Apartment Therapy Unplugged | Good Question: What Are These Called?

Good Question: What Are These Called?

Dear readers, I have these Philips headphones, and love them, except for one problem: the little rubbery rounds that create a seal between the speaker and my ear, well, I loose them all the time. They come off easily, and although I've saved some other sizes from other sets I've had, nothing fits like the smallest size for me.
What term(s) do I use to search for them? "Earbuds" bring up suggestions like Apple headphones, nothing like what I'm looking for. Can they be bought seperate from headphones??

Thanks, loyal readers!
Cheers,
Kate

Comments (7)

kate
i think they're called "ear tips"
http://www.scansound.com/Rubber-Earbud-Eartips.htm

posted by Johnp on November 5th 2007 at 4:32am
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For the Razer headphones that I have that are similar to these, I believe they call those little pieces "ear plugs".

Mine said it came with "Interchangeable ear plugs in 3 sizes for comfortable fit".

posted by yobrett on November 5th 2007 at 4:35am
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I just used ear plugs marketed towards musicians. They work better than the original ear tips and they stayed on easier. Here's the instructables for details: http://www.instructables.com/id/Cheap-upgrade-for-Sony-MDR-EX71-headphones/

posted by halibetlector on November 5th 2007 at 5:02am
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I had a pair of Philips headphones with the little rubber ear things just like that. When the pair of tips tore, I went searching and searching online for replacements. After no luck, I finally called Philips customer service line (and it was a pain in the rear to get the right department, even after going through their entire website). I was finally told that they do not sell replacements, and could not send me new ones because the 1-year warranty was up. I replied, "So I suppose that means that my $30 pair of earbuds is worthless now? I didn't know they were disposable." It did me no good, so I kindly let the service rep know that I was finished buying all things Philips. What a waste! I mean, really, how hard/costly would it be for them to offer replacements for people who request them? The stamp on the envelope would cost more!

Phew. Sorry about the rant, and sorry about the earbuds.

posted by STLcolleen on November 5th 2007 at 10:58am
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I just came across a site referring tot hem as ear gels:http://www.skullcandy.com/shop/

posted by MattC on November 6th 2007 at 10:48am
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LOSE. You lose things.

posted by Pretentious on November 6th 2007 at 11:35am
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Philips didn't replace my buds when I lost them. Sony did.

(they shipped it OVERNIGHT, for free, a whole new set - I emailed, didn't call - and I am in Canada, to boot).

I

posted by olya on November 10th 2007 at 7:09pm
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