Ear pads for AirPods: features, how to remove and replace?

Apple's new generation of wireless in-ear headphones AirPods (Pro model) are distinguished not only by their original design, but also by the presence of soft ear cushions. Their appearance has been marked by mixed user ratings. Thanks to the overlays, the gadget has acquired a number of advantages, but it turned out that removing them from the headphones in order to replace them is not at all easy. How to do this, and what are the features of the AirPods ear pads, we will tell you in the article.

Headphones AirPods laid the foundation for the creation of a whole class of gadgets under the general name True Wireless, that is, "completely wireless." The AirPods Pro vacuum product belongs to the third generation of Apple's TWS headphones. They were the ones who surprised by the presence of unusual silicone tips, since the previous 2 models did not have them. The appearance of ear pads has caused both enthusiasm and negative reviews. To be objective, consider both diametrically opposed opinions.

As an advantage, users note the opportunity to choose headphones for a specific ear. While previous models were designed for average anatomical indicators of the structure of the ears, then AirPods Pro products are equipped with 3 nozzles of different sizes (small, medium, large). Now everyone can choose a model according to the structure of their auricles. Those who find it difficult to figure out which size is the best fit can use the utility check (earbud fit test) built into iOS 13.2.

The second positive point is the tighter fit of the gadget inside the ear canal. There is one more plus - the ear pads are almost lightweight, but at the same time they completely close the channel, preventing extraneous noise from coming in from the outside. Truly vacuum noise cancellation is created, due to which the sound quality is increased, the rich bass content is noted.

Unfortunately, the presence of ear pads in the new gadget also has its drawbacks, noticed by many users. One of the disadvantages is the soiled white color of the tips, which quickly stain with earwax. The earbuds have to be cleaned constantly.

The second unpleasant moment - some users complain that the pads, filling the ear canal, expand it, causing discomfort. But it is precisely this position of the ear pads that allows you to completely block external sounds. For the sake of sound quality, you will have to accept the features of silicone earbuds.

Most of all complaints about the reliability of the attachments themselves. They fit very tightly on the gadget and create a problem when removing them for replacement. Some users believe that the company has specially designed a mechanism that quickly breaks down. In their opinion, in this way the corporation forces users to make another purchase.

Having disassembled the broken ear cushion, it turned out that it consists of 2 parts: outside - a soft silicone layer, inside - a hard plastic device with a tiny mesh. They are connected by a thin rubber gasket that can break from careless actions when removing the nozzle. In this case, the ear cushion itself is attached to the headphone more than reliably. To remove it for replacement, you will need to make a certain effort.

When replacing the liner, it is not only the rubber gasket that can break. The ear pad holder is made of multi-layer paper, the upper part of which can be easily torn off. This happens imperceptibly while putting the product on the earphone, while the paper is pushed inward.You can get it by picking it up with something sharp. You should not push further, it will break the mesh on the device.

Judging by the reviews on foreign forums, breakdowns occur after 3 or four 4 removals. In the USA, the purchase of additional ear pads costs $ 4, we do not have them on sale yet. The non-standard oval shape of the sound guide does not allow you to choose overlays that are commercially available, they simply will not fit.

I do not want to damage the headphones, which cost 21 thousand rubles, when removing the nozzle. It seems that the effort will simply tear the silicone. Indeed, it is much easier to put on the ear cushion on the sound guide than to remove it. But you should not be afraid, in order to change the product, you just need to follow the instructions.

It is necessary to firmly grasp the upper part of the nozzle with 3 fingers. Then, not abruptly, but with an effort to pull it towards you. If it does not give in well, a slight swaying from side to side is allowed. Sometimes the slip of the fingers on the silicone makes it difficult to remove the pad. You can do the same with a cotton cloth between the liner and your fingers. Removing the ear cushions, it is absolutely impossible:

• pry the insert at the base;
• drag with your nails;
• unfold sharply;
• pull out the inside.

The headphones come with large and small ear pads, while the gadget has an intermediate product already installed. If the middle option suggested by the manufacturer is suitable, it is better not to change the attachments, leave them as they are. In case of uncomfortable stay of the model in the ear canal and, as a result, a feeling of headache, fatigue, irritability, replacement of the lining is required.

Having removed the ear cushions, you can no longer be afraid of anything, you can easily put on a product of any size. To do this, place the cap on the elongated earpiece so that there is no gap left. Then gently press down with your fingers until you hear a click. You need to make sure that the earbud snaps into both mounts, otherwise you can lose it while using the headphones.

For information on what features of ear pads for AirPods, see the next video.