How do you guys wear these IEM's for very long?

[LanMan_themovie]

I took someone's advice, and got the SHURE E2c's. I didn't really think earbuds could sound this good, but these do sound great. Huge improvement over anything else I've tried in the ear canal dept. Makes me wonder what higher end models can do.

However. They are comfortable to a point, as in, the first few minutes aren't so bad. But it's sustained listening that I can't understand. The whole concept is this: No matter what canalphones you have, they are applying pressure to the inside of your ear so they can stay in there. That pressure is eventually what feels "heavy" or a little bothersome, drawing more attention to itself than I want. Even facial expressions like smiling or something move the ears and push the phones against me.

Now, I got the E2c's like I said, and they have a point on the back end of them. In a way, they help hold it in place by going under the back lip of my ear. But eventually they start to stick my ear a little too much. Maybe i should have gotten the E3c's? Or an Etymonic brand?

Anyway, will I get used to this?

 

[MarcusH]

As you seem to be kind of new to the whole IEM sensation it seems to be very normal. I guess everybody - me included - is a bit irritated in the first week or two. Most if not all ears usually get used to them

So, once I got used to them I was hooked: With my Etys now, I sometimes even forget that I've got them in my ears. Just relax - it'll be fine.
Nevertheless it might also be related to the tips used. In my experience with the Shure E2Cs I found the clear silicone tips rather uncomfortable - no matter how I tried to adapt to them. I have very tiny ear canals so even the smallest size wouldn't be comfortable enough.... Then I switched to the orange foam tips and even though I found them a bit irritating in the first place I soon enjoyed them more than the others. As I've said - once I got used to the IEMs I found the foamies to be my best choice! I also tried the kind of new ultra soft flex tips and couldn't stand them - just like the silicon tri-flanges of my Etys. Foamies all the way.... Just try every tip type you have available in order to find the most comfortable one.

In the very unlikely case that you can't get used to them in, say, two weeks of normal use it may be that IEMs aren't the best choice for you. Well, there are loads of other headphone options out there to get happy

Nevertheless I doubt it'll happen that way - like I said it's the normal problem almost every new IEM user has to face. Give your ears and your new IEM some time.... don't stress your ears too much though. I believe you'll be a happy IEM "convert" in a short time....

Ciao,
Marcus

 

[SimpJee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarcusH I guess everybody - me included - is a bit irritated in the first week or two. Most if not all ears usually get used to them

Agreed, I could barely stand to put my Stax SR-001's in for over 5 minutes the first couple days. Now (it's been a week and a half), I'm starting to get used to them.

Like Marcus said, it takes a little time.

 

[viator122]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LanMan_themovie Now, I got the E2c's like I said, and they have a point on the back end of them. In a way, they help hold it in place by going under the back lip of my ear. But eventually they start to stick my ear a little too much. Maybe i should have gotten the E3c's? Or an Etymonic brand? Anyway, will I get used to this?

You don't NEED to have the point sticking into your ear, you know. I can see how it would be uncomfortable.

 

[kramer5150]

I switched to the soft tips and its better IMHO.
I cant wear them for longer than say 1.5 hours. They tickle the little hair in my ear and I have to take them off and itch every so often.

They do take some getting used too.

Garrett

 

[ScubaSteve87]

Can you wear them over back of the ear? That provides les fatigue for me with the E4c. The phones don't feel so heavy. Ditto to using different tips too. I like the foamies the most, but I find them a hassel when taking them in and out a lot(when I am walking to and from class). I use the Soft flex sleeves most of the time, but when I am in the dorm I use foamies. Sometimes you might need different sizes too. My right ear is a small soft flex, but my left is closer to a medium, although I can use small. None of the clear PVC tips fit me at all.

EDIT: Wow I didn't even know Stax made IEM's

 

[exkgb]

I can wear my UM2 for hours and hours. I feel the pressure at first but just got used to it after a while. If you want true comfort, I guess custom ear mold is the way to go, but custom IEMs are expensive. If you are thinking about etymotics, be sure to try them out first because they havea different sound signature from your e2c.

 

[Jasper994]

You'll get used to it, but the other Shure models, along with the offerings from Etymotic and Westone have much smaller acoustic tubes and thus put a lot less pressure on the insides of your ear canals. You may be much happier with a different IEM. That said, try a larger tip and see if you can get a seal at the very entrance to your canal. I do this with both the E2 and Super.Fi 5 Pro and find them very comfortable that way.

 

[AndyKatz]

The E2s were my first IEMs. I found them to be impossible with the foamies. Sound was great but I couldn't even go an hour. Then I tried the Etymotics, first the 6 and then the 4s. I tried fitting an extra ER 4 flex sleeve over the E2, just for laughs ... that worked. I can tolerate the Etymotic sleeve indefinitely.

I think there are other types of sleeves, some adapted from non-audio earplugs you can find at the apothecary, that will be more comfortable than the Shure foamies.

Andy

 

[wolfen68]

Foamies worked the best for me. After a few uses they conform somewhat and don't create all that pressure. Also, don't stick them in too far, just let them block the entrance to you ear canal.

If you never wear ear plugs any other times it will take a couple of weeks to acclimate.

 

[crazyfrenchman27]

I've never had an issue with any of the IEM's I have worn.

I almost always find them more comfortable than full size headphones.

-Matt

 

[go_vtec]

To me, IEMS are like contact lenses! It takes a week or two to get used to, it takes time to learn how to insert them and remove them properly, most people can learn to tolerate them, but few cannnot get use to them no matter what (call it physical incompatablity)

 

[azncookiecutter]

Just concentrate on the music and the sensation of having some rubber shoved up your ear will disappear in no time. That's what I did to cope with the Ety triflanges.