Earbuds can send electrical (static) shock to your ears in certain situations, according to the company

May 19, 2009 12:41 GMT  ·  By

Apple has posted a support document online signaling that it is possible to receive a small and quick electrical (static) shock from your earbuds while listening to your iPod or iPhone. The company stresses that this issue is similar to “dragging your feet across a carpet and receiving a static shock by touching a door knob,” and that it is not limited to Apple hardware.

After noting that affected products include not just Apple's iPods and their respective accessories, but also the iPhone and the accessories that go with it, readers can skim through these portions of the support piece in question (Apple Earbuds and static electricity) available below.

Symptoms

It's possible to receive a small and quick electrical (static) shock from your earbuds while listening to iPod or iPhone.

Products Affected

iPhone Accessories, iPod, iPhone, iPod Accessories.

Resolution

What is happening?

When using headphones in areas where the air is very dry, it is easy to build up static electricity and possible for your ear to receive a small electrostatic discharge from the headphones. Receiving a static shock from a pair of earbuds does not necessarily indicate an issue with the iPod, iPhone, or earbuds.

This condition is very similar to dragging your feet across a carpet and receiving a static shock by touching a door knob. However, instead of the static charge building up on your body, the charge builds up on the device that the earbuds are connected to. Likewise, instead of the static buildup discharging through your finger when you touch a door knob, it discharges through the earbuds.

Note: This condition is not limited to Apple hardware and static can potentially build up on almost any hardware and could be discharged using any brand of earbuds.

Why?

Apple goes to explain that static electricity builds up on iPods because of the environment that it is used in. According to the Mac maker, “Certain environments and actions can encourage static electricity buildup.” Those environments and situations include: very low humidity, dry environments (conducive for static buildup); very windy environments (conducive for static buildup); taking your device in and out of your pocket (can create a static charge); jogging or exercising with your device (can cause a static charge).

As most people know, clothes made with synthetic fibers (e.g. nylon) are particularly susceptible to becoming charged with static electricity.

“To minimize the risks of electrostatic discharge from the headphones, avoid using the headphones in extremely dry environments or touch a grounded unpainted metal object before inserting the headphones,” Apple adds. “Static electricity can be controlled by a number of different methods,” the document reads.

Resolutions

Indoors, users can try raising the moisture level in the air of the local environment by using a portable humidifier or adjusting the humidity control on their air conditioner, Apple advises. The company also points out to anti-static sprays as a means of protection. These can be sprayed into the air to reduce static. There's even an anti-static hand lotion that users with dry hands may find appropriate to use.

We can't help but point out to a rather hilarious resolution to the issue, according to which one should “try wearing different clothes.” Apple actually advises users to “try clothes with natural fibers since synthetic fibers are more likely to hold a static charge.” Not a bad advice, if you ask us (not just to prevent static buildup), but still...

Finally, those not wanting to experience electrical (static) shock outdoors should try to keep their device out of the wind by using a case, the knowledge base article reveals towards the end. Alternately, try leaving it in your bag or pocket, Apple advises. However, the same support piece says, “Avoid removing your device from your pockets frequently, as rubbing the device on certain materials can cause a static build up.” There's no real escape from this, is there Apple?

So, dear reader, has your iPod “shocked” you lately?