NCEPR - headphones/earbuds

[ESF]

Long shot, but I am wondering if this thing exists.

I have two little random cartilage protrusions in one of my ears, and most shapes of earbuds leave me with painful soreness or even scabbing from the abrasion if I wear them too often. I've been able to manage this over the years with just limited wear, but my current WFH setup requires more headset time than before.

The flat disc shaped earbuds (the kind that used to come with the original iPods and iPhones) are the only shape that does not hurt me but I've never been able to find a quality pair that has a microphone. I've tried a handful of cheap ones on Amazon, but they fall apart or I have sound issues after a few weeks of use. I don't need a $300 pair, but just something that works, doesn't sound tinny, and will last a while.  

I'm open to other suggestions of shapes. I have never loved the big over the ear ones, but I'd look at any recommendations you have because I'm getting desperate.

Thanks!

[wanderingback]

How much are you willing to pay?
My SO is a musician so he’s super picky about sound, so he gets custom ones made. I think they were $700 (I was shocked when he told me the price omg, and he lost a pair too sob).
A quick google search and I found these: custom.ultimateears.com/products/ue-5?variant=16055204872249

I’m not sure if that’s the brand he has but when he wakes up and I call him later I can ask.

[ESF]

Apr 4, 2020 9:00:13 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

How much are you willing to pay?
My SO is a musician so he’s super picky about sound, so he gets custom ones made. I think they were $700 (I was shocked when he told me the price omg, and he lost a pair too sob).
A quick google search and I found these: custom.ultimateears.com/products/ue-5?variant=16055204872249

I’m not sure if that’s the brand he has but when he wakes up and I call him later I can ask.

Oh wow.  I've been jealous of the people who can wear the AirPods, so I kind of want these, but definitely way more than I want to pay.

I probably want to keep this to no more than around $100. That's not a firm ceiling, and I'd pay a little more if the shape is perfection and the reviews are excellent, but I think I'd figure out a different way of managing before shelling out that much.  

[sakura]

You can wear one AirPod and the microphone and sound will work in just that one ear.

[VillainV]

Have you considered regular on-ear headphones instead of earbuds?

If you prefer in-ear, I had a pair of Beats Wireless headphones with a microphone that worked very well for several years before the battery stopped holding a charge. I think they came with different sized silicone thingies, but the over-ear hook held them in place so a tight in-ear-fit wasn’t required.


Powerbeats3 Wireless Earphones - Apple W1 Headphone Chip, Class 1 Bluetooth, 12 Hours Of Listening Time, Sweat Resistant Earbuds - Defiant Black-Red www.amazon.com/dp/B07DHJLNPH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qukIEbVZ5SPC5

[Ashley&Scott]

Are you open to over the ear headphones? We have these and I’ve been happy with them.
www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B019U00D7K?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

[wanderingback]

Apr 4, 2020 9:21:58 GMT -5 ESF said:

Apr 4, 2020 9:00:13 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

How much are you willing to pay?
My SO is a musician so he’s super picky about sound, so he gets custom ones made. I think they were $700 (I was shocked when he told me the price omg, and he lost a pair too sob).
A quick google search and I found these: custom.ultimateears.com/products/ue-5?variant=16055204872249

I’m not sure if that’s the brand he has but when he wakes up and I call him later I can ask.

Oh wow.  I've been jealous of the people who can wear the AirPods, so I kind of want these, but definitely way more than I want to pay.

I probably want to keep this to no more than around $100. That's not a firm ceiling, and I'd pay a little more if the shape is perfection and the reviews are excellent, but I think I'd figure out a different way of managing before shelling out that much.  

Yeah makes sense. I don’t really wear ear buds cause they also don’t feel comfortable for my small ears.

Well I did just talk to my SO and the link I provided aren’t the ones he has, but he did say those were a good brand. So if you do decide you want to spend that much, those seem like a good option. I hope you can find something more budget friendly though!

[rupertpenny]

I also find almost all headphones to painful. I use this brand and they are small enough that they don’t bother me at all. The microphone isn’t great, but for video meetings I use the headphones for listening and my computer mic for speaking. Also, they are cheap enough that losing them isn’t a tragedy.

Wireless Earbuds, NENRENT S570 TWS Bluetooth 5.0 Ture Wireless Earbuds HD Stereo Audio Sound, Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Charging Case 18H Music Playtime, Sports Earphones with Built in Mic www.amazon.com/dp/B07HHYKY4K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_h6kIEbWV0NG8H

[ESF]

Apr 4, 2020 10:59:38 GMT -5 rupertpenny said:

I also find almost all headphones to painful. I use this brand and they are small enough that they don’t bother me at all. The microphone isn’t great, but for video meetings I use the headphones for listening and my computer mic for speaking. Also, they are cheap enough that losing them isn’t a tragedy.

