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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!

OP posts:
petalsandstars · 02/03/2021 19:47

I love my aftershokz trekz titanium. They don’t slip about and sit outside the ear so don’t hurt my ears. Also no wires as they’re Bluetooth which is also fab.

RavingAnnie · 02/03/2021 19:46

I have tiny ears and sennheisers used to be fine for my ears too.

Old style apple headphones would constantly fall out but I have the AirPods Pro (which are bloody amazing btw) now and they have three different sized fittings and they very comfortably and firmly stay in my ears. Better that the sennheisers.

When the world reopens you should be able to try them on in an Apple store. If not I think they still do open box returns if you wanted to try.

I think the new AirPods (not pro) are the same fit i believe. But don't have the amazing noise cancelling. I could never hear anything through the normal AirPods with any background noise and had to have the volume up too loud which as I have tinnitus I wasn't comfortable with.

Or explore/try over the ear headphones. Lots of people run with them.

CMOTDibbler · 02/03/2021 19:46

I have Aftershokz bone conducting headphones as I have problems keeping headphones in. I don't think having a small head would be a problem

Inaquandry19 · 02/03/2021 19:45

Aftershokz are great. You get mini ones for small heads.

AuntieStella · 02/03/2021 19:44

The 'other sort' are bone conducting ones which do not sit inside your eat at all.

They're also the safest, as you can still hear what is going on around you.

Leading brand is Aftershokz - I wouldn't be without mine!

SatsumasOrClementines · 02/03/2021 19:38

I use a Bluetooth headband. It has big flat, soft disk speakers. A bit spongy. And you can move them about a bit to put them in the best place.

In the height of summer it might be a bit hot though.

Makegoodchoices · 02/03/2021 19:36

I’ve got a headband with headphones inside - looks a bit stupid but works fine.

cunexttime · 02/03/2021 19:29

Do they need to be in ear? I see plenty of runners with the other sort of headphones, whatever you call them.

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