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Earbuds are a convenient way to listen to music and other media on the go, while exercising, and when you don't want to disturb those around you. However, you may struggle to keep earbuds from slipping out of your ears over time. As ears come in different sizes, you may need to purchase new earbuds to achieve an appropriate fit. Before you invest in a new pair, there are a few tricks you can try. This wikiHow will show you how to get earbuds to stay in your ears without falling out.
Things You Should Know
- Keep your earbuds and ears clean of oil, earwax, and other buildup.
- Use silicone tip attachments so the earbuds rest firmly in your ear.
- Purchase special earbuds for activities such as running, swimming, and sports.
Steps
Purchase Special Earbuds By Activity
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1Choose sport earbuds with ear hooks for working out. If you plan on using earbuds while exercising, basic circular earbuds might not cut it, no matter how well they fit. Invest in specialized sport headphones with features like ear hooks and bands that wrap around the head to ensure a safe and slip-free listening experience during your workout.
- Although earbuds with a hook that wrap around the back of the ear are a popular choice for athletes, some of these may cause skin chafing when worn for long periods of time. Consider well-fitting earbuds with smaller "ear fins" or wireless earbuds as an alternative if you have this problem.[2]
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2Buy sweat-proof earbuds for exercise. If you wear earbuds during vigorous exercise or in hot weather, sweat may cause your earbuds to slip out. Look for earbuds labeled as "sweat-proof" if you expect to sweat while wearing them.
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3Purchase waterproof earbuds for use in all weather. If your earbuds may be exposed to water, such as during long distance running or winter sports, choose waterproof earbuds to make sure that excess moisture doesn't cause your earbuds to fall out.
- Check for an IP (International Protection) rating on the package to ensure your earbuds are certified as sweat-proof or waterproof. Some brands may falsely advertise as such. For example, a rating of IPX4 is the standard for sweat-proof (but not waterproof) workout headphones.
- You can even purchase earbuds that are safe to use while swimming! These will have a rating of IPX8.
Our Most Loved Articles & Quizzes
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat if I can't afford new earbuds, nor the accessories listed, but it just rains a ton and they keep falling out? (I tried the chord around the ear method, it didn't work.)Aashni123Community AnswerTry looping the chord around your ear multiple times. You can also see if your earbuds came with other foam ends or silicone tips. If not, you may just have to invest some money in buying the accessories.
Warnings
- Don't listen through earbuds at very high volumes or for extended periods. No matter the fit and quality of your earbuds, excessive use can damage hearing and accelerate hearing loss over time.[4]⧼thumbs_response⧽
References
About This Article
To keep your earbuds from falling out of your ears, insert them firmly into your ear canals so they’re snug. Avoid regularly cleaning out your earwax, since a little earwax can help your earbuds stay in your ears. You can also hook the cords over the top of your ears and insert your earbuds upside down instead, which will help keep them secure. Many earphones come with different sized earbuds, so if you still have spare buds, swap them out to find a size that fits your ears best. Alternatively, purchase rubber attachments, like Yurbuds, to help your earbuds fit your ears. For more tips, including how to choose a pair of earbuds that fit your ears, read on!