Ear buds for a person with strange ear canals?

[Theo]

My mother just recently bought herself one of those Creative Nano mp3 players, but her age-old problem of finding earphones has reared it's ugly head up again. While she loves her little mp3 player... she can't blinking well use it!

I assume that she just has very small, or perhaps strangely shaped ear canals because she has never been able to find a pair of earphones that work for her. Either the phones will fall out of her ears, or she'll be able to wear them for a short period of time before they start hurting her - then she's unable to use them again for about a week.

I've been looking at all of the rubberish ear plug style headphones, in particular the Sony MDR-EX71s. While that particular product receives good reviews until somewhere around 2005, I'm not particularly enthused by the more recent reviews of cables becoming bared/poor build quality, etc.

I've heard a lot about the Shure E2C phones, but I'm afraid those are out of the price range. The amount that we're willing to spend is between £20-40. This will be part of her birthday present (March 31st), so if anyone has any recommendations, opinions or advice, I, and my mother's ears, would greatly appreciate any input.

[IBM]

Can't you just a pair of over the ear headphones? Or is she worried that would look too 1980s?

[Theo]

Can't you just a pair of over the ear headphones? Or is she worried that would look too 1980s?

She prides herself on her hair, so no unfortunately. I've been through all the options with her, but in-ear jobs are the best option for her at the moment. It would make things so much simpler though! Same goes for the street (yo) style phones that go around the back of the head.

[iMc]

What about the ones that clip over your ear?

or something like these. They might help the problem with them falling out.

[TooNice]

I highly recommend the Koss KSC-75 (clip over style).

It is very similar to the Koss Porta Pro (similar/same driver), but without headbands I loved the Porta Pro, it is what got me into higher end headphones. However, I wanted something to wear outdoor where I do not want my hair to look bad either. The KSC-75 was the solution.

And I would say it sounds better than the Sony MDR-EX71 and entry level Shure. The main reason for getting the low end Shure (i.e. E2C) would be for the isolation. You pay a big premium for that. However, if your mom has issues with standard earbuds, then canalphones are not the best solution anyway IMO, as most people need some time to adjust (the Sony is perhaps one of the more "universal" though if you really want to try).

[directhex]

experience has taught me not to bother with plugs - and i'd advise your mother to do the same.

i'd support everyone's suggestion of clip-over - they're considerably more universal, and barely more obtrusive or hair-unfriendly

[Zak33]

I know it's a bit 80's but.....

She can keep that away from her hair!

[5lab]

the ex71s are good, but my latest pair (of about 5) have lost their outer casing after about 2 months..

[Theo]

Thank you chaps, we decided to risk it with the ex71s. They certainly seem like the best option for the price. I had a look at the Koss and Philips buds, as recommended above (thank you both ) and the mother thought that the over-the ears would be a little too obtrusive for a 52 year old. The Philips look nice, but from the several reviews I read - people are saying that the rubber insert doodahs come off a little too easily and replacements can't be bought.

When I've examined the buds after they arrive, I may consider putting some sort of heatshrink or protective sheathing over the cable. That could work.. though I'll have to inspect them first.

Again, thank you all for the input. And Mr Zak.. thou mighst findeth thyself in trouble..th, if thou were to biteth thine thumb in mineth direction

[loki]

I'd steer clear of the sony's. Sound is good but they fall apart within months. I've had two sets go the way of the dodo and i was recommended the creative in ear buds which are aparently rebranded sharps. I have to say that the build quality of these is much improved. Even the fact that the rubber used seems a bit thicker is a big difference.

Since you have already bought the sonys i hope yours last longer than mine but this may be something to keep in mind should they fall apart.

[Mimp]

I've got some sonys at christmas and they're fine so far (touch wood) not even looking like they're about to fall apart.

Sound quality is pretty good - cleanest bass i've heard on in-ear headphones if a little hyped. Top end sounds a bit over-sparkly too so they seem to have got a bit of a smile eq curve going on, but that's what the kiddies like..

[TooNice]

Strong bass I'd agree. Cleanest... I would look elsewhere really.

To be fair, they are relatively inexpensive. But sound wise, I do find the Koss better sounding.

There is also the Sennheiser MX500 which is pretty good.

Well, GL with your choice in any case

It's what works for your mom that's important in the end.

[fuddam]

there are some ear buds you can get custom built for your ear. The manufacturers take an impression and then build from that - like sculpture

down side? only costs about US$800 for a set



unbelievable sound though. Use them for pro audio monitoring, esp on stage

[Jonny M]

The Koss Sparkplugs are worth a go as well

[Tumble]

The Koss Sparkplugs are worth a go as well

I have them - after suffering the same problem with in ear buds - they hurt like hell after a bit. These ones tho, they're ace, really soft and fit beautifully once they've expanded. Nice rang eon them too

[TheAnimus]

I got given the sure E2C ones on my last birthday, they are really worth the money, whilst i woudln't of paid it myself, the sound quality is just great, they're so comfy too, i forget i'm wearing em when i'm on the train.