Tips and Tricks On How to Make Headphones More Comfortable: Fixes for Sore Ears, a Sore Head, and a Tight Fit

We've all been there. You're lost in your favorite song, engrossed in an audiobook, or immersed in a gripping podcast, when suddenly, your ears start to ache. The culprit? Uncomfortable headphones.

But don't fret, this discomfort isn't a necessary evil. In fact, with the right tips and tricks, you can transform your listening experience.

This all-inclusive guide on how to make headphones more comfortable will walk you through how to make headphones more comfortable, ensuring that your audio adventures are nothing but enjoyable.

How to Make Headphones More Comfortable

Most headphone discomfort can be fixed with a few small changes to fit, padding, and wear time. Knowing what causes the pain makes it easier to pick the right fix. Why do headphones hurt my ears? Headphones can hurt your ears for several reasons. The most common causes include wearing them for extended periods, which can lead to heat and sweat buildup; headphones that are too tight, exerting excessive pressure on your ears; and headphones that are too heavy, causing strain on your head and neck.

Experiencing discomfort while listening to your favorite tunes or podcast can be a real downer, and is more common than you think.

But don't worry, there are plenty of ways to make your headphones more comfortable, and the following are just a handful of them.

Which one to try first depends on where it hurts:

Below, we go through each fix, starting with headphones that feel too tight.

Loosen Headphones That Are Too Tight

A common source of discomfort is the clamping force of the headband. If your headphones feel too tight, try adjusting the headband. Most headphones come with adjustable headbands, allowing you to find the perfect fit. If your headphones lack this feature, you can still reduce the clamping force. Gently stretch the headband by placing it over a box or a stack of books slightly wider than your head. Leave it there overnight, and you should notice a difference in the morning.

Stretching isn't always needed, though. Ear cups that sit too high can make the band feel tighter than it is. Letting each slider out one notch moves the cups to the center of your ears, and that alone often helps. If you still need to stretch the band, check your user manual first and test the fit after each night. A good fit stays put when you nod, and you stop noticing it after a few minutes. Any tighter, and the pressure can turn into external compression headaches. For more on finding the right grip, see Consider the Clamping Force below.

Fix Pressure on the Top of Your Head

If headphones hurt the top of your head, the weight is sitting on too small a patch of headband. Most bands touch your head along one narrow strip, so the pressure builds in one spot. This top of head pain can start within an hour or two, even when your ears feel fine.

Loosening the band may not help much, because the problem is where the weight sits. Instead, spread it out:

1. Slide the band an inch forward or back to move the pressure point. On long days, shift it now and then.
2. Adjust the sliders so the ear cushions sit fully around your ears and share the weight.
3. Add a headband cushion to cover a wider area.

If the ache keeps coming back, the band may be too thin for long wear. The Look for Padded Headbands section below covers what to check next time.

Avoid Headphone Dents

A headphone dent is a temporary groove in your hair and the skin under it, left by the headband. It comes from the same weight on a narrow strip of headband that makes the top of your head sore. The dent fades once the headphones come off, but long sessions and narrow bands make it deeper.

To keep it small, move the weight around. Wear the band slightly back and let the sliders out one notch. Afterward, run your fingers through your hair. If you need neat hair later, wear them around your neck until then.

If a deep dent shows up fast every time, go back to the three fixes above.

Use Ear Pads

If you're looking for a quick way how to make headphones not hurt your ears, adding comfortable ear pads may just be what you need. Ear pads can significantly enhance headphone comfort. They provide a cushion between your ears and the headphones, reducing pressure and preventing soreness. Some headphones come with their own set of ear pads, but you can also buy them separately. Opt for ear pads made from soft, breathable material to prevent sweating and irritation.

Take Regular Breaks

Wearing headphones for extended periods can lead to discomfort. Make it a habit to take a break every hour or so to give your ears a rest. This not only makes your headphones more comfortable but also helps protect your hearing. And in case you do experience some consistent ear pain, it would be ideal to attain a suitable remedy for ear pain due to earphones.

Keep Your Ears Cool

Ear cushions seal in warm air. On a long call or a hot day, your ears can start to sweat, and the pads feel worse. Take the headphones off for a few minutes every hour. If you run warm, pick breathable ear pads and wipe them after use.

Invest in Headphones Built for Long Wear

Consider lighter headphone models if you plan to wear them for extended periods.

For long workdays and calls: Anker soundcore Space 2 Pro

Best for: people who keep headphones on through long workdays and calls

If you wear headphones from your first meeting to your last call, comfort matters as much as sound. Anker soundcore Space 2 Pro is built for that kind of day. Its ergonomically optimized headband is designed for pressure-free weight distribution. The ear cushions use upgraded protein leather with slow-rebound memory foam for a gentle, breathable fit. The foam gives way slowly instead of pushing back on your ears.

