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Headphones shocked my ears all the time

I was constantly being shocked through my ears when I used these. I was told that it was a normal issue related to the metal drivers. This wasn't walking with socks on carpet, it was just using them with shoes walking around outside, and it happened pretty damn frequently and was very uncomfortable. I eventually just stopped using them.

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goodspellar

goodspellar

That is very weird, they never did that to me. Have you gone to an Apple Store and told them about the issue, I'm sure they would have replaced them on the spot.
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rlaskey

rlaskey

Yarp, I had this problem. When I bought them there was a small tear in the cord, which I figured was only cosmetic.. but after getting a couple really good shocks, I took them back to the Apple store and they gave me a new pair. The non-torn cord new pair are much better, no shocks or pain. It really freakin' hurt, though, and it wasn't possible to know when it was going to happen.
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justinried

justinried

The shocks happen to me, too, depending on the circumstances. I usually go running on a treadmill and - believe it or not - the type of shoes I wear has a big impact on whether or not I get shocked.

There seems to be a build up of static energy discharging between the metal frame of the driver and the ear. It's painful and, just like rlaskey said, there's no way to predict when it's going to happen.

And in case anyone's wondering, wearing Nike+ shoes on the treadmill causes the earbuds to shock my ears every few seconds. Running with Puma Lift shoes on produces no shock at all. Go figure.
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klaw

klaw

I had this problem too. Took 'em to the Apple Store, replaced them.
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ltkwok

ltkwok

I was shocked continuously in my ear when I had the iphone on the treadmill. The shocks went away when I held the phone in my hand. I think it has to do with the wire rubbing back & forth on the mettle of the treadmill.
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klaw

klaw

I'm now on my fourth pair, and just got shocked this morning. In addition, the wire in the 'new version' of the headphones (the ones with the new headphone plug) is incredibly susceptible to twists and kinks. Running my fingers along the length of it, I can feel the interior of the wire twisting against the plastic sheath, which both a) isn't good, and b) sounds a little bit dirty.

I have some bluetooth headsets on my Christmas wishlist. If I get a pair, I'm returning my Apple In-Ear Headphones; if not, I'll give Pair #5 a shot.
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klaw

klaw

Apple KnowledgeBase article on the static shock issue: support.apple.com­/kb­/TS2729
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