"Earbuds hurt my ears" is a common refrain heard from headphone users. Inner ear pain from headphones that go into the ears isn't uncommon. So, if you find yourself agreeing with the complaint, "Earbuds hurt my ears," it's important to know you're not alone.
You should also know that finding headphones that don't hurt ears isn't impossible. In fact, the problem may not even be the brand or model of earbuds at all. There are many common reasons that people say "earbuds hurt my ears" that can be fixed quickly and easily.
Let's go over some of the most common causes of ear pain from earbuds. Then, we'll give a systematic approach to finding the cause and resolving the issue.
Why Do Earbuds Hurt My Ears?
Earbuds hurt ears for many different reasons. When people say, "Earbuds hurt my ears," they often assume that this is just an unchangeable fact. However, that's usually not the case for most people. For most earbud users, the remedy for ear pain due to earphones is simple.
These are some of the most common causes and the first things you should check when trying to figure out how to cure ear pain due to earphones.
Volume
It might sound like the volume is too obvious to be the cause, but it can be more difficult to tell if you're playing your audio too loudly than you may think. Most devices can produce sound well above the level considered safe by medical experts. It's recommended that it does not exceed 70% of the maximum volume your device is capable of.
If you consistently find yourself raising the volume over 70%, it's possible your device or your earbuds are not functioning properly. However, there may be another reason. If you're turning it up to drown out background noise, you may be causing hearing loss without even knowing it.
If you can't hear your audio due to the sounds around you, opt for active noise canceling rather than just cranking the volume up higher.
It's also possible that your earbuds don't fit properly. If they aren't the right size to create the proper seal in your ear canal, it can affect the quality of the audio, making you believe that the volume just isn't high enough.
If you also find yourself wondering how to keep earbuds from falling out, the fit is likely wrong. It's important to address the root of the problem rather than just turning it up, as that may be the cause of your ear pain. We'll go over fit in more detail below.
Time
When you find yourself thinking, "These earbuds hurt my ears," ask yourself how long you've had them in place. Your ears are sensitive. Even a small amount of pressure or contact for a prolonged amount of time can start to cause pain.
In an article on why AirPods hurt ears, the experts at Healthline recommend giving your ears a break from your headphones every 90 minutes. Even just five or ten minutes can be long enough to keep ear pain from earbuds at bay.
Placement
For a healthy placement, make sure you're always putting your earbuds in the correct ears. They are labeled with an L for the left ear and an R for the right one. Next, make sure you're putting them in correctly. Luckily, we can tell you how to put in earbuds so they don't hurt.
To insert them properly, gently pull down on your earlobe and insert them at a slight upward angle toward the front of your head. If you're trying to figure out how to keep earbuds from falling out, this may help with that as well.
On the other hand, if you find yourself thinking, "Earbuds hurt my ear cartilage," or "Earbuds hurt my outer ear," it may be the hard plastic of the earbud itself, not the tip—the part that goes inside your ear—that's the problem. You can try adjusting it by giving it a little twist in either direction to move the pressure point.
Fit
Earbud fit is the most complex factor. While earbud retailers try to ensure that their products' earbud tips are the optimal shape and size to fit the majority of headphone users, it's just not that simple.
Every ear is as unique as a fingerprint. Some people have smaller or larger ears than the standard earbud size is made to fit. If you find yourself wondering how to keep earbuds from falling out, it's likely your ears are on the larger side. But if you've ever asked yourself, "Why do earplugs hurt ears?" it's likely your ears are smaller than average.
When fit is your issue, there are plenty of things you can try to fix it.
How to Find the Right Earbud Fit
When you have ruled out the other causes and you're still wondering, "How do I stop my earbuds from hurting my ears?" you may just need to find the right fit through accessories or a different model. Let's answer the question, "How can I make my earbuds more comfortable?"
Start With the Tip Size
If you're looking for wireless earbuds that don't hurt your ears, start by experimenting with different tip sizes. Many retailers now offer earbuds with multiple tip sizes to fix this problem. Start with a tip in the middle of the range and move up or down based on whether they're too big or too small. Otherwise you may also find fit test that can let you know if the current ear bud size is best.
Consider Different Types of Ear Tips
For some people who ask, "Why do my earbuds hurt my ears?" the answer may lie in the type of tip rather than the size. Some earbud tips have multiple layers to block out background noise better. These are known as double-flange or triple-flange tips. While they do help prevent noise pollution, they can also go too deep, causing pain.
For other people, the issue may be about the material. Foam tips, for example, can have an uneven, scratchy surface that can irritate sensitive ears. Switching to softer tips, like silicone, may solve this issue.
Learn About Poly Headsets and Earbuds
If you're looking for headphones that don't hurt ears or you just need a new pair, head over to our headphone product page to find an option that works for your needs.