This may feel strange at first if you’re not used to it, but it will prevent the buds from slipping out every time the cord is slightly jerked or pulled.

Stretch your earlobe gently with one hand to open the ear canal while inserting each earbud, then release so that your ear cavity shapes itself around the earbud and forms a tight seal. The same goes for wireless earbuds.

Changing earbud tips is fairly simple, but be sure not to lose them as you’re making the exchange.

You should also clean your earbuds if possible. Oil, earwax, and other debris can build in and around the earbud, and this may be causing them to fall out of your ear.

Although earbuds with a hook that wrap around the back of the ear are a popular choice for athletes, some of these may cause skin chafing when worn for long periods of time. Consider well-fitting earbuds with smaller “ear fins” or wireless earbuds as an alternative if you have this problem. [2] X Research source

Check for an IP (International Protection) rating on the package to ensure your earbuds are certified as sweat-proof or waterproof. Some brands may falsely advertise as such. For example, a rating of IPX4 is the standard for sweat-proof (but not waterproof) workout headphones. You can even purchase earbuds that are safe to use while swimming! These will have a rating of IPX8.

Wireless earphones such as Apple AirPods don’t offer a silicone tip on entry versions. This may contribute to losing them, so be sure the earbuds fit properly in your ears.

Women are more likely to have smaller than average ears, which can prevent earbuds from fully entering the ear canal. There are plenty of earbuds for sale that come with extra small attachments, and even many that are marked as being for women. [3] X Research source Certain people lack cartilage on the part of the ear that normally surrounds an earbud. This is sometimes called Ear Cartilage Deficiency Syndrome. If you have always found it very difficult to wear earbuds, you may want to examine your ears for this feature and purchase earbuds with extra support, such as those with ear hooks.