from the surroundings means you’re using high volume. After some time, the AirPods may cause hearing issues that may escalate and cause you headaches.
At extreme levels, you may even lose hearing from wearing AirPods for a long. Once it occurs, repair isn’t possible. After some time, regular AirPod usage may make you unaware of how long you put them and on and for what time. This long period eventually leads to complications while you’re still unaware.
AirPod Alternatives
If none of the solutions work for you, you may need to consider getting a replacement for the AirPods. The other headphone types work similarly to the AirPods and might be comfortable.
- Traditional padded headphones
Padded headphones are attached using a wire, and the listening experience is similar to those of the AirPods. Their advantage is that they may produce more comfort in comparison to AirPods.
- Noise-canceling headphones
These headphone types need some getting used to. They make a pressurized feeling inside the ears and are ideal for blocking background noise. These headphones are a pain-free method of blocking noise compared to AirPods.
Final Thoughts
When you AirPods correctly, they aren’t supposed to cause problems for you. However, if you get constant headaches, you need to consider alternatives for the AirPods.
You must understand that your hearing is important and must be carefully taken care of. Treat your ears well, as they are precious to you. Consider purchasing the AirPods that fit your needs perfectly.
Integraudio is an audio blog made specifically for musicians and those seeking audio knowledge.