Wireless Earbuds, NENRENT S570 TWS Bluetooth 5.0 Ture Wireless Earbuds HD Stereo Audio Sound, Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Charging Case 18H Music Playtime, Sports Earphones with Built in Mic www.amazon.com/dp/B07HHYKY4K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_h6kIEbWV0NG8H

Thanks. This and the Beats one above won’t work. One cartilage bump is on the rim of the entrance to my ear canal, and anything that plugs into that hole hurts me after an hour.

The other cartilage bump is where the top of the current style of Apple earbuds hit.

The flat disks are the only ones that work. They don’t hit the canal rim, and can be placed so they don’t hit the top bump.

I had a pair of the big over ear ones, which hurt after a while of wearing because of how they pressed on both ears, plus because they muffled my hearing, they caused people on calls with me to constantly tell me I was yelling into the phone.

I’m not sure if there is another style?

It is so frustrating to me that Apple doesn’t still make their old earbuds. I am probably just going to order a few shitty disc ones and throw them out as they break, while I continue my quest!

[VillainV]

Apr 4, 2020 14:02:15 GMT -5 ESF said:

Apr 4, 2020 10:59:38 GMT -5 rupertpenny said:

I also find almost all headphones to painful. I use this brand and they are small enough that they don’t bother me at all. The microphone isn’t great, but for video meetings I use the headphones for listening and my computer mic for speaking. Also, they are cheap enough that losing them isn’t a tragedy.

Wireless Earbuds, NENRENT S570 TWS Bluetooth 5.0 Ture Wireless Earbuds HD Stereo Audio Sound, Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Charging Case 18H Music Playtime, Sports Earphones with Built in Mic www.amazon.com/dp/B07HHYKY4K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_h6kIEbWV0NG8H

Thanks. This and the Beats one above won’t work. One cartilage bump is on the rim of the entrance to my ear canal, and anything that plugs into that hole hurts me after an hour.

The other cartilage bump is where the top of the current style of Apple earbuds hit.

The flat disks are the only ones that work. They don’t hit the canal rim, and can be placed so they don’t hit the top bump.

I had a pair of the big over ear ones, which hurt after a while of wearing because of how they pressed on both ears, plus because they muffled my hearing, they caused people on calls with me to constantly tell me I was yelling into the phone.

I’m not sure if there is another style?

It is so frustrating to me that Apple doesn’t still make their old earbuds. I am probably just going to order a few shitty disc ones and throw them out as they break, while I continue my quest!

You might look at a meeting-style headset with “side tone” — that is where you can hear yourself talking (it repeats it in the ear speakers). Most people find that more comfortable for phone calls and meetings. Let me see what I can find.

[basilosaurus]

Look for over ear headphones, not on or in ear. They're less common with microphone but they do exist.

[secretlyevil]

So I just ordered these. I can’t believe I am doing this but my other over the ear wireless discreet headset gets uncomfortable after the many hours I am now on the phone. I also have been using a little Bluetooth puck but it disturbs H in the other room even with both doors closed so here I am with these:

Corsair Void Pro RGB Wireless Gaming Headset - Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound Headphones for PC - Discord Certified - 50mm Drivers - Carbon www.amazon.com/dp/B0748N6796/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VBpIEb0B78AX1

ETA: a few people I work with have them and really like it, especially the noise cancelling feature. Computer nerd H decreed “the specs are good!” 🤷🏼‍♀️

[stephm0188]

Are you open to bone conduction technology instead? Aftershokz Air have a built in mic and don’t sit in it or over your ears. I use mine primarily for fitness but really like them

[secretlyevil]

Apr 4, 2020 16:10:29 GMT -5 stephm0188 said:

Are you open to bone conduction technology instead? Aftershokz Air have a built in mic and don’t sit in it or over your ears. I use mine primarily for fitness but really like them

I have a pair of these for workouts and love them! But I also never tried them out for calls. I thought the mic would be too far away for clarity purposes.

[okla]

I had to get AirPods for the same reason. Nothing else fits my tiny ears. I got the older version, not the new pro ones (they are shaped differently and also don’t fit) and I’m able to use them on calls, Zooms, etc just fine. Microphone works great.

ETA: I see you mention older Apple earbuds. Were they a different style than this? It’s all I’ve known with having an iPhone for many years. www.bestbuy.com/site/apple-airpods-with-charging-case-latest-model-white/6084400.p?skuId=6084400

[Wines Not Whines]

I love my Aftershokz headphones. They don’t go in or on your ears. They’re extremely comfortable and I forget I’m wearing them.

