For optimal sound quality and performance, the Apple In-Ear Headphones need to make a good seal with your ear canal, similar to a pair of earplugs. When the fit is right, most outside noises should be blocked and music should have a rich bass sound. As with any in-ear style headphone, simply placing the earbuds in your ear without making a good seal will result in poor audio quality.
To aid in the proper positioning, open your ear canal a little wider when you insert the earbud. Everyone's ears are different, but you can usually do this by grasping either the upper or lower part of your ear and pulling gently away from your head with one hand while slowly inserting the tip of the earbud into the ear canal with the other hand. In some cases, wiggling the earbud into place can also help. Let go of your ear when you feel a good seal . The earbud should remain securely in place when there's a good seal. Repeat the process until the desired fit is achieved.
Apple includes three sizes of ear tips. The medium size is installed on the headphones and small and large sizes are included in the package. If you've inserted the earbud as far as is comfortable, but can't get a good seal, try a larger ear tip size. If you get a good seal with an ear tip, but it's uncomfortable, try a smaller ear tip size. Keep in mind that left and right ears might require different sizes to achieve a proper fit.
The ear tips should be kept clean by removing them from the headphones and washing them in warm water with a drop of dish soap. Rinse and dry before putting them back on. Remove the ear tips by gently pulling them away from the headphone tip. Replace the ear tip by pushing them gently onto the headphone tip until they are held in place by the rubber collar.
Clean or replace the mesh caps
The mesh caps protect the headphone speakers from damage. If the mesh caps become clogged with earwax or the sound becomes muffled, clean or replace them (an extra pair is included). To clean the mesh caps, first remove the silicone eartips, then unscrew the mesh caps from the headphones. Soak the mesh caps in very hot tap water with a drop of dish soap for 30 minutes. The screen mesh can be damaged or dented by excessive pressure or scrubbing. Let the soaking of the mesh cap do the work of dissolving the earwax. When the wire mesh is completely unclogged, rinse with cool water and dry thoroughly before screwing them securely back onto the headphones and replacing the silicone eartips.
Don't use the headphones without the silicone ear tips. Before attaching ear tips, make sure the mesh caps are securely attached. Since the In-ear headphone aren't waterproof, under no circumstances should you wash the headphone directly or indirectly under water. You can wipe the outside of the headphone with a moist towel to remove surface dirt.
Avoid hearing loss
Permanent hearing loss may occur if headphones are used at high volume. You can adapt over time to a higher volume of sound, which may sound normal but can be damaging to your hearing. Set the volume to a safe level before that happens. If you experience ringing in your ears or speech sounds muffled, reduce the volume or discontinue use of your headphones and have your hearing checked. The louder the volume, the less time is required before
your hearing could be affected. Hearing experts suggest that to protect your hearing:
- Limit the amount of time you use headphones at high volume.
- Avoid turning up the volume to block out noisy surroundings.
- Turn the volume down if you can’t hear people speaking near you.