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Original poster

Anyone else find in-ear headphones really painful?!

55 replies

AutumnBrooke · 26/05/2021 22:09

This might sound weird but I think I must have small or sensitive ear canals as I find wearing any headphones/earphones that you put in your ears really painful and they also fall out! I find the same with earplugs, foam or silicone, I find it really painful to have them in for any longer than a few minutes.

The pain/discomfort continues even once the earphones/earplugs are out. I've had my ears checked recently at the GP (because of dizziness) and no wax or infection issues. I've also always had this since I was a child.

Am I just weird or is this a thing? And are there earphones out there made for small/sensitive ears?

OP posts:
MrsFezziwig · 26/05/2021 22:52

I think if the earphones fall out, you have large ear canals?

I see the logic but mine just don’t seem to go in far enough to stay in, ditto with earplugs.

Smokeahontas · 26/05/2021 22:53

Yes, they’d make my ears feel bruised. I did wear proper in ear buds but bought a decent pair of over ear Sony’s. I love them!

MrsFezziwig · 26/05/2021 22:57

@FrangipaniBlue

Same, that's why I switch to nine conductor headphones and they're a revelation!
I guess the only problem with bone conduction ones would be that you would hear external noise - I know that’s an advantage in some situations but at my gym I would be competing with their own music.

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General health
SkankingMopoke · 26/05/2021 22:57

They hurt me too, although I have a very low tolerance of any uncomfortable clothing/accessories. I can tolerate giant ear-cupping headphones for a while, but even those start to irritate after a bit.

DipSwimSwoosh · 26/05/2021 23:01

I don't use any headphones ever. I don't know how people put up with them.

TomRipley · 26/05/2021 23:01

I have it OP. Tiny ear holes so even the smallest ear buds don't fit. They hurt and fall out.

I run and I like to listen to something when I'm falling asleep too so it's been annoying. That is until my husband bought me an amazing gift!
Bluetooth headband!

It's like a stretchy headband that keeps your hair out your face but with speakers inside. Great for what I need headphones for but would maybe look a bit stupid on the work commute!

Wegobshite · 26/05/2021 23:05

I wear aftershockz headphones bone conduction
I’ve had mine 2 years now and they are still as good as new
The sound quality is amazing and they don’t move one bit jogging jumping up and down they are the only headphones that don’t have to keep adjusting

Wegobshite · 26/05/2021 23:06

Oh and I can’t hear anything when I wear mine

Shortbreadbrokemytooth · 26/05/2021 23:55

I assumed that in-ear headphones were uncomfortable because of my hearing aids, but it seems other people find them painful too!

callmemaybee · 27/05/2021 00:22

Can we clarify which earphones you’re using though?

You can get earphones with silicone tips eg AirPod pro, which you can switch out to get a perfect fit. Could that work?

FaceyRomford · 27/05/2021 01:14

Yes. Hate the damn things and won't use them.

paralysedbyinertia · 27/05/2021 01:29

Yeah, I always had that problem. The pain was excruciating. Then I bought some powerbeats pro earbuds on the recommendation of a family member who previously had the same problem, and I bloody love them! Super comfy, to the point that I occasionally forget that I have them in. They have changed my life!Grin

Caramelsmadfuzzytail · 27/05/2021 01:50

I have problems with in ear and over ear headphones. My ear buds have the smallest silicone thingy, but after about 1/2 hour my ears hurt. My over ear headphones are fine for longer but only if the tops of my ears are in the oval bit.
The best headphones I had were ancient ones that my dad had in the 80's, they basically rested on the side of your head and your ears were completely encased.

FictionalCharacter · 27/05/2021 04:00

@wingsnthat

I think if the earphones fall out, you have large ear canals?

Regardless though, if you power through the pain it won’t hurt after a few days! It’s like breaking shoes in

Not in my case, I have very narrow (and bent) ear canals, and earbuds fall out because they were never properly in!
TheBullfinch · 27/05/2021 07:17

Yes! So uncomfortable and often painful after a while too, even with silicone cups. I have the falling out issue too - they just dont seen to go in far enough.

However, I recently picked up some cheap wireless ones in the supermarket after my last pair died and they've been better. They're by JLAB and they have suction cups AND little rubber 'wings' which fit in the fold of your ear, next to the ear canal, acting as a sort of anchor. Theyve not fallen out since I got them 3 months ago.

I've also used earbuds with a hook over the ear for sport but they were fiddly to put on.

My ears arent small but they do seem shallow & less fleshy compared to other people's.

BogRollBOGOF · 27/05/2021 07:30

I use After Shokz (bone conductors) that sit over my ears. That's an advantage for running, but I use them more generally too because they're very comfortable.

My ears are too small for in ear, I can't get them in easily, even with the smallest size and they either get sore quickly or pop out. A few years back when there was less choice around, the wire dangling by your cheeks was also really irritating.

EdgeOfACoin · 27/05/2021 07:36

From what I understand, earphones are designed for men, with men's ears as the default model.

Women's ears are not only usually smaller but often slightly differently shaped, so a lot of the time they are uncomfortable even if you use the smaller versions.

I've never found earphones to be especially comfortable and they fall out a lot.

TheBullfinch · 27/05/2021 07:36

The jlab ones have a wire between the buds but I just put it around the back of my head instead of the front (long hair hides it).

Eve · 27/05/2021 07:40

Yes, really painful , apple especially.

I did at 1 point find a pair with memory foam buds that were bearable for any length of time.

Rupertpenrysmistress · 27/05/2021 07:41

I have the ones twozerotwozero is recommending. I love them. I use head phones alot and run with these. These are so comfortable. I had problems keeping the earbuds in my ears to and I found they made my ears really sore.

Leonardsgirl · 27/05/2021 09:12

I have AirPods and they don't hurt but they fall out all the time. Great when sitting still, but useless for walking or running.

Original poster
AutumnBrooke · 27/05/2021 14:36

This is so interesting, I genuinely thought I was the only one. I do wonder if they, as with most things, are designed for men's ears. Someone could make a lot of money designing comfortable earphones for small ears!

I will try some of the suggestions above but worried this could get expensive...

Love the headband idea but would look a bit odd walking through town. Perfect at home though.

OP posts:
Wegobshite · 28/05/2021 15:33

My ears are really small 😂
aftershockz - bone conductor are the only ones that I can wear and they don’t bother me - they are really good for small ears 😂
Anything else either falls out or irritates me

MarmaladeToastAndAMarmaladeCat · 28/05/2021 17:17

I have this too which is incredibly annoying as my husband is a very loud snorer and I can’t tolerate earplugs at all.

Montalbanosono · 28/05/2021 17:22

From what I understand, earphones are designed for men, with men's ears as the default model.

I think this is true. I find them really uncomfy. Big headphones are uncomfy too though so maybe I have sensitive ears. What I really want are those small foam headphones that I had with my Sony Walkman circa 1985. Ah! So comfy!