Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Figure out the problem with the fit of your earbuds
• Method 2 of 2: Buy well-fitting earplugs
• Warnings

Earplugs / earphones are a convenient way to listen to music and other media while on the go, exercising, or simply when you don't want to disturb others around you. Less useful is the effort you have to make to keep the earplugs in your ears. Ears come in different sizes, of course, and you may have to buy new ear tips to get the right fit. Before investing in a new pair, however, there are a few tricks you can try to keep the earbuds you already own in your ears.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Figure out the problem with the fit of your earbuds

1. Hang the string over your ears. Instead of inserting your earplugs so that the cords hang directly from your ear canal, "upside down" in your ears, and hang the cords over the backs of your ears.
   • This may feel strange at first if you are not used to it, but it will prevent the earbuds from falling out of your ears every time the cord is pulled even slightly.
2. Put the earplugs firmly in your ears. Earplugs should fit snugly in your ear canal. If your earbuds don't seem to fit comfortably in your ears, you may simply need to insert them more carefully.
   • Gently stretch your earlobe with one hand to open the ear canal while inserting each earbud, then release your earlobe so that your ear cavity surrounds the earbud and makes a good seal.
3. Use the attachments that come with your earplugs. Don't ignore those extra foams or silicone tips that come with your earbuds. Experiment with different sizes to see which one is most comfortable for you. In fact, one of your ears may be slightly larger than the other, and you may want to use two different sizes.
4. Buy special attachments. You can buy accessories for your existing earbuds to customize their fit. These are perfect for improving the fit of those cheap round earbuds that came with your device. A popular choice is Yurbuds; soft rubber inserts that create a cozier fit in the ear. They can even be custom made.
5. Do not clean your ears with cotton swabs. A build-up of ear wax can cause your earplugs to fit poorly and fall out of your ears. Using cotton swabs can actually push the wax against your eardrum, causing a blockage and you may feel discomfort when wearing earplugs. Do not use cotton swabs and see a doctor if you think you have an ear wax blockage.

Method 2 of 2: Buy well-fitting earplugs

1. Choose sports earplugs with ear hooks for sports. If you plan to use earplugs while exercising, normal circular earplugs will not be good enough, no matter how well they fit. Invest in dedicated sports earbuds with features such as ear hooks and head-wrapping straps to ensure you have a safe listening experience while exercising.
   • While earplugs with hooks that go around the back of the ears are a popular choice for athletes, some of these can cause painful friction when worn for extended periods of time. If you encounter this problem, consider well-fitting earbuds with smaller "ear fins" or wireless earbuds as an alternative.
2. Buy sweatproof earplugs for sports. If you wear earplugs during intense exercise sessions or hot weather, sweat can cause your earplugs to fall out. Look for earplugs labeled "sweatproof" if you plan to sweat while wearing them.
3. Buy waterproof earplugs to wear in all weather conditions. If your earplugs can be exposed to water, such as when running or winter sports, choose waterproof earplugs to ensure that the excess moisture does not let your earplugs fall out of your ears.
   • Check for an IP (International Protection) rating on the packaging to make sure your earplugs are certified as sweat or water resistant. Some brands can false advertise this. For example, an IPX4 rating is standard for sweatproof (but not waterproof) sports earplugs.
   • You can even buy earplugs that are safe to use while swimming! These will have a rating of IPX8.
4. Buy wireless earbuds if you have a problem pulling the cord. If your earbuds fall out due to the string being pulled or the string getting stuck to your clothes or other things in your environment, try wireless earbuds. These are often slightly more expensive, but if you often use earplugs, they are a good investment. Today, a variety of wireless earbuds are available.
5. If necessary, buy earplugs made for smaller ears. If you've tried everything but still can't hold your earplugs in your ears, you may just have a very small ear canal. In this case, you may want to buy earplugs made for smaller ears.
   • Women are more likely to have smaller ears, which can prevent earplugs from entering all the way into the ear canal. There are plenty of earplugs on the market that come with extra-small attachments, and there are even many earplugs labeled specifically for women.
   • Some people do not have cartilage on the areas in the ears that usually surround earplugs. This is sometimes referred to as Ear Cartilage Deficiency Syndrome (ECDS). If you have always found it difficult to wear earplugs, you may want to examine your ears for this characteristic and buy earplugs with extra support, such as earplugs with ear hooks.

Warnings

• Do not listen to high volumes through your earbuds for extended periods of time. Regardless of the fit and quality of your earplugs, overuse can lead to hearing damage and accelerated hearing loss over time.