Updated: September 2026 · 4 min read
Quick answer: Most fit problems come from using the medium tips that were pre-installed. Try every size in the box, and do not assume both ears are the same; many people need different sizes left and right. The right tip seals the ear canal: bass gets fuller, outside noise drops, and the bud stays put when you shake your head.
Signs your ear tips are the wrong size
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Bud works loose or falls out | Tip too small, or too large to enter the canal |
| Thin sound, no bass | No seal. Tip too small |
| ANC seems weak | No seal |
| Pressure or soreness after 30 minutes | Tip too large |
| One side sounds different | Your ears need different sizes |
The two-minute seal test
- Play a bass-heavy track at normal volume.
- Fit the medium tips. Note how much bass you hear.
- Swap to small, then large, one ear at a time.
- Pick the size with the fullest bass that is still comfortable.
- Shake your head and open your jaw wide a few times. If the bud shifts, go up one size.
- Rub your fingers together next to your ear. If the sound is clearly muffled, you have a seal.
How to insert earbuds properly
- With the opposite hand, gently pull the top of your ear up and back. This straightens the ear canal.
- Insert the bud with the stem pointing slightly forward.
- Rotate it back a few degrees until it locks into the bowl of the ear.
- Let go of your ear. The canal closes around the tip and holds it.
If you have small ears
- Use the smallest tips supplied. If they still press, look for XS silicone tips sold separately; most earbuds use a standard nozzle size.
- Choose lighter earbuds. Weight is what pulls a bud out of a small ear. AirSpin Super Lite is the lightest model we make for this reason.
- Stem-style earbuds usually sit better in small ears than bulky bean-shaped ones.
Silicone vs foam tips
| Silicone | Memory foam | |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Good | Very good, moulds to the ear |
| Seal and isolation | Good | Better |
| Washable | Yes | No |
| Lifespan | 6–12 months | 2–3 months |
| Fits in charging case | Always | Check first. Thick foam can stop the bud from charging |
Fit for the gym and running
- Go one tip size up from your desk size; sweat makes the canal slippery.
- Wipe tips and ears dry mid-workout.
- Make sure the earbuds are rated IPX5. Read more: IPX ratings explained
When to replace tips
Replace them when they turn yellow or stiff, tear, or stop sealing. Clean them every two weeks in between. Read more: How to clean earbuds safely
FAQ
Why do my earbuds keep falling out?
Usually the ear tip is the wrong size, or the bud has not been rotated into place. Try the other sizes and the insertion method above.
Should both ears use the same tip size?
Not necessarily. Ear canals are often slightly different. Use whatever seals best on each side.
Do ear tips affect sound quality?
More than almost anything else. Without a seal, bass leaks out and noise cancellation cannot work properly.
Why do earbuds hurt my ears?
The tip is too large or the bud is pressing on cartilage. Go down a size and re-seat it at a slightly different angle.
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