I now work in an environment that can get pretty noisy with the thump of the bass in the music from a retail store downstairs, up to 3 street performers at a time on the street out the window, and a dozen co-workers occasionally in lively discussions in our large shared office with brick walls. It's a fun environment, but sub-optimal for concentrated software development.

I surgically insert my Etymotic earphones (yes, it's a procedure) and I am suddenly all alone in absolute silence except for the pure sound of the Canadian Brass and English Chamber Orchestra, or Nora Jones, or Orbital, or Fatboy Slim, or ...

I'm still not able to use the Etymotics for long periods of time because of the pressure in my ear canal, but I'm getting used to them and working up to it. (via joe)

If you are still using the earphones that come with the ipods, My God, Man! Are you that abusive to the rest of your body? I did a bit of research on earphones before buying the Etymotics. These are the best for what I needed. Yes, those Shur's are nice as well, but they were clumsy to use. The positioning of the ear pieces and heavy weight of the cables didn't work for me. Whereas Etynomics fit in the ears nicely, the cables are lightweight so when you're exercising, it doesn't pull on your poor delicate ears. They also make noise-reduction earphones for those seasoned concert goers who can no longer afford to have that bass thump, thump on the eardrums. I trust this company, whose history involves manufacturing hearing aids for the hearing impaired. Treat your ears well. Silence is not meditative if it's 24/7 for the rest of your life.

Designed by a company who also makes hearing aids - these are designed for quality sound without any hearing damage. Fit nicely in the ear and have lightweight cables - -

After using these, you'll be stuck wonderin "why oh why" u ever used those free earbuds from macapple.

Lightweight, form fitting and darn good sound quality. At $90 these are a great mid-range option for those of us that are too absent minded (or broke) to spring for a $500 pair of Shures.

This was my first set of Etymotics and it won't be my last. I made the mistake of using these in the gym though and they are not built for active movement. I use these when I'm travelling and I use my Shure's when I'm working out.

Best in-ear headphones available.

Great sound, nice design.

i could use them on a plane!
i could use them on a train!
no more forcing loud sounds on my brain.