Ear pads for headphones: how to choose and change?

The design of the headphones provides for the presence of an important element on which not only the comfort of their use depends, but also, to a large extent, the sound quality. This item is ear pads.

Ear cushions for headphones are the main component that directly contacts the user's ear. Operation of any type of headphones (dynamic or in-ear, monitor or on-ear) is impossible without their use. In over-ear and over-ear headphones, ear pads are soft pads that come in direct contact with your ears or your head. In in-ear and in-ear headphones, ear pads are attachments that are inserted into the headphone body and are located inside the auricle.

Of course, the main purpose of this accessory is to provide comfort when using headphones... Another functional feature is the creation of protection against external noise. They also contribute to better sound by forming a sound chamber between the ear and the earpiece. These functional features are manifested to varying degrees and depend on the type and design of the headphones, as well as on the device of the ear pads and the material of their manufacture. An additional function of this accessory is to fix the earphone inside the auricle. Ear pads are replaceable elements that can be replaced with new ones as they wear out.

In accordance with the shape, size, material of manufacture, several types of ear pads are distinguished. For in-ear headphones, these types are used.

Standard type ear cushions are the most common, and they are necessarily included in the set of 3 different sizes of headphones, so they are suitable for most users. Such models consist of a rigid base with soft nozzles, which is put on a sound guide tube.

This type of accessory has 2 special attachments - "herringbones" or petals, differing in diameter, and this is their difference from standard models. Better noise isolation improves sound quality. It is provided precisely by the presence of 2 nozzles, they can be used even in conditions with high noise levels. However, such ear pads do not create complete comfort and, when worn for a long time, cause slight discomfort.

This type is similar to the two-flange models and is distinguished by the presence of 3 nozzles. The advantage of such ear pads is even higher noise isolation. but if the size of the model is not chosen correctly, the listening discomfort will be even more significant.

Anchors are not considered to be actually ear cushions, but are an additional means of attaching the headphones. Usually they are complemented by standard models. Most often they are used in sports headphones, for which a secure fit is very important.

Such ear pads are made to order according to a special individual mold of the auricle. Such models are ideal for this user, guarantee very high noise insulation and at the same time are almost invisible.

The difference between this type of accessories is that soft foam material is used for their manufacture. Foam models have elasticity, which allows you to acquire an individual shape of the ear canal. These ear pads are characterized by a high degree of comfort and noise isolation.

The degree of sound insulation and comfort depends on the shape. The ear cushions for full-size headphones have different designs depending on their application. In professional monitors and most models for amateur use, these types of ear cushions are used.

• Circum-aural ("around the ear") - they look like large rounded rollers that completely cover the auricles and are pressed against the head.

• Supra-aural ("over the ear") or overhead - are in the form of soft overhead pads (such as a pillow) of somewhat smaller dimensions, which are in contact only with the ear.

Ear cushions for over-ear and over-ear headphones come in round, rectangular or elongated shapes.

Various materials are used to make replacement ear pads. Models for full-size headphones are made from these materials.

Leather accessories are pleasant to the touch, they are considered the most comfortable, environmentally friendly and have a high degree of noise absorption, since the leather has a high density. But leather ear cushions lack breathability, which leads to the formation of sweat, especially in hot weather and with prolonged use. However, there are models made of high quality perforated leather, which provides ventilation and does not create a greenhouse effect.

Leatherette accessories are a cheaper option, but they provide quite good sound insulation and are of decent quality. High-quality artificial leather is difficult to distinguish from natural.

Eco-leather is able to pass air well, "breathe" and does not create a greenhouse effect. Cheap types are short-lived and non-breathable material.

Velor attributes have sufficient ergonomics, the material, pleasant to the touch, guarantees wearing comfort. Soft ear cushions perfectly absorb noise and dampen low-frequency sounds. They have a beautiful appearance, but are less practical than leather ones. But they quickly become dirty, absorb dust and require replacement of the attachments after almost a year, since they are very difficult to clean.

Foam models are considered a budget option. Foam rubber does not have sufficient strength even after special special impregnation, and the service life of foam rubber products is short.

This fabric is used for the manufacture of both budget and premium models. These accessories are pleasant to the touch, have good air permeability and acoustic properties.

In the manufacture of ear cushions for in-ear headphones, such materials are used.

Silicone products are durable and affordable. They are good at blocking out ambient noise, but they can distort the sound a little. Silicone models are divided into single-circuit in the form of a hemisphere and multi-circuit, which have several overlays and are able to penetrate deeper into the ear canal. These accessories can be of very different shapes.

Foam ear cushions are less durable and need to be changed constantly as the soft, foam-structured material quickly becomes dirty. They are comfortable to use and have good sound insulation. Foam models most often have a spherical or frusto-conical shape.

Among the large assortment of these accessories, the rating determined such the best models.

• Sennheiser EP 515225 - German production. Sound quality is the top priority of this manufacturer. The round model is made of foam rubber impregnated with a special substance to make it more durable. The advantages of this product are the budget cost, constant availability for sale. The tonal range is characterized by moderate bass sound. Accessories fit snugly in your ears and have a good level of noise isolation. However, they provide insufficient level of the upper range, while the low frequencies are boosted.

• Monster Audiophile Supertips GEL XS 12910-00. This company is distinguished by the release of audio-technical innovations, modified for various musical genres. The model is characterized by excellent sounding, high noise isolation. The set includes 5 silicone ear pads of various shapes and colors.

