Why Your EarBuds Keep Falling Out – Quick and Easy Solutions

ListedFit is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small commission.

Do you find yourself constantly adjusting your earbuds while listening to music or taking a call? It can be frustrating when your earbuds won’t stay in your ear, especially when you’re on the go.

There are a number of reasons why this might be happening, and luckily, there are solutions to this common problem.

Keep reading for some useful information on why and how to keep wireless earbuds from falling out.

Why Do Your Earbuds Keep Falling Out?

If you’re experiencing difficulty keeping your earbuds in your ears, you’re not alone.

A lot of people, including myself, struggle with this issue, and it can be really frustrating when you’re trying to enjoy your music or remain focused during a workout and you feel them slipping out of position.

It’s probably the main thing I look at when I’m looking at buying a pair of earbuds to workout in.

There are several reasons why earbuds may not stay in your ears, and understanding these factors can assist you in selecting the appropriate type of earbuds for your needs.

Is The Fit and Size Right?

One of the most frequent reasons why earbuds won’t stay in your ears is due to an improper fit or size.

If your earbuds are too big or too small, they just won’t fit comfortably in your ear canal, and they will most likely end up falling out.

A one-size-fits-all just isn’t effective for everyone and not all earbud manufacturers understand this fully. But on our end as consumers, it makes it more important to choose earbuds that are the right size for our ears.

What Is Your Ear Canal Shape?

Another factor that may cause earbuds to fall out is the shape of your ear canal.

Ear canal sizes and shapes can vary greatly from person to person, and some people have a more challenging time finding earbuds that fit properly.

I spent the longest time thinking that my ear canal shape was just different to everyone else’s and that I would never be able to find earbuds or headphones that just stayed in my ears without me having to adjust them constantly. Luckily these days it’s a lot easier to find a good fit.

Nowadays you can buy third-party earbud tips for many different models of popular earbuds and a lot of manufacturers give you a range of different-sized tips when you buy a brand-new pair.

Custom-fit earbuds, such as those offered by audiologists, may be an option for individuals with more unique ear canal shapes.

How Comfortable Are Your Earbuds to Wear?

Yes, they may sit in your ear and enable you to walk around and so on. But are they actually comfortable? Are they so comfortable that you sometimes even forget you are wearing them?

Earbuds that are uncomfortable to wear for extended periods will of course make you want to adjust them more frequently, this increases the likelihood of them falling out.

Think about choosing earbuds with replaceable tips or ones that have ear hooks that can be adjusted to fit your ears more comfortably.

Also, wireless earbuds may be more comfortable than wired earbuds, as there is no cable to get in the way or to get caught on anything.

But wireless earbuds can sometimes be heavy or badly designed making the heavy back end weigh down on the earbud tips causing the position of them to shift and bounce as you move.

Pay extra attention to how they move as you walk and do your daily activities.

How Do They Handle Sweat and Rain?

Sweat and rain can also cause earbuds to slip and fall out of your ears, particularly during rigorous exercise or movement.

Sweat-proof and water-resistant earbuds may be a good option for individuals who engage in these activities frequently.

But in my experience, not all of them are well put together.

I have reviewed a few sports headphones on the YouTube channel such as the Beats Fit Pro Review, and over time I found that some earbuds can still not be perfect even though they are labelled as sports/gym headphones/earbuds.

This is why it’s important to pay attention to the fit.

I found from my experience that replacing your tips to a foam style tip instead of the standard rubber/latex can help them to stay in your ears better when you sweat.

However, the foam style does absorb moisture more, so you will have to replace them periodically.

Do Your Buds Have Earwax Build-Up?

This is uncomfortable for many, but the fact is that earwax buildup can also affect the fit of your earbuds and cause them to fall out repeatedly.

It’s important to clean your ears regularly to prevent earwax buildup.

Note: Avoid using cotton swabs to clean your ears, they can push earwax further into your ear canal and potentially damage your hearing.

Believe It Or Not, Sound Quality.

Finally, the sound quality of your earbuds may play a role in whether or not they stay in your ears.

In my experience, if the sound quality is poor, I’m more tempted to adjust and fiddle with my earbuds frequently, increasing the likelihood of them falling out.

It’s nice to have earbuds with lots of features, but having to press buttons on them and fiddle with them to get better sound can mean theyre more likely to fall out.

I like to be able to just put them in my ears and not have to keep adjusting them.

If this happens to you, consider investing in high-quality earbuds with excellent sound quality to ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable listening experience.

What Are The Solutions?

If you’re having trouble keeping your earbuds in place, there are several solutions you can try. Here are a few options to consider:

Adjusting the Fit… Unconventionally

One of the first things people usually do is adjust the fit of their earbuds. Make sure the earbuds are inserted properly and securely in your ears. If they feel loose, try twisting them slightly to create a better seal.