When the office gets loud, Adaptive ANC 3.0 helps you focus. On calls, the Thus™ AI Chip and 6 mics separate your voice from the noise. It weighs 262g and runs up to 30 hours with ANC on, or 60 hours off. A 5-minute charge adds up to 8 hours, and Hear ID 5.0 tunes the sound to your hearing. For other styles, see our noise cancelling headphones.

For a comfortable pair on a budget: soundcore Life Q30

Best for: listeners who want comfort and noise cancelling at a lower price

If you want memory foam comfort and noise cancelling at a lower price, the Q30 is the place to start. soundcore Life Q30 headphone is built with comfort in mind. The ultra-soft protein leather earcups, combined with memory foam padding, offer a plush and pressure-free fit over the ears. This ensures that the headphones sit snugly without causing discomfort or strain during extended listening sessions. Moreover, the lightweight build of the Life Q30 headphones further enhances their comfort. The reduced weight makes them easy to wear for prolonged periods without causing any fatigue on the head or ears. Furthermore, it also comes with advanced hybrid noise cancellation (up to 95% low-frequency ambient sound filtered), 3 custom modes for various environments, Hi-Res audio quality, and an impressive 40-hour playtime. This allows you to enjoy high-quality music alongside pressure-free comfort with soft earcups.

Choose the Right Size

Headphones that are too big or too small can cause discomfort. Make sure to choose a size that fits your head well. Some headphones come in different sizes, so you can choose the one that fits you best.

Keep Your Headphones Clean

Dirty headphones can lead to skin irritation and discomfort. Make sure to clean your headphones regularly, especially the ear pads. Use a soft cloth and a gentle cleaner to keep your headphones clean and comfortable.

Wear Headphones Comfortably With Glasses

With glasses, the ear cushion presses the frame arms into the skin behind your ears. On long sessions, that spot can start to ache. The arms also hold the cushion slightly away from your head, leaving a small gap in the seal, so you may hear less bass and more outside noise with ANC on.

Softer, thicker ear pads help with both. The arms sink into the cushion instead of pressing on your head, and the pad closes more of the gap around them. If you wear headphones most of the day, glasses with thin arms help too.

Try Different Types of Headphones

Different types of headphones offer different levels of comfort. For example, some people find on-ear headphones more comfortable, while others prefer in-ear or over-ear headphones. Don't be afraid to try different types to find the one that's most comfortable for you. To compare the two headband styles, our guide to over-ear vs on-ear headphones looks at comfort over a long day. If headaches push you toward bone conduction models, note that they still press on your head. Read about bone conduction headphones and headaches before you switch.

Tips on Choosing Comfortable Headphones

Choosing the right headphones can be a game-changer when it comes to comfort. But with so many options out there, how do you know which ones will feel good on your ears? Most of it comes down to four things you can check before you buy: weight, clamping force, cushion material, and fit adjustment. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice. For a full checklist beyond comfort, see what to look for when you buy new headphones.

Consider the Type of Headphones

Headphones are classified into three types: on-ear, in-ear, and over-ear. Each type has its own pros and cons when it comes to comfort.

• In-ear headphones, additionally referred to as earbuds, are lightweight and portable, but they can cause discomfort if they don't fit properly. If you're looking for a good way how to make earbuds more comfortable, look for earbuds with multiple ear tip sizes to ensure a good fit.
• On-ear headphones sit on top of your ears. They're generally more comfortable than earbuds, but they can put pressure on your ears and cause discomfort over time. If you want an effective tip on how to make on-ear headphones more comfortable, look for on-ear headphones with soft, cushioned ear pads.
• Over-ear headphones are often considered the most comfortable option. They envelop your entire ear, which can help reduce pressure. However, they can be heavy, so look for a lightweight model if you plan to wear them for long periods.

Check the Materials

The materials used in the headphones can significantly affect their comfort. Look for headphones with soft, breathable materials like memory foam or leather for the ear pads and headband. These materials can help prevent sweating and irritation.

Look for Adjustable Features

Headphones with adjustable features can help you achieve a more comfortable fit. Look for headphones with an adjustable headband and swiveling ear cups. For example, the ear cups on soundcore Space One rotate 8° in either direction to follow the shape of your head. These features can help you adjust the headphones to fit your head perfectly, reducing the chance of discomfort. So, how to make headphones less tight? Simply extend the headband and position the ear cups to suit your head size and preferred comfort.

Consider the Weight

Heavy headphones can put a strain on your neck and head, leading to discomfort over time. When choosing headphones, consider their weight. Lighter models can be more comfortable for long listening sessions.

Test Them Out

If possible, try on the headphones before you buy them. Everyone's head and ears are different, so what's comfortable for one person might not be for another. Trying on the headphones can give you a better idea of their comfort level.

