IEMs and sound leakage?

[The Monkey]

Sorry for the dumb question, but do IEMs leak sound at all?

 

[thebrain]

VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY little. Wait, no they dont at all.

 

[steel102]

none.

 

[The Monkey]

Thanks folks!

 

[Jasper994]

Only when they're not in your ear...

 

[Jeffreybar]

Actually, that's not quite true. I always thought they didn't leak any too, but my officemate could clearly identify Neutral Milk Hotel playing on my e3s a couple of months ago as I walked into the office. The foamies were old, so I'm guessing my seal may have been less than perfect. I would guess that there may also be a small amount of leakage with some of the less isolating tips.

Nonetheless, sound leakage will be a lot less than with just about anything else.

 

[guyverl]

Nope, i've never heard any sound leakage at all... even when at very high levels. This is providing you get the correct seal though.

 

[BRBJackson]

Actually, I'd guess that this would be a good way to check if your getting a proper seal with your IEMs or not. See if someone standing near you can hear any leakage with you using them at sane volumes.

 

[TWIFOSP]

Assuming you have a proper seal, you would have to be listening at a fairly loud volume for any sound to leak out. If I have mine out completely, there is a lot of sound leakage. Just by putting my finger over the hole in the tri-flange of my e5c's, the sound pretty much goes away. I have to put it directly against my ear like this to detect any leakage.

Naturally, there will be some leakage, but definetly the LEAST of any other method of listening.