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What to do when your earbuds keep falling out
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Earbuds are a convenient way to listen to music and other media on the go, while exercising, and when you don't want to disturb those around you. However, you may struggle to keep earbuds from slipping out of your ears over time. As ears come in different sizes, you may need to purchase new earbuds to achieve an appropriate fit. Before you invest in a new pair, there are a few tricks you can try. This wikiHow will show you how to get earbuds to stay in your ears without falling out.

How to Get Earbuds to Stay In

To keep your earbuds from falling out of your ears, keep your earbuds and ears clean of oil, earwax, and other buildup. Use silicone tip attachments so the earbuds rest firmly in your ear. Purchase special earbuds for activities such as running, swimming, and sports.

Method 1
Method 1 of 10:

Create an Ear Hook

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Method 3
Method 3 of 10:

Use Silicone Tip Attachments

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Method 7
Method 7 of 10:

Avoid Using Cotton Swabs

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  1. A buildup of earwax can cause your earbuds to fit poorly and fall out. Using cotton swabs to remove earwax can actually cause the wax to be pushed against your eardrum, causing a blockage and possibly resulting in discomfort while wearing earbuds. Don't use Q-tips, and see a doctor if you think you may have an earwax blockage.[1]
    • You should also clean your earbuds if possible. Oil, earwax, and other debris can build in and around the earbud, and this may be causing them to fall out of your ear.
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Method 8
Method 8 of 10:

Purchase Special Earbuds By Activity

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  1. If you plan on using earbuds while exercising, basic circular earbuds might not cut it, no matter how well they fit. Invest in specialized sport headphones with features like ear hooks and bands that wrap around the head to ensure a safe and slip-free listening experience during your workout.
    • Although earbuds with a hook that wrap around the back of the ear are a popular choice for athletes, some of these may cause skin chafing when worn for long periods of time. Consider well-fitting earbuds with smaller "ear fins" or wireless earbuds as an alternative if you have this problem.[2]
  2. If you wear earbuds during vigorous exercise or in hot weather, sweat may cause your earbuds to slip out. Look for earbuds labeled as "sweat-proof" if you expect to sweat while wearing them.
  3. If your earbuds may be exposed to water, such as during long distance running or winter sports, choose waterproof earbuds to make sure that excess moisture doesn't cause your earbuds to fall out.
    • Check for an IP (International Protection) rating on the package to ensure your earbuds are certified as sweat-proof or waterproof. Some brands may falsely advertise as such. For example, a rating of IPX4 is the standard for sweat-proof (but not waterproof) workout headphones.
    • You can even purchase earbuds that are safe to use while swimming! These will have a rating of IPX8.
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Method 9
Method 9 of 10:

Use Wireless Earbuds

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Method 10
Method 10 of 10:

Buy Earbuds for Smaller Ears

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  1. If you've tried everything and still can't keep your earbuds from falling out, you may simply have a particularly small ear canal. In this case, you may want to purchase earbuds designed for smaller ears.
    • Women are more likely to have smaller than average ears, which can prevent earbuds from fully entering the ear canal. There are plenty of earbuds for sale that come with extra small attachments, and even many that are marked as being for women. [3]
    • Certain people lack cartilage on the part of the ear that normally surrounds an earbud. This is sometimes called Ear Cartilage Deficiency Syndrome. If you have always found it very difficult to wear earbuds, you may want to examine your ears for this feature and purchase earbuds with extra support, such as those with ear hooks.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What if I can't afford new earbuds, nor the accessories listed, but it just rains a ton and they keep falling out? (I tried the chord around the ear method, it didn't work.)
    Aashni123
    Aashni123
    Community Answer
    Try looping the chord around your ear multiple times. You can also see if your earbuds came with other foam ends or silicone tips. If not, you may just have to invest some money in buying the accessories.
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Warnings

  • Don't listen through earbuds at very high volumes or for extended periods. No matter the fit and quality of your earbuds, excessive use can damage hearing and accelerate hearing loss over time.[4]
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About This Article

Rain Kengly
Written by:
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Rain Kengly. Rain Kengly is a wikiHow Technology Writer. As a storytelling enthusiast with a penchant for technology, they hope to create long-lasting connections with readers from all around the globe. Rain graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Cinema. This article has been viewed 461,027 times.
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Updated: August 9, 2024
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