Consider the Clamping Force

How to make your ear stop hurting during use? One possible cause of ear pain when wearing headphones is the clamping force. The clamping force refers to how tightly the headphones grip your head. Too much clamping force can cause discomfort, especially during long listening sessions. On the other hand, too little clamping force can cause the headphones to slip off. Try to find a balance that's comfortable for you. But how to reduce clamping force of headphones without an adjustable band? Gently stretch the headband. Place the headphones over something slightly wider than your head, like a stack of books or a box, and leave them there for a few hours or overnight. Be careful not to overstretch them, as this could damage the headphones. This method can help loosen the headband, reducing the clamping force and making the headphones more comfortable to wear.

Check the Ear Cup Size

The size of the ear cups can affect how comfortable the headphones are. If the ear cups are too small, they can put pressure on your ears. If they're too large, they might not provide a good seal, which can affect sound quality. Look for headphones with ear cups that fit your ears well.

Look for Padded Headbands

A padded headband can make a big difference in comfort, especially if you plan to wear your headphones for extended periods. The padding can help distribute the weight of the headphones and reduce pressure on the top of your head.

Consider Wireless Headphones

Wires can be annoying and can get in the way, especially if you're moving around a lot. Wireless headphones can provide a more comfortable and convenient listening experience. Plus, you won't have to worry about getting tangled up in wires.

Check the Reviews

Before buying headphones, check the reviews. Other users can provide valuable insights into the comfort of the headphones. Look for reviews that mention comfort, as this can give you a better idea of what to expect.

By considering these factors, you can find a pair of headphones that are comfortable and enjoyable to use. Remember, everyone's preferences are different, so what works for one person might not work for you. It's important to find headphones that meet your specific needs and preferences.

Conclusion

Choosing the right headphones and making them comfortable is an art that can significantly enhance your listening experience. From investing in a comfortable pair to making adjustments to your existing headphones, there are numerous ways to ensure comfort. Keep note, everyone's comfort level and preferences are different, so it's essential to find what works best for you. The simplest approach: find where it hurts and fix that one thing. Replace your headphones only if adjusting them doesn't help.

By following the tips outlined in this article, you can enjoy your favorite tunes, podcasts, or audiobooks without any discomfort. Whether you're a music enthusiast, a gamer, a professional, or someone who enjoys a good audiobook, comfort is key to a great listening experience. So, don't compromise on comfort. After all, your ears deserve the best. If adjusting isn't enough, start with the Anker soundcore Space 2 Pro or browse our over-ear headphones.

Frequently Asked Questions About Headphone Comfort

Why do my ears hurt when I wear headphones?

Ear discomfort from headphones can be due to several factors. It could be that the headphones are too tight, causing too much pressure on your ears. The headphones might also be too heavy, causing strain on your head and neck. Additionally, wearing headphones for extended periods can cause your ears to become hot and sweaty, which can lead to discomfort. If you're experiencing ear pain due to earphones, consider following the tips outlined in this article to make your headphones more comfortable.

Is it bad to wear headphones all day?

Wearing headphones all day isn't necessarily bad, but it can lead to discomfort and potential hearing damage if the volume is too high. It's recommended to take regular breaks to give your ears a rest. Also, keeping the volume at a safe level can help protect your hearing.

How to make on ear headphones fit a small head?

If your headphones are too big for your head, they might not provide a good seal, which can affect sound quality and comfort. Look for headphones with an adjustable headband to ensure a good fit. You can also try adding additional padding to the headband to make it fit more snugly. If you're using earbuds, try using smaller ear tips.

Do headphones dent your head?

No, the mark is in your hair and skin, and it fades. It can look deeper than it is because hair holds the band's shape for a while. A wider, softer headband leaves a lighter mark.

Why do noise cancelling headphones hurt my head or ears?

Most of the pain comes from the fit. Noise cancelling headphones need a tight seal, so many press harder on your ears and head. Some people also feel a plugged-up sensation in their ears when ANC is on. To ease it, loosen the band, take short breaks, or lower the ANC level or switch to transparency mode. In one study of ANC headphone comfort in an aircraft cabin, ANC headphones mainly caused discomfort around the ear, while earplugs caused it inside the ear.

Do over-ear headphones hurt after a while?

They can, usually from clamp pressure or weight after an hour or more. Since the cups sit around your ears, they're often easier on the ears than on-ear models. The trade-off is extra weight.

How tight should headphones be?

Tight enough to stay put when you nod, loose enough that you stop noticing them after a few minutes. What feels right varies. Head shape, hair, and glasses all change how a pair fits, so try one on if you can.

Do headphones loosen over time?

Most headbands relax a little with regular wear. If a new pair feels snug, give it some time first. If it's still tight, check the user manual and stretch it a little at a time. Going too far can leave it too loose to stay on.