Are IEMs and Earbuds Hurting Your Ears? Our Hacks for a Comfortable Fit
TL;DR: Finding comfortable IEMs and earbuds can be challenging due to issues like poor fit, material sensitivities, and extended wear. This guide offers practical tips and product recommendations to eliminate ear pain and enhance your listening experience.
- Causes of Discomfort: Poor fit, material sensitivities, earwax buildup, and extended wear.
- Hacks for Comfort: Choose the right ear tips (silicone, foam, custom). Adjust insertion techniques for better fit. Opt for ergonomic or custom-fit designs.
- Maintenance Tips: Clean earbuds and ears regularly, store them properly, and take breaks during extended use.
- Top Picks for Comfort: Recommended earbuds range from sub-$1K to high-end options like custom IEMs.
We've all been there. You're jamming out to your favorite songs or lost in an immersive podcast, and then it hits you – that annoying ache in your ear. What started as a pleasant listening session turns into a battle against discomfort.
IEMs (in-ear monitors) and earbuds have changed how we enjoy audio on the go. They offer both incredible sound quality and unmatched portability. But let's face it: finding the most comfortable IEMs or earbuds can feel like an endless quest.
This guide will help you tackle ear pain and find the most comfortable IEMs for your listening experience. We’ll break down why earbuds often cause discomfort and explore the key factors that contribute to it. Plus, we’ll give you practical tips to find a fit that works for you.
Continue reading to find the best pair of IEMs for your next extended listening or working session.
Why Do Earbuds Hurt My Ears?
The transition from over-the-ear headphones to earbuds may seem fairly recent. However, historical documents suggest that in-ear headphones, or earbuds, have been around since 1926 — or potentially even earlier.
Earbuds were invented for the same reason why audiophiles prefer them today. Even the earliest prototypical earbuds were lighter, less bulky, and more comfortable. They were predominantly used by telephone operators, who wore them for long shifts and needed something they could wear long-term. Anyone who has found themselves in a 10-hour hypnotic mixing and mastering session can relate!
But, despite being designed with comfort in mind, even the lightest, snuggest earbuds can start to hurt. According to audiologists, there are a few reasons why you might be experiencing pain. We’ll discuss those reasons below.
Poor Fit
Did you know that the human ear canal is almost as unique as the human fingerprint? Each ear canal has a unique shape, size, and anatomy.
We don’t all wear the same shoe size, hat size, or size for any clothing or accessory, so it would be odd to expect earbuds to be universal. However, most off-the-shelf earbuds and IEMs do come in standard sizes. Alternatively, many come with removable ear tips in a range of different sizes.
Just like wearing the wrong shoes can cause pain, rubbing, and blisters, wearing the wrong-sized earbuds can cause pain. You might experience pressure points if your earbuds or ear tips are the wrong shape.
If your IEMs or earbuds are painful, it may be a size or shape issue. You may need to try several types of tips before landing on earbuds that don't hurt your ears.
Material Issues
When you insert earbuds or IEMs, you willingly place a foreign object into your ear canal. The skin inside is delicate and may be more prone to inflammation or irritation.
If you have sensitive skin, you likely have sensitive ear canals, too. That can lead to painful conditions such as dermatitis, which may even trigger ear infections. If you experience inflammation, refrain from using your earbuds or IEMs and see a doctor for treatment.
Likewise, you may find you’re allergic to certain ear tip materials. For example, if IEM silicone tips are hurting your ears, you may have a silicone sensitivity. The most common symptoms are itching, redness, and irritation. A doctor can perform testing to determine if this is the cause of your pain and discomfort.
If you suspect earbud materials are causing discomfort, seek out tips made from foam or medical-grade silicone. An audiologist may be able to help.
Cleanliness/Earwax Buildup
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is key to protecting your ears. Its job is to trap dust, dirt, bacteria, and small foreign objects to prevent them from entering your ear canal. It also absorbs dead skin cells and other debris within your ear.
Remember when we said that your body considers earbuds and IEMs foreign objects? Frequent use of earbuds can trigger excessive ear wax production in some individuals. While you need some earwax, too much earwax can cause pain, infections, discharge, and hearing changes.
Furthermore, inserting earbuds or IEMs can push existing earwax deeper into the ear canal. That can cause pain, too. Since earwax is loaded with bacteria and debris, it can also cause painful infections.
We recommend cleaning both your ears and earbuds regularly to prevent this type of pain.
Extended Wear
One of the simplest causes of earbud-related pain is extended wear. The most common symptom is fatigue and discomfort from prolonged use.
According to recent survey data, casual headphone users use their headphones 7.8 hours each week. For audiophiles, that figure might look more like 7.8 hours per day, if not longer. Thus, this is a major concern for those who work with audio or consider it their primary hobby.
There are a few reasons why long-term wear can lead to pain:
- Pressure on the sensitive skin of the ear canal.
- Trapped moisture.
- Strain on inner-ear hair cells from extended listening.
- Pressure points from sub-optimal fit.
- General skin irritation.
Most professionals advise audiophiles to take regular breaks from earbud or IEM use. This allows your ears to air out and dry out, reducing moisture and lowering your infection risk. It also eliminates the type of pressure that causes pain. In the long run, it can even help you preserve your hearing.
Hacks for a Comfortable Fit
If you take anything from the above, it should be that fit matters. How do you determine which earbuds or IEM are right for your unique ears? We’ve compiled a few hacks based on our years and years of experience with this audiophile tech. Learn how the pros make IEMs more comfortable below.
