Having failed to actually find anybody advertising specifically nickel-free earbuds I looked for some inexpensive ones which were likely to be nickel-free. I chose the plastic Sony MDR-EX10’s. I picked the white ones figuring that they won’t have any metal in the paint given it’s not a metallic color.
I found a lot to like about these headphones – the sound quality is good and the provided soft cups fit my ears well, block out a lot of background noise and give good bass.
But are they nickel free? Turns out they are. Even the metal 2.5mm connector is – I scraped it in case there was some coating to wear away and expose nickel later. The plug tested negative (i.e. no nickel).
So there’s a recommendation for earbuds.
If you’re looking for full size headphones then Marshall’s specifically state that their headphones are made with nickel-free metals. These are much pricier than the Sony pair I bought; they sell earbuds and headphones.
The Sony MDR-EX10’s are available from Amazon.
Marshall’s headphones and earbuds are available from marshallheadphones.com
Many thanks for this info. It suddenly occurred to me this might be my problem too, as I am sensitive to nickel. I have ordered some Sony ear buds!
Any info on EarBuds with a mic, for use with my phone? Talking on my phone is just about the worst thing for my nickel allergy, and i’m thinking nickel free earbuds are the answer.
THANKD
Chad: Sony has the plastic MDR-EX15 with a mic and one button. Otherwise they look similar to the MDR-EX10 pictured here.
Can you get them in England
Leda Stephens PO Box 2683 Brookings, Oregon 97415 dlyardcare@charter.net.
I itch so bad, that it bleeds, and takes awhile to heal. I cannot listen to the phone, as my ears start popping to the point that it hurts. HELP???
Is there a class action suit for this and the cheap metal allergic reaction (severe hives) inside my ear canals? It is so painful. I paid money to go to the doctor and get ear antibiotic drops. I missed work. My life is disrupted with the pain and lack of proper hearing in both of my ears. This is not my fault… why would I do this to myself. There is no warning on anything from Apple stating the ear buds are not hypoallergenic. I called Apple and they said to just discontinue using the ear buds. Duh…Already done and never using again! I have had a sever cheap metal allergy all my life. If I had known they were made of cheap metal, I would never have used them. You would think Apple would care about their customers and their reputation for quality products. It seems they don’t.