[ESF]

Thanks everyone! These Aftershokz headphones look like a real possibility! I’ve never heard of them!

I need to watch done YouTube reviews later because I don’t understand how they can be worn with glasses, but the style actually looks comfortable.

[ESF]

Apr 4, 2020 19:27:14 GMT -5 okla said:

I had to get AirPods for the same reason. Nothing else fits my tiny ears. I got the older version, not the new pro ones (they are shaped differently and also don’t fit) and I’m able to use them on calls, Zooms, etc just fine. Microphone works great.

ETA: I see you mention older Apple earbuds. Were they a different style than this? It’s all I’ve known with having an iPhone for many years. www.bestbuy.com/site/apple-airpods-with-charging-case-latest-model-white/6084400.p?skuId=6084400

The earbuds that came with the iPod and iPhone in the 2000s looked like this:

images.app.goo.gl/gYyuymmeoybL5Aew9


I’m not sure when the headphone design switched but I’m certain this was the style that came with my 2010 iPhone purchase.

[secretlyevil]

Apr 5, 2020 6:42:25 GMT -5 ESF said:

Thanks everyone! These Aftershokz headphones look like a real possibility! I’ve never heard of them!

I need to watch done YouTube reviews later because I don’t understand how they can be worn with glasses, but the style actually looks comfortable.

They fit right over glasses. When I run, I put my aftershokz on top of my glasses and visor. They hook over the top of your ears but not tightly. All of the versions are super light but highly recommend either the air or aeroplex style. They are the lightest.

[winecat]

Apr 5, 2020 6:46:36 GMT -5 ESF said:

Apr 4, 2020 19:27:14 GMT -5 okla said:

I had to get AirPods for the same reason. Nothing else fits my tiny ears. I got the older version, not the new pro ones (they are shaped differently and also don’t fit) and I’m able to use them on calls, Zooms, etc just fine. Microphone works great.

ETA: I see you mention older Apple earbuds. Were they a different style than this? It’s all I’ve known with having an iPhone for many years. www.bestbuy.com/site/apple-airpods-with-charging-case-latest-model-white/6084400.p?skuId=6084400

The earbuds that came with the iPod and iPhone in the 2000s looked like this:

images.app.goo.gl/gYyuymmeoybL5Aew9


I’m not sure when the headphone design switched but I’m certain this was the style that came with my 2010 iPhone purchase.

I just got a new phone and the earphones that came with it look like the picture you linked.  

[VillainV]

Apr 5, 2020 8:26:11 GMT -5 winecat said:

Apr 5, 2020 6:46:36 GMT -5 ESF said:

The earbuds that came with the iPod and iPhone in the 2000s looked like this:

images.app.goo.gl/gYyuymmeoybL5Aew9


I’m not sure when the headphone design switched but I’m certain this was the style that came with my 2010 iPhone purchase.

I just got a new phone and the earphones that came with it look like the picture you linked.  

The old one were just symmetrical round discs. The newer ones have an elongated portion to fit into the ear.

[ESF]

Apr 5, 2020 8:29:40 GMT -5 VillainV said:

Apr 5, 2020 8:26:11 GMT -5 winecat said:

I just got a new phone and the earphones that came with it look like the picture you linked.  

The old one were just symmetrical round discs. The newer ones have an elongated portion to fit into the ear.

This. I am not making up that there is a difference. My sister has worked for Apple for years, and there is a lot of reference online to the “classic” style, which is the version I like and which has not been included in the boxes for years. I’m not crazy!

[okla]

Apr 5, 2020 9:01:51 GMT -5 ESF said:

Apr 5, 2020 8:29:40 GMT -5 VillainV said:

The old one were just symmetrical round discs. The newer ones have an elongated portion to fit into the ear.

This. I am not making up that there is a difference. My sister has worked for Apple for years, and there is a lot of reference online to the “classic” style, which is the version I like and which has not been included in the boxes for years. I’m not crazy!

I believe you, I just didn’t remember! Looking at the pic you linked, I do think my first phone had those.

[winecat]

Apr 5, 2020 8:29:40 GMT -5 VillainV said:

Apr 5, 2020 8:26:11 GMT -5 winecat said:

I just got a new phone and the earphones that came with it look like the picture you linked.  

The old one were just symmetrical round discs. The newer ones have an elongated portion to fit into the ear.

I must not have looked close enough.  I haven't found a pair of earphones/buds that work for me so when I opened the box I glanced at them and they looked similar enough that I didn't try.