Pet peeve - earbud pads falling off

[bcla]

You know - the new kind with the more or less universal-fit silicone tips that form a seal. I've got a couple of them and I'm losing the tips on a semi-regular basis because they're not terribly secure. I saw some replacement ones at a store, but only in packs with 3 pairs in different sizes when I really only want large and don't particularly want clear ones. I did find a source on eBay for 10 pair for $2.

I'm wondering why they didn't think enough to design these things to be on tighter.

 

[7165red]

You know - the new kind with the more or less universal-fit silicone tips that form a seal. I've got a couple of them and I'm losing the tips on a semi-regular basis because they're not terribly secure. I saw some replacement ones at a store, but only in packs with 3 pairs in different sizes when I really only want large and don't particularly want clear ones. I did find a source on eBay for 10 pair for $2.

I'm wondering why they didn't think enough to design these things to be on tighter.

It drives me crazy too.

 

[lovesmurfs]

Been there, tried that, returned to my hard Sony ones.

 

[bcla]

Been there, tried that, returned to my hard Sony ones.

I've got those. In fact I've had several over the years in different colors. Eventually something happens. I've had the shell fall apart and all that's left is a mess of wires and the driver. My current one works, but the shell is noticeably cracked, and my kid one day decided to turn the cable into a chew toy. It still works, although I see exposed wire. Actually it's plastic coated (one is colored) to keep the wires from shorting, even though it sort of looks like bare wire.

The other thing with earbuds like those is that they leak sound more than the new kind with silicone buds.

 

[Sadie22]

I'm wondering why they didn't think enough to design these things to be on tighter.

Hearing and ear health.

 

[bcla]

Hearing and ear health.

I was thinking a tighter fit between the base and the "bud" flange. They tend to be kind of loose so that they're easier to replace, but that also means they're loose enough for the tips to pop out. In fact, I'm guessing that accidentally popping out is more of a threat to ear health. That this is somewhat loose against the flange doesn't affect how well it seals or how loud it is. These actually seal considerably tighter than previous generation earbuds with a plastic shell and/or foam cover.

This is what it looks like. The photo is actually from someone with a DIY for making one seal better with an earplug. Now that doesn't sound very good for one's hearing.