[chet]

Hi,

I bought a 2nd hand pair of ER-6's last week (they're practically new). I replaced the filters and silicone ear inserts (forget the proper name). Then yesterday, the left ear stopped producing any sound. So I assumed the filter was blocked with earwax. Then the same thing happened today - within 5 minutes of use!

Is there something I'm doing wrong? I don't feel like replacing the filters every day!

Andrew

 

[GreatDane]

It seems like it's not the filter. It could be a faulty connection or shorted wire. Make sure you're not inserting them while your ears still have moisture in them if you've recently been swimming/bathing.

It depends on how much wax your ears produce but the need for filter change should be very infrequent. I've had my ER4P for 14 months and haven't needed to change filters yet but I'm a clean freak. I also use the ER6 but they are much newer.

 

[ClieOS]

Is it possible your source has some problem? The filter should last months even in heavy use and it won't block the sound completely, only dimming the sound.

 

[misterDX]

call me crazy but the problem might be due to your ears, try adjusting the phones within your ears and see if the volume you can hear has changed

 

[chet]

thanks for the suggestions guys. It's definitely not a short circuit as sound is coming through; it's just really heavily attenuated. It's a problem with wax, cos I corrected the same issue yesterday by replacing the filter.

I used my ER-6's within 1/2 hour of showering both yesterday and today - maybe I didn't dry my ears enough?

It's funny cos I previously had a pair of ER-6i's and only had to change one filter in about 6 or 8 months.

 

[jellybones]

Maybe try cleaning your ears? Not to sound crass or rude.

 

[dissembled]

The exact same thing happened to mine. The connection to the plug is loose and needs to be resoldered.

 

[ClieOS]

But two loose connection on two replacements at the same sides seems a bit odd... Do make sure your ear is clear. I once had my right ear 85% blocked by wax due to very bad dust problem in my living area, and thought that I had ear infection and became deaf

 

[dissembled]

It's a widespread issue I think.

This is what an Etymotic rep advised me to do:

Take out both filters. Try not to shove the filter tool too much or else the plastic shavings will make them unuseable. Yes, they are useable if absolutely careful enough.

Once the filters are removed, plug it into a source to see if there is sound coming from either side.

You should really talk to an Ety rep because they'll give you free filters if you don't have some in hand (after doing the above procedure) Great customer service, btw. Too bad that some of their products are built quite poorly, though.

 

[chet]

haha, I do clean my ears, but obviously not enough. And I guess WET earwax is worse than dry earwax. It must still be wet from the shower...

thanks dissembled.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dissembled /img/forum/go_quote.gif The exact same thing happened to mine. The connection to the plug is loose and needs to be resoldered.

But sound IS coming thru (low level). Then when I replace the filter, sound comes through at the right level.

Is there a way I can test to see if the connection needs re-soldering?

What do you mean "Yes, they are useable if absolutely careful enough"?

Also, I just remembered. When I replaced the filter last night, I don't know if I did it properly. I'm not sure if I lined up the notch or not. Does anyone have any better instructions than what's on the Ety website?

 

[dissembled]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chet /img/forum/go_quote.gif But sound IS coming thru (low level). Then when I replace the filter, sound comes through at the right level.

So, what exactly is the problem here?

Quote:

Originally Posted by chet /img/forum/go_quote.gif What do you mean "Yes, they are useable if absolutely careful enough"?

When you shove the filter tool up the filters to take them out, there's a strong chance that the tool will destroy the plastic. The shavings
will block any output to your ears. If you try to insert the filter tool slowly and don't shove as much, you won't abuse the filter as readily and there's a chance that you can reinsert them again.

This is only for dire situations though. Sound quality will no doubt still suffer because the filter is screwed up, no matter how careful you are.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chet /img/forum/go_quote.gif Also, I just remembered. When I replaced the filter last night, I don't know if I did it properly. I'm not sure if I lined up the notch or not. Does anyone have any better instructions than what's on the Ety website?

There should be a small notch to 'lock' the filter into place. If you tilt the flange less driver down and find that the filters don't fall or shake loose however, then it should be fine.

 

[chet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dissembled /img/forum/go_quote.gif So, what exactly is the problem here?

No problem here. I posted originally to ask if there might be something I was doing wrong - why I had to change the filter twice in two days.

I've changed it again tonight. I'll have a better go at drying my ears after my shower in the morning.

When you shove the filter tool up the filters to take them out, there's a strong chance that the tool will destroy the plastic. The shavings will block any output to your ears. If you try to insert the filter tool slowly and don't shove as much, you won't abuse the filter as readily and there's a chance that you can reinsert them again.

This is only for dire situations though. Sound quality will no doubt still suffer because the filter is screwed up, no matter how careful you are.[/

So this is in case I ever want to re-use a filter?

Quote:

Originally Posted by dissembled /img/forum/go_quote.gif There should be a small notch to 'lock' the filter into place. If you tilt the flange less driver down and find that the filters don't fall or shake loose however, then it should be fine.

OK so I inserted the filter and tried to line it up with the notch. Didn't work. So I rotated it until it lined up. Then I pushed it further in, locking it. This right?

ps can ER-6i filters be used in my ER-6's? I have 6 spare!

 

[dissembled]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chet /img/forum/go_quote.gif No problem here. I posted originally to ask if there might be something I was doing wrong - why I had to change the filter twice in two days. I've changed it again tonight. I'll have a better go at drying my ears after my shower in the morning.

WHOA! 2 filters in 2 days is pretty bad. When you take out the filters do you notice any wax clogging up the filters?
It doesn't seem to be a cable issue since you did say that the sound improves after filter changes.

If it isn't wax issues, then there's a chance that filter and flange hole isn't exactly parallel to each other. Did you try using the foam pads, btw?

And I'm not sure if you can interchange filters between the ETYs, sorry. All Ety filters have different product numbers and I'm not sure if they're all the same size.

You should definately speak to an ETY rep soon, chet. They usually respond within a day and they can probably resolve the issue faster than we can.

 

[chet]

thanks mate. how do I speak with a rep?

No, haven't tried the foam pads - why do u ask?

 

[dissembled]

The pads have big holes so they'll line up better with the filter. With the flanges, the hole is almost microscopic.

Etymotic does have an official site you know.
click.