In my experience this is usually the first port of call, it doesn’t always work but it’s the starting point.

On some rare occasions, I have actually had a better fit with some earbuds by putting them in my ears upside down, for some reason the moulding on some pairs has just felt more comfortable and secure when upside down. This is of course a rare thing, but it’s worth a try if nothing else works!

Using Ear Hooks or Ear Wings

Another option is to use ear hooks or ear wings. These accessories can help keep your earbuds in place while you’re active.

They are normally available to fit the most popular earbuds on the market like the Apple AirPods or earbuds made by Sony or Beats.

You might be able to get a pair that fits a less popular brand, but it might be trickier.

Earhooks can work well because they actually hook to the ridges of your ear and they come in different sizes and shapes.

Some earbuds like the Bose QuietComfort 2 come with ear hooks or wings included in the box, while others may require you to purchase them separately.

Replacing Earbud Tips

If your earbuds come with different sizes of earbud tips, try swapping them out to see if a different size works better for you.

You might actually be surprised, sometimes a smaller earbud tip actually gives me a better fit that doesn’t shift around as much, even though a bigger size does fit in my ear snugly.

When you swap them, wear them for about ten minutes and see if they stay put. They may be comfortable for a few seconds but keep them in for a long time. Jump, walk around and also lie down flat for a bit with them in your ear, just to be sure the fit is good.

If your earbuds didn’t come with a selection of different-sized tips, you may be able to get some cheap replacement tips separately. Make sure to choose tips that are compatible with your earbuds.

Buying Custom-Fit Earbuds

For a more permanent solution, you can consider getting custom-fit earbuds. These earbuds are made to fit the exact shape of your ears, providing a secure and comfortable fit.

The thing is that they can be more expensive. Logitech has a custom-fitted pair that work well. Another option is to visit an audiologist to get a custom-fitted pair, but this can be a lot more expensive.

There are several solutions you can try if your earbuds won’t stay in place. Experimenting with different options can help you find the right fit for your ears.

Preventing Future Problems

If you’re tired of constantly having to adjust your earbuds because they won’t stay in your ears, there are steps you can take to prevent future problems. By taking care of your ears and your earbuds, and choosing the right earbuds for your needs, you can enjoy your music without any discomfort or frustration.

Cleaning Your Ears

Earwax buildup can cause earbuds to slip out of your ears, so it’s important to clean your ears regularly. However, be careful not to clean your ears too aggressively, as this can cause damage to your ear canal and eardrum. Here are some tips for cleaning your ears:

• Use a soft cloth or tissue to clean the outside of your ears.
• Use a cotton swab to gently clean the inside of your ear, but avoid inserting it too far into your ear canal.
• If you have excessive earwax buildup, consult a doctor or audiologist for professional ear cleaning.

Taking Care of Your Earbuds

Proper care of your earbuds can help prevent future problems. Here are some tips for taking care of your earbuds:

• Clean your earbuds regularly with a soft cloth or tissue.
• Avoid exposing your earbuds to moisture or extreme temperatures.
• Store your earbuds in a protective case if you’re not using them.
• Replace your earbuds if they become damaged or worn out.

Choosing the Right Earbuds for Your Needs

Choosing the right earbuds for your needs can also help prevent future problems. Here are some factors to consider when choosing earbuds:

• Earbud type: In-ear, on-ear, and over-ear earbuds all have different designs and fit differently in the ear. Consider which type is most comfortable for you.
• Earbud size: Earbuds come in different sizes to fit different ear shapes and sizes. Make sure to choose earbuds that fit snugly in your ear without causing discomfort.
• Earbud features: Some earbuds come with features such as noise cancellation, wireless connectivity, and water resistance. Consider which features are important to you.

By following these tips, you can prevent future problems with earbuds that won’t stay in your ears. Taking care of your ears and your earbuds, and choosing the right earbuds for your needs, can help you enjoy your music without any discomfort or frustration.

Conclusion

Earbuds that won’t stay in your ears can be frustrating. But there are several solutions that you can try to ensure that your earbuds stay in place.

Firstly, consider purchasing earbuds that come with different sizes of ear tips. This will allow you to choose the size that fits your ear canal the best. Additionally, earbuds with hooks or wings can help keep them in place during physical activities.

Another solution is to try using earbud cushions or ear hooks. These accessories can provide extra support and comfort, making it easier for your earbuds to stay in place.

If none of these solutions works, it may be worth trying a different brand or style of earbuds. Some people find that certain brands or styles fit their ears better than others.

It’s important to remember that finding the right fit for your earbuds may take some trial and error. Don’t give up if the first solution doesn’t work for you. Keep trying until you find a solution that works best for your ears.