Regardless of the type of headphones you use, you may need to make a few adjustments before you can get the most out of them. Over-the-ear and over-ear headphones are the most common with the headphones resting comfortably against each ear. The in-ear atria and earbuds are placed in the ear. The in-ear cups are inserted lightly into the ear canal while the earbuds are hooked on the outer part of the pinna (and therefore are not inserted into the ear canal).
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Wear over-ear and over-ear headphones
Step 1. Connect the headset to your audio device
Your iPod, laptop, phone, or audio device should have a perfectly matched audio input to the headphone jack. MP3 players only have one audio input and you probably won't have a hard time finding it. If you are using a laptop or similar device, you will find the audio input on the side or back of the case.
- The jack plug of your headphones should fit smoothly into the audio input. If not, it means that the headset and the device are incompatible.
- If you're using a wireless headset, use your device's Bluetooth connection to pair them together.
Step 2. Look for the letters L or R on the headphones
On most headsets, the left and right headphones are indicated by the letters L and R, meaning Left for left and Right for right, respectively.
- If your helmet has these letters, use them to orient it correctly on your head.
- If you don't see any indication, it means you can wear your helmet however you want.
Step 3. Place the helmet on your head
The headband that connects the headphones should rest comfortably on the top of your head. Most helmet poles are adjustable, which means you can adjust them for maximum comfort. Pull up on the bar to see if it lengthens or narrows and adjust it if necessary.
Step 4. Place the headphones directly over your ears
Adjust them so that they comfortably cover your ears. On over-ear headphones, the headphones are large ear cushions that create a slight isolating effect on each ear. This reduces surrounding noise during use. On-ear headphones are smaller and the headphones are about the size of the ear. They land directly on the ear canal.
If the headphones are pressing uncomfortably on your earrings, remove them before putting on the headphones
Method 2 of 3: Wear earbuds
Step 1. Insert the soft tip into your ear canal
In-ear cups look a lot like earbuds, but they're not worn exactly the same. The earbuds are hooked on the outside of the pinna while the atria are inserted directly into the ear canal. Start by gently positioning the soft tip in your ear, but without pushing it.
Step 2. Pull down on your left earlobe
Then, insert the earpiece tip into your ear canal. Pulling your earlobe in this way widens the ear canal. All you have to do is gently push the soft tip of the headset into your left ear.
It is not necessary to push the earpiece in too deep, as the eartip fits snugly into the ear canal
Step 3. Release your left earlobe
Once the headset is inserted, release your earlobe. Your ear canal will return to its normal size and its walls will tighten around the headset, creating good insulation for optimal audio quality. Without good isolation, the audio quality might not be up to your expectations.
The insulation will be perfect when you have trouble making out the surrounding sounds. You will be somewhat isolated, as only the sound coming out of your earbuds will be heard in your ear canal
Step 4. Repeat for the right ear
Gently pull your right earlobe and insert the tip of your headset. Release your ear to create isolation so you no longer hear surrounding noise and optimize audio quality. You may have to do this a few times before you find the correct position for the headset. Always take it easy and never push the earbuds into your ear canal.
Step 5. Test different tip sizes
In-ear headphones are not suitable for all ears and you must have different sized rubber tips that come with them. Each mouthpiece is suitable for a different size of ear canal. Start with the smallest tip and then move up to size if it doesn't fit properly. Try all the end caps until you find the one that offers the best possible insulation.
If the rubber tips are not suitable for you, you can always buy foam models on the Internet. These tips will do the trick if the rubber ones don't fit well in your ear canal
Method 3 of 3: Wear earbuds
Step 1. Look for the letters L and R on your earbuds
Some brands of earbuds indicate the location dedicated to each eyelet. L stands for Left for left ear while R stands for Right for right ear. The most common types of earbuds, such as those provided by Apple with iPods, generally do not have this type of indication.
If you don't see any indication on your earbuds, it means you can put them in any ear
Step 2. Hook the first ear cup onto your left ear
Put on the headset by gently inserting it into the hole in your ear. The plastic rod that connects it to the wire should point in the same direction as your jaw line. The headset should not be pushed into the ear canal, but suspended over the outer part of the pinna.
Step 3. Repeat with the right ear
Repeat the above steps with your right ear, gently positioning the rounded part of the atrium over the outer part of your ear canal. Adjust its location if necessary, but be careful not to push it into the hole in your ear.
Step 4. Use props
If your earbuds don't hold in place, try wearing them with suitable accessories. It is not uncommon for earbuds to fall or move when worn and this is even more true during exercise. If this is the case, search the internet for accessories that you can wear with yours to keep them in place. The accessories available are many and varied and you may need to take your time to find and choose the one that best meets your needs.
