Chasing Silence: The Earphone Quest

If I think about some of my favourite things to do in public, I’m drawn to the usual—shopping, travelling, people-watching, going for walks, hanging out with friends, and enjoying a meal out.

But, as much as I love all of the above, there’s one common thread that runs through them all… triggers. And let me tell you, there are triggers everywhere.

Like most misophonia sufferers, it’s rare that I venture anywhere these days without a pair of headphones—or, at the very least, earplugs when headphones aren’t appropriate. The very thought of being on a plane without top-tier noise-cancelling headphones feels like a nightmare of epic proportions—a confined space full of noise, and me, trapped in it.

Now, I must confess something here—something my husband will undoubtedly find amusing. I’ve accumulated multiple pairs of earphones and headphones, each chosen for a very specific purpose. I shudder to think about what I’ve spent over the years, desperately searching for that elusive perfect pair—the one set that would rule them all.

Perhaps it’s just me, but I struggle endlessly with finding earphones that actually stay in my ears. I’m currently writing this as I sit on a plane, en route to the Gold Coast to visit my parents for Christmas. My expensive AirPod Pros are, quite literally, sliding out of my ears with every passing minute. Frustrated, I grab my bag and fish out the little hooks that slide over my AirPods to keep them in place, even though they create unbearable pressure on my ears after about 15 minutes. I glance wistfully at my even more expensive Sennheiser headphones, purchased for long-haul flights, that I have on standby.

Yes, I know. I have two pairs of excellent headphones for a very short trip, but this is the reality of living with misophonia—and the added challenge of finding earphones that actually stay in my ears! When it comes to blocking out noise, the Sennheiser’s are undeniably brilliant. But the moment I want to rest my head to one side for a quick nap? No chance. Absolutely not. My hair, styled to perfection, is instantly ruined. And sitting flush against my head? Not a chance.

In the past few months, I’ve found myself walking down the same long, winding road I’ve been down many times before: the search for the perfect pair of earphones. The criteria? Well, here it is...

The must-haves:

Top active noise-cancelling.

Earphones, rather than bulky headphones.

Must. Not. Fall. Out.

Impressive battery life- for long flights.

Comfort for long wear.

The desirables:

A reasonable price point.

A charging case.

I’m well aware of the vast array of earphones on the market that claim to meet all of these criteria, yet the elusive unicorns—those truly perfect earphones—have yet to reveal themselves. The main culprit? Falling out.

I can imagine the various thoughts running through your mind as you read this: "Damn straight, I never go anywhere without my earphones," "I’m part of the ‘earphones always fall out’ club," "No problems here, mine fit just fine," or perhaps, "How on earth is it so hard for her to find earphones?!"

Well, small-eared friends, you’re not as rare as you might think. After doing some research, I’ve discovered that many people struggle with earphones that won’t stay in place. Enter interchangeable and foam tips—a supposed revolution. But alas, even with these innovations, I (and many others out there) still can’t find earphones that stay secure. Could it be the size of the actual earphones themselves rather than the tips?

For people living with misophonia—or any form of sound sensitivity—having a pair of earphones that are reliable, accessible, and capable of blocking out the world around us is nothing short of life-changing. It’s like breathing; it’s essential. The thought of being unable to block out the intrusive sounds that trigger anxiety is enough to send anyone into a spiral. That’s why having a good, dependable pair of earphones is not just convenient—it’s vital.

Many brands have released earphones with built-in ear fins or hooks that wrap around the back of your ears, moulded tips designed to fit more securely, and promises of enhanced comfort. But here’s the thing—no two ears are alike, and no matter how many glowing reviews I read, it still feels like a game of trial and error. And with the price of earphones, it’s an expensive game to play.

Right now, I’ve been doing a lot of research, and there are two brands that keep popping up on top of my list: the Beats Fit Pro and the Bose QuietComfort 2. The Beats Fit Pro has received rave reviews for its secure fit and active noise cancellation, with those nifty ear fins that promise to keep them in place—even for small ears like mine. But with the 2nd generation of Beats Fit Pro rumoured to be releasing soon, I’m holding off, curious if they will improve on the original. Perhaps better battery life, or even better noise cancellation. It’s a lot to consider, and I’d rather not rush my decision.

Bose has always been top notch for noise cancellation, and I have no doubt the QuietComfort 2’s offer a comfortable fit for long flights or all-day wear. But I do wonder if they’ll be as snug as I need them to be. These Bose earphones are definitely calling my name, but it’s hard not to wonder whether they’ll live up to the reviews.

The quest for the perfect pair continues. But as I continue this journey, I know that each step brings me closer to the comfort, peace of mind, and silence that I need. In the meantime, I’ll continue searching, testing new options, and sharing the journey with others. After all, sharing the struggle—and hopefully the solution—is what makes this experience worth it.