Do you often get immersed in a podcast? Do you feel engrossed in the world of music? But, the problem is that wearing a pair of headphones makes you feel discomfort. From the volume level to the headphones type, various factors may affect your experience during your audio adventure. So, find a brief guide on how to keep headphones from hurting your ears.
How to Stop Headphones from Hurting Your Ears
A few tips will help you keep headphones from hurting your ears.
Switch to a Different Headphone Type
Are you currently using on-ear headsets? You can then switch to over-ear models. The former often hurts our ears because they directly sit on our earlobes. Although the clamping force is gentle, you may feel pain over time (check differences between over-ear and on-ear headphones). You may also choose bigger headsets to avoid pain.
Buy Earpads
If you want a quick way on how to keep headphones from hurting your ears, invest in earpads. You will feel comfortable while wearing headphones with earpads. The cushion placed between headphones and ears will reduce pressure and prevent soreness. Many brands offer earpads with their headphones. If not, you may buy them separately. The best ones are designed with breathable materials that prevent irritation and sweating.
Take Intervals
Many people have a habit of wearing headphones for a longer period. This makes them feel discomfort. You should remove your headphones from your ears every hour. Still, if you feel pain from your headphones and earphones, look for an alternative remedy.
Look for Lightweight Headsets
Bulky traditional headphones worn for a long period may make you feel discomfort. If you like to know how to make headphones stop hurting your ears, we recommend buying lightweight models. The best headphones with a thoughtful design have memory foam padding. The ultra-soft leather earcups sit firmly without causing strain.
Select the Appropriate Size
Too small or too big headphones will not make you feel comfortable. So, you should choose a headphone size, which fits well. You can find headphones in varying sizes. Thus, take your time to pick the right one.
Avoid an Extremely High Volume Level
Setting the right volume is important while wearing earphones and headphones. If you listen to music at a very high level, it will cause permanent damage to your hearing ability. Never turn up the volume if the annoying background noise has caused a slight disturbance. Most experts recommend setting the volume at 60%.
Use Noise-Cancellation Headphones
Headphones with noise-cancellation technology and built-in microphones are the right choice. These devices allow you to avoid outside noises. So, you do not need to raise the volume. These innovative headphones also come with adjustable bass settings. Thus, you will have better control over your listening experience.
Manage the Headband

A headband’s clamping force may make you feel discomfort. If you feel too tight headphones, adjust the headband. Many headphones have flexible headbands for easy adjustment. But, if your headsets do not have this feature, the clamping force can be reduced by stretching the band. Place a wide box to do stretching.
Clean Your Earbuds or Headphones
Regular cleaning will maintain the hygiene of your earbuds and minimize the risk of ear pain caused by built-in bacteria. You may also wipe down the device’s surface using a soft cloth. It is also essential to remove debris from detachable earbud tips. Using an alcohol wipe is a good idea for sanitization. However, never do it too frequently because alcohol may degrade the headphone materials.
Do All Headphones and Earbuds Hurt Ears?
You will not feel pain from every type of headphones. Some models with plushy and big earpads accommodate your ears fully without affecting cartilage. You may look for earbuds with an ergonomic design.
Can I Wear Hearing Aids with Headphones?
Traditionally, it is not viable to wear both the headphones and the hearing aids. However, due to technological advancements and Bluetooth features, you may be able to use both devices simultaneously. Some hearing aids are compatible with certain headphone styles.
Why Do Earbuds Hurt My Ears?
Many people feel pain after wearing earbuds because the ear canal comes in contact with foreign objects. It may cause ear infections, which lead to intense pain. Never choose self-treatment to cure the infections.
What Will I Do If My Headphones Hurt My Ear Cartilage?
If you wear a shallow earcup padding, your ear cartilage will feel discomfort. Especially those with protruding ears have a risk of ear cartilage injury after wearing headphones. It happens because headphone drivers press firmly against them.
Why Do Headphones Hurt My Inner Ears?
If you have inserted your earbuds too deep into the ears, your inner ears will feel pain. As earbuds cause vibrations, you will feel soreness. Inappropriate ear tip size is another reason behind the discomfort and pain if your ear tips are large. The size may also affect the audio quality of your headphones.
Final Verdict on How to Keep Headphones from Hurting Your Ears
Preventing headphone discomfort is vital to maintaining your ear health. You need to choose the right headphone size and type to avoid pain and other discomfort. Excessive loudness and prolonged use also affect your experience. Our guide on how to stop headphones from hurting your ears will solve your issues.