Some people find earbuds, the small headphones designed to fit directly into the ear, much more comfortable than traditional foam-covered headphones. If you're struggling to figure out how to use earbuds, continue reading this guide for tips that may help.
Introduction
- Especially since iPods, each of which comes with its own set of Apple earbuds, became the most popular portable music players, earbud headphones have become much more common. Many people find these headphones much more comfortable than traditional headphones, which can slip off the ear or head. Because they are smaller, earbuds can be much more easily tucked into a small purse or carrying case. Higher-end earbuds are designed to block out external noise and deliver a full range of clear sound into the wearer's ear.
Step 1: Connect Your Earbuds
Earbuds connect to MP3 players, portable CD players iPods, cell phones, computers and other media players just like regular headphones do. Just locate the headphone jack and then plug your earbuds directly into it.
Step 2: Place Your Earbuds
- The earbuds should be placed in the outer ear canal, beneath the tragus, the flap of skin that partially covers the ear canal. Most earbuds are designed to fit into either the right or left ear, so look for the "L" or "R" on each bud to ensure you are placing it in the correct ear. To avoid damaging your ears, do not force the earbuds into the ear or jam them in too tight. The earbuds should fit comfortably beneath the tragus and should not fall out easily. If you find the earbuds painful or especially difficult to insert, do not use them. Earbuds are meant to fit most ears, but people who have unusually small ears may not be able to comfortably wear this headphone style.
Earbud Alternatives
- The popularity of earbuds has led to the development of improved earbuds, including variations on the original style. For example, in late 2008, Apple introduced their improved in-ear headphones, which are sold with three different sizes of silicone ear tips that can be affixed to the earbuds to create a more comfortable fit. Many earbuds are now sold with similar varying sizes of tips that allow users, especially those with larger or smaller ears, to customize the way their headphones fit. You can also buy earbuds that have an attachment that curves over the top of the ear, which helps prevent them from falling out. If you have tried both these options and still find that your earbuds are uncomfortable or constantly fall out, you may be stuck using traditional or DJ-style headphones.
Conclusion
Many people enjoy earbud headphones for their improved comfort and portability. Although they are intended to fit everyone, some people's ears may just be too small or large to comfortably wear earbuds. If you find your earbuds uncomfortable, consider buying a higher-end set of earbuds that include several sizes of ear tips, so you can customize the buds to fit your ears.