Choose the Right Ear Tips
Many audiophile-grade earbuds and IEMs come with a range of ear tips. However, you can buy tips in a range of sizes and materials to best suit your needs.
Types of ear tips include:
- Double flange silicone tips.
- Triple flange silicone tips.
- Wingtip silicone tips.
- Foam ear tips.
- Foam and silicone hybrid tips.
The shape, materials, and features in your ear tips can make a major difference in the audio quality, too. In fact, some manufacturers make ear tips designed for certain genres or functions. If you struggle with wax, you can even buy ear tips with a wax guard.
We recommend trying several different types to learn what works best for you.
Adjusting Insertion Techniques
If earbuds hurt your ears, it’s possible you’re inserting them incorrectly. A slight change in how you insert IEMs or earbuds can transform your comfort level. Follow the steps below and see if it makes a difference:
- Pull the top of your ear up and back to open up the ear canal.
- Insert the earbud or IEM at a slight angle to align with your ear canal’s natural curve.
- Push gently until you feel it seal, but not to the point of uncomfortable pressure.
- Slightly rotate the earbud until it’s comfortable.
If this doesn’t work, you may need to experiment with different ear tips. If your earbuds come with multiple ear tips, you may wish to try them all to determine the best fit.
Selecting Ergonomic Designs
High-end, audiophile-grade headphones and IEMs are often designed with comfort in mind. Audio manufacturers are aware that dedicated listeners spend many hours per day wearing earbuds and monitors. Thus, look for features like angled nozzles and flexible ear hooks. These ergonomic design elements can enhance comfort and extend the length of wear.
Consider Custom IEM Molds
Our #1 hack for those who want a comfortable, snug fit that holds up to extended use is to go custom.
IEMs typically come in two types: universal fit and custom fit. Universal fit IEMs fit a majority of ear canals. However, custom IEMS (CIEMS) are the gold standard for those seeking comfort, noise isolation, and added personalization.
If you opt for CIEMs, you’ll need to visit an audiologist. They’ll create a custom mold of your ear canal. That mold will be used to craft a pair of IEMs that precisely match your inner-ear anatomy. This can be a game-changer for those whose ear canals are asymmetrical, too small for standard ear tips, or otherwise unique.
With CIEMs, you can achieve the perfect seal for audio isolation. More importantly, you’ll experience unmatched comfort. CIEMs eliminate those painful pressure points that are common with universal-fit IEMs or earbuds.
They can also protect your hearing long-term. The level of audio isolation in most IEMs means you can listen at lower volumes.
Furthermore, there is no need for ear tips. Eliminating silicone tips can make them more practical for those with allergies or sensitivities.
Plus, when we say custom, we mean custom. You can add original art or designs to many CIEMs, making them uniquely yours. While they may be more expensive than universal IEMs, most audiophiles consider them a worthwhile investment.
How to Order Custom IEMs
Maintaining Comfort and Hygiene
Once you’ve found the perfect pair, you need to make sure they stay that way! A few simple lifestyle changes can ensure you maintain comfort for years to come.
Regular Cleaning
Make a habit of cleaning both your ears and your earbuds or IEMs regularly. Earwax buildup can cause pain and lead to ear infections. More motivating for audiophiles, earwax buildup can degrade audio quality, creating a subpar listening experience.
Here are a few tips for cleaning earbuds or IEMs without damaging them:
- Never submerge earbuds, IEMS, or electronic components.
- Start with a clean microfiber cloth or a dry cotton swab.
- Consider using canned air before introducing invasive tools like toothpicks.
- For stubborn earwax, a dry toothbrush or pipe cleaner can help.
Dedicated electronic cleaning tools are always better than jury-rigged materials. If you’re nervous, many electronics stores and repair shops will professionally clean earbuds for a fee. While it costs a little more upfront, it can save you from costly damage.
Proper Storage
Always store earbuds and IEMs in a dedicated storage case. If possible, avoid extreme temperatures. High and low temperatures can both alter the form and integrity of materials. This can subtly change the shape (and comfort level) of your technology over time.
Listening Habits
As discussed, be sure to take regular breaks during long listening sessions. Give your ear canals a chance to air out, reducing moisture and infection risk. Be conscious of volume levels and the effect they can have on your hearing over time.
The bottom line is to be mindful of how long and how loud you’re listening. Your ears will thank you.
Earbuds that DON’T Hurt Your Ears: Our Top Picks for Comfort
So, what’s the most comfortable IEM or earbud out there? Naturally, they’re those made with the audiophile in mind. Our favorites are ergonomically advanced, made of comfortable materials, and suit a range of ear canals.
Sub-$1K:
- Sennheiser IE600 Earphones. Ideal for those with smaller, hard-to-fit ear canals.
- Meze Audio ALBA Dynamic Driver IEMs. Incredibly easy to drive with that traditional earbud look and fit.
$1,000 - $2,000:
- 64 Audio U6t In-Ear Monitors. Include a vent that releases air pressure, making them comfortable for long-haul listening.
- 64 Audio Solo In-Ear Monitors. Ergonomically-shaped shell design and lightweight build suits a wide range of ear shapes.
$2,000+ - Reference-Grade:
- Empire Ears RAVEN Universal IEMs. Feature a sleek, lightweight chassis that transmits sound through bone conduction.
- Campfire Audio Trifecta IEMs. Individually vented drivers for reduced listener fatigue.
Your search for the most comfortable IEM stops here. Find high-quality earphones and IEMs at Moon Audio. Compare type and fit, and even find custom IEM options. Shop now!
