How to make BiFlanges from Etymotics TriFlange Eartips

[Edwood]

Don't know how many people already know about this mod, but thought I'd share a pictorial guide.

Pictured below is the Etymotics ER-20's but the TriFlanges are nearly identical to the ER-4S/P's TriFlanges. The TriFlanges do not fit properly in my ears because that little end flange pushes too far into my ears and hurts. So cutting it off works wonders.

Pull the smallest flange at the tip so that it inverts like so:


Cut it off with scissors or a pair of flush cutters (works best, don't forget to clean the cutters before, lead in the ears is probably not a good idea, even though it's a tiny amount probably.)


Enjoy!


-Ed

[Cannonfodder]

Does this mod do anything besides stopping the tri-flange from stabbing your eardrum? Some people claim that it changes the sound, gives it more detail. Do you concur?

And does the tips go in any further than before? Now, the third flange sits partially outside of my ear canal. I wouldn't like for it to go further in after having read all the horror stories of tips getting stuck in people's ears.

Thanks for putting up the pics!

[onionblaster]

I just did this (I've got two pairs of ER-20s so I figured I'd try it on one) and it is INFINITELY more comfortable. It also doesn't seem to block any more sound than the tri-flanged ones, although it may be hard to judge considering I'm sitting at my relatively silent computer desk.

My problem is that, with my pretty long hair (over my ears) a lot of movement causes my hair to rub against the stalks of the earplugs and make noise.

[Edwood]

Originally Posted by Cannonfodder

Does this mod do anything besides stopping the tri-flange from stabbing your eardrum? Some people claim that it changes the sound, gives it more detail. Do you concur?

And does the tips go in any further than before? Now, the third flange sits partially outside of my ear canal. I wouldn't like for it to go further in after having read all the horror stories of tips getting stuck in people's ears.

Thanks for putting up the pics!

They will be able to go in a little further if you couldn't push them in because the little third flange was jabbing your inner ear. But you weren't getting a good seal to begin with.

As for adding more detail, only that which you were missing because you couldn't get a good seal. Otherwise, this is mostly just a comfort mod.

-Ed

[Cannonfodder]

Mmm... you're right. It's a lot easier to get a good seal with the smallest flange removed. I could get a good seal with the tri-flange but I must concur that the bi-flange is much more comfortable.

Previously with the tris, I always felt as if there was something in my ear canals but now, it's as if the Etys weren't there at all. Comfort level's probably good enough for me to wear these all day long.

Thanks, Ed!