• Spinfit CP800. A feature of this model is the ability to change the angle of inclination due to the presence of a special mount. The set includes 2 pairs of attributes of the same size. The model provides good noise isolation, wearing comfort, which is created by soft silicone. There is no discomfort even with prolonged wear.

• UiiSii - a product of Chinese manufacturers with decent sound quality and good audibility of both bass and treble. The set includes 2 pairs of accessories of different sizes (S and L), made of high quality silicone.

• Beyerdynamic Eartips for byron BT | BTA. Silicone models are used for vacuum-type headphones. Made using the latest technology. The accessories are of high quality. Soft silicone provides a snug yet comfortable fit.

• Beyerdinamic DT770. The velor model has an original design. Its feature is to ensure high quality and comfort in use. This attribute guarantees complete isolation of noise both in the studio and outdoors. The product is excellent for professional use as it has a high level of sound detail.

• Shure Hpaec750. The product is made of high quality wear-resistant artificial leather. The model has a firm fit, a high level of comfort: discomfort and sweating do not occur even after prolonged wear. The high degree of noise isolation guarantees the sound quality.

• KOOS UR-20. The model is made of smooth artificial leather (luxury class) and is characterized by a high level of comfort and long-term use. The attribute guarantees double-sided isolation of sounds - both external and internal.

The selection of replaceable ear pads is a rather difficult task, since certain nuances must be taken into account. Appearance and technical parameters, sound quality are, of course, very important. But ergonomics are also of great importance. When choosing in-ear ear pads, you should know that each person has an individual structure and size of the auricle and ear canal. Universal ear cushions simply do not exist, therefore, an individual shape and size should be selected.

• The size of the model is important, as too large accessories will fit very tightly and cause a lot of pressure, and small ones will simply fall out.The set of headphones often includes a set of spare ear pads - large, medium and small (S, M, L) You can only find out your size by trying on. In addition, the size of the model must be the same as the sound tube of the headphones. In general, headphones have the same sound guide diameter, however, some models may have a slightly larger or smaller size.

• The shape is also selected in accordance with the individual characteristics of the structure of the auditory canal; you can determine the desired shape by trying on various models. It must be remembered that the correctly selected shape and size of the ear cushions guarantee comfortable wearing, complete sealing, which allows you to make the sound less loud, which means that it is not so dangerous for your hearing.

When choosing accessories for over-ear and on-ear headphones, you should also pay attention to the shape. Large round models do not always fit snugly, especially in the occipital region, which means that sufficient noise isolation is not created. If the size is too small, then they do not completely cover the ears, which also affects noise isolation. Models with an elongated shape that imitate the shape of the auricle or rectangular ear pads are considered the best option: they provide better noise isolation and evenly distribute pressure on the auricle.

When worn, they acquire body temperature and become even softer, as a result of which the cups press on the ears too much. It is important to pay attention to the quality of the product and the ability to deform. High-quality models, after pressing with fingers, return to their original shape, gradually and slowly straightening irregularities. If this process occurs very quickly, then when wearing, the discomfort also comes quickly.

The purpose of use is also important. If the headphones are to be used in a studio or other room, you should purchase models with large, soft, wrap-around ear pads. Headphones with indoor models are more suitable for outdoor use, swimming or other sports.

It is often necessary to replace the ear pads. Before putting on new ones, you first need to remove the old models. In-ear accessories are removed in this order.

• First, you should bend outward the attachments - the petals to free the inner part of the ear cushions. As a result, only the base (core) of the accessory will remain on the sound guide of the earphone.
• After that, you can remove the attribute: gently grab its middle with 2 fingers and, gradually pulling it off the sound guide, finally remove it. To facilitate the process, you can gently rotate the nozzle clockwise.

The second accessory is removed in the same sequence. To correctly insert the ear pads, you need to do the following.

• First you need to free the core by doing the same steps as when removing the ear pads.
• Then gently pull one side of it over the sound guide.
• After that, gradually advancing the free side, completely put on the sound guide. At the same time, to facilitate the process, you can also slightly rotate the accessory.
• After putting on, check the correctness of installation: the core must completely cover the diameter of the sound guide, and the ear cushion must sit firmly and securely without skewing.
• Return the petals to their original position.

On the on-ear headphones, you need to change the ear pads that are fixed with latches as follows.

• First you need to carefully unhook one of the latches. To do this, bend it slightly using a plastic card (or a flat plastic stick), placing it between the base of the earphone and the latch.

• After that, the other latches are free to separate if you pull on the ear pads.

• To install an accessory, you first need to attach it to the base of the earphone, align the grooves and latches, and then press lightly on it: pressing too hard can break the parts.

In full-size headphones, the ear cushions can be secured with a plastic ring. To replace it, you need to follow these steps.

• Find the ring by feeling the entire circumference of the earpiece with your fingers.

• First you need to remove the ring from any one latch, and from the others it can be removed quite easily. To do this, slightly move the ring to the side, gently pull it towards you and remove it from the earphone case.

• To install the ear cushion, you just need to attach it to the base of the earphone, align the grooves and latches. Then press lightly until it clicks.

A correctly installed ear cushion sits still, firmly and evenly.

How to choose ear pads for your headphones, see below.