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Original poster

Running headphones for audiobooks/podcasts - with small ears!

33 replies

GravityFalls · 02/03/2021 18:51

Ok, I like to run but I will admit the main thing that always stops me going more often is that I have a perennial headphone issue I have never solved. I have very small ears and every type of earphone just falls out. I can’t imagine ever using AirPods as apple earbuds are so ridiculously a different shape to my ears! The only type that has ever worked at all are Sennheiser in-ear ones with rubber seals. I have to use the smallest size and they get gunked up with earwax after a while and stop working. They’re about £25 a pair so not cheap to keep replacing. I’ve tried other in-ear ones with rubber tops but they’re not great. Ones that hook over aren’t good either as my actual ear is so small they don’t fit snugly and eventually the ear bit pulls out.

I’ve heard the bone conduction ones are good but I’m worried they’ll be too big (my head is obviously also on the small side) and reviews says they’re not good for speech - I primarily listen to podcasts and audiobooks even when running so that’s important to me.

I’ve just come back from another irritating run where I have to spend almost the whole thing feeling my earphones sliding out, stopping to put them back in, fiddling with them while running, and if I could just find a decent solution I’d be very happy!

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MsMartini · 16/03/2021 23:12

@Gerla, no, I forget I've got them on. I'm sure Aftershokz are better quality though, but I lose and break things!

Jemenfouscompletement · 16/03/2021 21:19

Another vote for Aftershokz trekz. I only listen to podcasts and audiobooks when running and cycling and they are excellent, nice that it doesn't cut out all the external. Oise too, I like hearting the birds singing too

Original poster
GravityFalls · 16/03/2021 21:17

I don’t know if the regular size are adjustable- the mini aren’t. They are hard to find though! Amazon had some, I bought mine as an ex-demo set on eBay. No box but good as new and £15 cheaper.

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elizabethdraper · 16/03/2021 21:17

Aftershocks have changed my life
I have tiny ears, buds dont fit and headphone hurt my ears

These use bone to transmit sound. No ears involved Grin

Squiz81 · 16/03/2021 21:15

I got the AfterShokz trekz as I had the same issues with headphones not staying in my ears. They are so much more comfortable, I’d definitely recommend them.

Gerla · 16/03/2021 17:56

Thanks but aren't they a bit heavy for running? I guess I really wanted some lightweight foam headphones - like the ones I had on my Sony Walkman circa 1985. Grin

MsMartini · 16/03/2021 17:53

@Gerla, do you mean something like this www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07HGG85HL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?psc=1?&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&ie=UTF8

I've found these great - they connect reliably and quickly, I forget I've got them on, recharge fast. Disclaimer: I have cloth ears and listen to audiobooks not music.

Gerla · 16/03/2021 16:16

Thanks for the update Gravity Falls as I was going to post something similar. I can't find the mini size though - are they adjustable? Also if anyone has any recommendations for over the ear soft headphones for running I would love to hear them! Thanks.

Original poster
GravityFalls · 12/03/2021 21:23

I feel so flipping liberated in them! It’s great being able to hear traffic (I run down country roads where the paths are full of dog walkers who never move, so all the runner go on the the road - there’s not a lot of traffic but it’s good to be able to move in good time when a car comes) and not having any wires is just amazing. I know I’m behind the times on this but it’s so great!

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BogRollBOGOF · 11/03/2021 20:36

I love my titanium minis.
I had a regular size pair (DH bought them and didn't realise that there was a mini) but they got a bit stressed in the winter being manipulated around hats/ buffs/ hoods and they got a crack and lost the tension after a couple of years. They still function though. So I bought the minis and they have been even better to use over the winter.

vanillavelvet · 11/03/2021 19:43

The aftershokz titanium mini are what I have. I also have a small head. They work well for me.

Buckingafout · 11/03/2021 19:40

I adore my aftershocks bone conduction thingies!

Original poster
GravityFalls · 11/03/2021 19:39

Update in case anyone searches this in future and wants to know - I did buy them and used them today for the first time, and they’re great!

The mini are the right size for me and the sound was brilliant, much better than my ill-fitting in-ear old headphones. I got a ex-demo pair from EBay so they were cheaper too!

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Original poster
GravityFalls · 03/03/2021 07:13

Thanks all, I’m going to look at the Aftershokz Titanium Mini I think - sounds like they’re what I’m searching for!

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BikeRunSki · 02/03/2021 22:37

Earbuds don’t work for me either, but I love my Aftershockz. I run listening to speech radio/podcasts fine. There’s a kids size too if you are worried about the size of your head.

MsMartini · 02/03/2021 22:32

I have the same problem, OP. I now wear the over-ear headphones and they work fine - I forget I've got them on when running. Tried endless earphones, hooks, none of them came anywhere close to working for me.

Gordonsgrin · 02/03/2021 22:27

I have the same problem @GravityFalls, v small ear “holes”, I am currently using aftershocks and I love them but I listen to music not podcasts. I do have an issue that the band is too big for my head but they sort of balance accross the back of my head ok, or I put them more over the top of my head.
I have had good success with small on the ear, more old style headphones too, one brand was sold on Amazon as Marathon.

tizwozliz · 02/03/2021 22:08

I got some Anker spirit dot earphones recently for running. Pleased with them, the reviews specifically mentioned smaller fit and they came with a variety of different fittings. I wore them with a headband initially, but ditched that once I was sure they weren't going anywhere.

NotMeNoNo · 02/03/2021 20:17

The small size aftershocks fit me fine, I have a small head and short hair. I listen to Radio 4 whilst "running", no problems. I had the same problems with all the earbuds/hook type ones falling out.

Enb76 · 02/03/2021 20:15

I have over ear things, they go round the back of your head. I can listen to audiobooks really easily on them anywhere but in high traffic areas. When running I have music and Zombie Run and never have any issues with hearing the story. Pretty cheap from Amazon.

TheBitchOfTheVicar · 02/03/2021 20:14

I only listen to books and podcasts while running with aftershokz and they are brilliant

ZarkingBell · 02/03/2021 20:10

Aftershokz are great. Have a look on the website - some are better for smaller heads.

It's quiet where I walk so I can't comment on the noise. But fine for me.

And GREAT for working from home. You can mute and go to the loo/make coffee during a meeting and nobody can tell.

Original poster
GravityFalls · 02/03/2021 20:05

I’m not sure about the headband ones as when I run with a headband to hold my hair back it just slides off my hair and pings off!

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Original poster
GravityFalls · 02/03/2021 20:04

Are the Aftershokz any good with podcasts/audiobooks though? I very rarely listen to music and some reviews say it was hard to hear speech over the outside noise.

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Doyoumind · 02/03/2021 19:47

I use over ear ones - with a hook that goes round the top of your ear. Keeps them in the right place and they're comfy.