Lifespan of IEM's

[redshifter]

how long are the various iem's and canalphones supposed to last? as in, the drivers.

er4, ue10, s.f5pro, etc.? i remember reading somewhere some of the high end iem's are only supposed to last a few years.

 

[DJGeorgeT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by redshifter how long are the various iem's and canalphones supposed to last? as in, the drivers. er4, ue10, s.f5pro, etc.? i remember reading somewhere some of the high end iem's are only supposed to last a few years.

It depends on how good you take care of the drivers. Check the following link from the Westone website:

http://www.westone.com/music/perspiration.html

I think moisture and humidity is a big issue with iems.

 

[MarcusH]

According to UE (Mike Dias), their expected lifespan should be at least 4-5 years (though I asked him specificially about the UE-10 Pros, I believe the same applies to their other custom products).

In addition to DJGeorgeTs assumptions, I believe that your earcanals change over time - so a different canal shape in 4 or 5 years will make your IEM seal at least suboptimal. Nevertheless Mike Dias assured me that they have "a full service department that is perfectly reasonable in price."
I know this isn't a driver specific problem, but with regard to custom IEMs, I believe that you 'd rather loose your perfect seal first - besides some current problems with the Sensas shorting out.

Ciao,
Marcus

 

[warpdriver]

I would expect the IEM's that use filters like the Ety's would likely last a lot longer since the filters basically are airtight in the nozzle.

 

[DJGeorgeT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by warpdriver I would expect the IEM's that use filters like the Ety's would likely last a lot longer since the filters basically are airtight in the nozzle.

All balanced armature type IEMs (er4, ue10, s.f5pro) use filters mainly for frequency shapping. Perspiration and moisture also affects the etys. From the ER4S user's manual:

"Keep earphones away from water as this can adversely affect sound quality.
Perspiration entering the nozzle may cause the earphone to temporarily
stop working. Normal operation usually returns after the earphone dries out."

Notice how the word "usually" is being used here.

 

[warpdriver]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJGeorgeT All balanced armature type IEMs (er4, ue10, s.f5pro) use filters mainly for frequency shapping.

Yah, but it can't hurt. The filters are squeezed in there pretty tightly so the probability of water getting in there is much lesser than any open type nozzle. I'd imagine if you regularly excercised (run marathons), yes, perspiration would be a problem, but for casual use, it's much less of a problem. I've gone a whole year without changing the filters.

 

[Blitzula]

Both UE and Sensaphonics confirmed typical lives of 3-5 years for their high end custom IEMs.

 

[GordonHo]

as westone states, the normal human doesnt perspirate inside of his ear.
unless your sweating like ... and you take out the earplugs leaving them hanging arround your head getting in touch with your skin etc.
perspiration wont be the big issue.
leaves moisture and humidity.

 

[DJGeorgeT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blitzula Both UE and Sensaphonics confirmed typical lives of 3-5 years for their high end custom IEMs.

UE claims that some of their first IEMs are still out there and working fine...that's what...8 to 10 years? It really comes down to user care and maintenance. The good users send their IEMs back for check up and cleaning and keep them in their case while not in use. They also do not expose them to moisture and water.

 

[DJGeorgeT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by warpdriver Yah, but it can't hurt. The filters are squeezed in there pretty tightly so the probability of water getting in there is much lesser than any open type nozzle. I'd imagine if you regularly excercised (run marathons), yes, perspiration would be a problem, but for casual use, it's much less of a problem. I've gone a whole year without changing the filters.

changing filters have nothing to do with iem life. The only reason to change the filter is because it is clogged with earwax.

I would like to know the impact of a highly humid air on IEMs. I don't run with my ER4S, but I also do not store them in a watertight case with dessicant.

 

[warpdriver]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJGeorgeT changing filters have nothing to do with iem life. The only reason to change the filter is because it is clogged with earwax.

I was reading how one poster started to use his Ety's for excercise, and he noticed his new-ish filters changed color after a month, and sounded clogged. Before that, he had not changed his filters for months.

So I expect that the filters are affected by not just earwax

 

[DJGeorgeT]

It is probably his sweat making contact with his etys that is making them change color. Shure uses the same type of filters etymotic uses, but you don't change them because they are halfway inside the sound tube (as supposed to at the tip, which is the case of the ER4). They do provide an earwax loop to clear the tube from earwax.

 

[Jasper994]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJGeorgeT They do provide an earwax loop to clear the tube from earwax.

Though it would be wise to be somewhat cautious when using the loop. I accidentally knocked the filter out in my E5s. Shure fixed it under warranty and had it back to me in record time, but it still sucked to be without them for a week.

 

[dan1son]

Actually when you work out your body heat rises, and your ear wax begins to melt and become less viscous. Chances are the discoloring is his earwax.

The same thing happens when you shower, which is why they usually say the only time you should clean out your ears is right after a hot shower. Your ear wax will be in a much more liquid form and can't really be shoved in chunks against your ear drum.

Sweat can get into your ears if the seal isn't 100% all of the time. I know if I'm working out with IEMs I tend to have to reposition them every once in a while since the seal will pop from moving around so much.

Considering the normal use for high end IEMs I would say you're relatively safe as far as persperation and ear wax is concerned. It's rare I go to a concert and the musician doesn't get off the stage dripping at the end of the night.

 

[Blitzula]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJGeorgeT UE claims that some of their first IEMs are still out there and working fine...that's what...8 to 10 years? It really comes down to user care and maintenance. The good users send their IEMs back for check up and cleaning and keep them in their case while not in use. They also do not expose them to moisture and water.

I do agree on care being important with any product.

However, I can only tell you what both UE and Sensa confirmed, 3-5 years. Some will fall out of that range on BOTH sides of the equation, which I'm sure they weren't real keen on pointing out.

Given that neither has a warranty over one year, I'm assuming the figure they quoted is accurate.