Can't wear earbuds even sitting still; typical replacements aren't going to cut it for the iPhone.

[Ichinisan]

[edit]
CZroe posted this with my account.

Earbuds don't fit me. PERIOD. Not even sitting or standing still. They fall right out. They don't fit my fraternal twin brother either. Years ago, I laughed when I saw that the official Motorola RAZR wired headset is a single-sided bud with extra bulk and a button hanging off of it (adding weight). Even when I found one for free it wasn't worth using. I stood up, put it in my ear, caught it as it fell out... repeat x10, then just threw it away. What engineer sits in a room oblivious to this problem and DECIDES to make their product work for only some customers?

OK, my ears seem normal and I'm no freak, so I've long been pissed ever since the rest of the world decided that earbuds were "OK for everybody" and just ran gung-ho with it. It's gotten to ridiculous levels. For example, not only does the iPod come with earbuds, but the iPhone comes with an earbud headset, doesn't offer any true alternatives without the same flaw, and doesn't fit any ear-covering or inner-ear alternatives. To make things worse, it doubles as the headset with a mic, button, etc, so even the adapters don't help (you sacrifice mic/button functionality). What excuse do they have for making the only offered alternative (the MONO Bluetooth headset) also have the same flaw? Heck, the Apple BT headset is actually worse because it's even MORE weight on the earbud portion. If it supported A2DP I would happily use some behind-the-ear stereo Bluetooth headsets. What excuse do they have for not supporting A2DP if they themselves will not even offer an alternative headset (wired or wireless) that I can use?

I'm always jokingly drawing attention to my friend's lack of an earlobe (it's like they disappear right into his head! 😉). His uncle has the same ears. He wears earbuds just fine, but it still demonstrates the diversity of ear sizes, shapes, fits, etc. Don't these engineers realize that there is DIVERSITY out there before making decisions to sell TWO headsets for the iPhon that BOTH have the same flaw?

So far, this is the only solution I could find if I want stereo on my iPhone without losing the ability to answer calls with the headset button: http://budfits.com/

It shortens the wire by routing it over your ears, but at least it works. I think I'd rather buy an A2DP adapter and one of those headsets that can pair with two devices (adapter for A2DP + iPhone's mono headset BT support). That's two BT transmitters sucking battery life. Screw Apple engineers!

 

[KeithTalent]

Have you tried any Shure earbuds? They come with various sizes and styles of earbud covers you can put on them and you are bound to find something that works among all of the options they give you: http://store.shure.com/store/s...entCategoryID.12165500 If you buy the earphones a bunch of these come free with them (I think 3 different varieties with 3 different sizes in each variety (that's how it was when I bought mine anyway).

Heck, even my Zune came with three different sized covers.

I can't tell if you need a mic or anything extra though, so if you do, please disregard my post.

KT

 

[tdawg]

From a Usability point of view, products are ideally designed to suit 95% of the population. There's just no way for an engineer to design their products to suit 100% of the people. Wasn't it Lincoln that said, "You can't please all the people all the time"? This should be part of your buying decision, just as the touch screen function should be for those people that like to have long fingernails, and thus can't use the iPhone. If the device will not function how you need it to function, just bypass it for something that works for you.

That, or you can use the iPhone without earbuds and then plug in your favorite set of headphones to use it as an mp3 & video player.

 

[abaez]

I'm in the same boat. I've bought some Ultimate Ears, shures and various other earbuds with various sized covers and styles and they were all way too big for me.

Finally found the B&O A8s: http://www.amazon.com/Bang-Olu...arphones/dp/B000I1KGKK. While most ear wrap-around buds are tacky, these are light and decently stylish. Not the *best* sound but I got tired of looking for something that would fit - I love them even they are kind of expensive. It looks like these http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs...ages/47077/496976.html support the iPhone as well.

 

[Lawliet]

i had this same exact problem. for 2 years i tried many different brands, of all kind of headphones. about 5 months ago i decided to give it "one final try" and purchase a set of Bose In Ear Headphones. the sound is amazing, and they fit perfect (they came with 3 sizes). finally, i did manage to lose all 3 of the different silicone ends, so i called them, and they sent two packs of silicone ends FREE OF CHARGE. they are good quality too, so this was a complete surprise.

these headphones do cost quite a bit ($100~), but they are most definately worth it. Now you can get them for $10 cheaper than normal too. heres the link:
http://www.bose.com/controller...rt_ie_headphones_index

 

[blackangst1]

Originally posted by: Lawliet
i had this same exact problem. for 2 years i tried many different brands, of all kind of headphones. about 5 months ago i decided to give it "one final try" and purchase a set of Bose In Ear Headphones. the sound is amazing, and they fit perfect (they came with 3 sizes). finally, i did manage to lose all 3 of the different silicone ends, so i called them, and they sent two packs of silicone ends FREE OF CHARGE. they are good quality too, so this was a complete surprise.

these headphones do cost quite a bit ($100~), but they are most definately worth it. Now you can get them for $10 cheaper than normal too. heres the link:
http://www.bose.com/controller...rt_ie_headphones_index

I have the bose set also. And the same problem as the OP. They work great and SOUND awesome.