If you’ve got an iPod or an MP3 player of any kind chances are you’ve got a pair of those little white or black earbuds that come standard with all of them. They have become increasingly popular, and they come in all sorts of colors now to match your iPod. But, not everyone likes to stick things in their ear.

I recently had the experience of shopping for MP3 compatible headphones that go over your ear instead of in your ear. Let me say that this was not an easy task at all. We started off our trip at an electronics store my son had a gift card for, and they had one single choice for him in an over the ear style headphone. We asked the “helpful” store associate if there were any other over the ear headphones available and he pointed us toward the computer section where you can buy the big Bose sound studio style noise canceling padded headsets, and to stereo and sounds where you could buy more of the same. I explained to Mr. Helpful that we wanted small headphones for my son to use with his iPod, but that he wanted something that didn’t go in his ear. Mr. Helpful’s only response was a puzzled expression and, “Why?”

So, of course we poked around a few more shops. More of the same. I told my son if he gave me a few days I’d find him some online. I expected this to be a difficult task , but it was surprisingly easy! Lots of companies make nice, compact earphone designs that do not go inside your ear. Sony, Phillips, and many, many more.

I was actually surprised how many styles I found online that go over your ear instead of in your ear. I don’t understand why the brick and mortar stores don’t carry more of them really. So, if you’re like us and don’t like things poking in your ear I’d love to hear your earphone shopping stories too. Why do you think stores (and people) are favoring the in ear styles?

Posted on May 25th, 2008 by loretta