5 things you need to know about earbuds

Get rated

Earbuds are rated with the prefix IP followed by two digits. The first number relates to protection from solid particles like dust and dirt, while the second indicates water resistance.

An X replacing either of the numbers (for example, IPX5) means the earbuds haven’t been explicitly tested for dust/water resistance.

The number to pay attention to is the second one (unless you plan to walk through a sandstorm or work at a rodeo – the higher it is, the greater the water resistance.

The rating information is vital to know if you’re planning to run in the rain, or regularly work up a big sweat in the gym – mixing water with internal earbud circuitry is best avoided.

And finally, never put wet earbuds back into the charging case.

On the app

When excitedly pairing your new earbuds for the first time, don’t ignore the prompt to download the proprietary app for them. It’s the ideal companion to your new ear gear and can extend way beyond software updates and reporting the charge remaining in the buds or case.

While the breadth of features does vary, generally, the top-tier manufacturers’ apps will include an adjustable EQ to tailor audio preferences, options to customise touch controls, and different settings for ANC (active noise cancellation) depending on the environment where they’re being used.

Some apps will even advise on the fit quality to ensure users get the best ANC and audio reproduction.

Wax on, wax off

Our ears are designed to naturally expel a build-up of wax from the ear canal, putting it on a collision course with your earbuds. Hands up if you’ve ever embarrassingly pulled a wax-coated bud from your ear on a train or plane for everyone around you to see?

Not only will a clogged-up earbud affect the sound quality, it can also lead to potential ear infections. Fortunately, gel ear tips can be easily removed from most earbuds and cleaned under hot water.

Specialised cleaning kits are available for extracting wax from inside the shells, but be careful – it doesn’t take much to damage the drivers.

And don’t forget the charging case. Wax is often transferred from the ear tips to the inside of the case and can hinder the unit’s charging capabilities, so gently keep the gold terminal points inside the case clean.

Battery preservation

It’s easy to rely on the charge in an earbud case to keep you rocking and rolling for longer, but there are ways to not only preserve battery charge but also battery life.

Storing your earbuds in the case would seem the logical place to put them when not in use. However, once the buds reach 100 per cent, leaving them in the case can degrade the battery’s long-term performance.

There’s also an argument that the earbud charge should remain in the 30-70 per cent range for optimum battery preservation, although policing that takes a lot of organisation.

Environmental factors can also play a significant part in the health of your battery. Extreme heat or cold conditions can cut the battery lifespan, so avoid leaving them in cars, garages, or direct sunlight.

Finally, keeping features such as the EQ or ANC activated, even when not required, will drain the charge faster.

The perfect fit

We can’t overstate this one. Not all ears are created equal, which is why manufacturers provide different-sized gel ear tips with new earbuds so the best fit can be achieved.

Experiment with the sizes by gently twisting the earbuds into the ear canal to achieve a better seal. Excellent ANC and deep bass are reliable indications that the fit is right.

And as we’ve already mentioned, more and more apps are now including a feature that will test a fit and relay feedback if adjustments are necessary.