If you have pierced ears, you probably know that finding comfortable headphones can be a challenge. As a professional musician and audiophile with sagging earlobes, I face this problem all the time.
The placement of your specific ear piercing, combined with the pressure and fit of your headphones, can cause irritation, and discomfort, and even affect the sound quality you experience.
However, there are headphones that are specifically designed to accommodate a conch piercing and provide a comfortable listening experience.
In this guide, we will look at some of the best options for headphones for people with a conch piercing.
Whether you’re a music lover, a podcast enthusiast, or someone who enjoys listening to the audio on the go, finding the right headphones that fit your cone piercing is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
7 Best Headphones For Conch Piercing
1. Sennheiser HD 660S
With an open-back design that focuses on sublime home analytical listening rather than portability, the Sennheiser HD 660S over-ears do a great job of avoiding excessive contact pressure on healed piercings. Luxurious materials like metal gimbals and velour padding are key.
The plush velour pads surrounding the HD 660S earcups fit my jewelry-wearing ears without being too tight, and the headband distributes the weight beautifully. The cups even swivel to match my tragus piercing.
Sennheiser practically invented premium headphone ergonomics, and their unique shape strategically optimizes fit.
With its generous over-ear construction and eyeglass-like luxury, the HD 660S is heaven for pierced audiophiles.
2. TREBLAB Z7-Pro
The TREBLAB Z7-Pro over-ear active noise-cancelling Bluetooth over-ear headphones offer a versatile and comfortable fit for people with pierced ears.
The lightweight, robust construction and ergonomics are ideal for ear jewelry wearers.
The Z7-Pro ear cups have an ideal balance of circumference and depth with a large enough opening to fully accommodate the gauge without directly touching the piercing.
Thanks to the ample memory foam cushioning, you can comfortably wear 16mm tunnels and industrial barbells for hours.
Treblab takes great care in making headphones suitable for new piercings without sacrificing premium features.
The combination of textured silicone and molded memory foam across the contact points shows their understanding of how ear jewelry changes ergonomic norms. Even the asymmetrical shape of the ear cups provides comfort.
3. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x over-ear headphones deliver professional-quality audio that’s perfect for analytical listening on the go with your piercing, while the swivel earcups and lightweight clamping force help prevent excessive contact with your piercing.
The M50x earcups swivel vertically and tilt horizontally to match my conch piercing, and the thin padding prevents irritation. They stay put and won’t fall off when you’re on the move.
Audio-Technica executes a rare balance of sound quality, customization, and thoughtful on-ear ergonomics that are essential to keeping your piercings comfortable during analytical listening sessions on the go.
4. Shokz OpenRun Pro
Shokz’s flagship OpenRun Pro bone conduction headphones are built to the standard for piercing-compatible, secure open-ear ergonomics with precision titanium banding and a sweat-resistant protective seal, making them ideal for the persistent athlete.
The OpenRun Pro models feature angled titanium banding that completely avoids contact with your piercing throughout your training, ensuring they stay in place around your ear without any issues.
Shokz delivers reliable bone conduction ergonomics with IP55 waterproofing and premium materials that provide uncompromising security around delicate piercings.
5. Grado SR60x
The Grado SR60x open-air wired headphones deliver incredible expansive audio for analytical listening at home, while the adaptive earpad cushions keep your ear piercings soft during long sessions.
The generous memory foam-reinforced earpads found on Grado models (like the SR60x) are incredibly flexible, with an almost gel-like elasticity that won’t put pressure on your ear piercings for long listening sessions.
At under $100, the Grados seem to strike a contradictory balance between a well-ventilated open-back soundstage and cozy, closed-back plush padding that hugs your ears. They’re a jewel in your ear, and they keep you comfortable.
6. Aftershokz Aeropex
With an open-ear design that transmits audio through your cheekbones, the Aftershokz Aeropex bone conduction headphones offer a uniquely secure fit for active use while completely avoiding contact with your piercing.
My piercings are completely free of gauges and industrial bars, and the Aeropex models are held firmly in place while running without any contact at all.
Aftershokz fundamentally eliminates the risk of piercing irritation with bone conduction technology that transmits sound directly to your cheek without restricting your bejeweled ears in any capacity.
7. Koss Porta Pro
The classic Koss Porta Pro on-ear wired headphones achieve uniquely comfortable compatibility with ear piercings through an open acoustic design that allows the pads to adapt while avoiding excessive contact.
The thin foam pads of the Porta Pro are versatile enough to avoid putting excessive pressure on the piercing despite their moderate thickness.
Even my conch piercing remain comfortable for hours thanks to their breathability.
Few headphones balance the unique traditional style with the lightweight ergonomics of the Porta Pro. These headphones give your bejeweled ears room to breathe during long listening sessions.
Conclusion
Many ear piercings are perfectly compatible with wearing headphones as long as you are patient while they heal and are willing to get a little creative once they heal. Enjoy your piercing and your music!
FAQs
Can I wear headphones with most piercings?
Yes, the trick is to choose an ergonomic model made with smooth, flexible materials that contour gently to the area near the piercing instead of applying excessive pressure.
Look for a well-padded, adjustable band that accommodates the altered shape of your ear due to the jewelry. Bone-conduction headphones also block virtually all contact.
Can I use bone-conduction headphones with most piercings?
Bone conduction headphones, which transmit audio through cheek vibrations and leave your ear completely open, are basically universally compatible with all piercing locations because there is no contact.
Can I wear AirPods with a conch piercing?
Yes, you can generally wear AirPods with a conch piercing. One advantage of a conch piercing is that it doesn’t interfere with the use of headphones, including popular options like AirPods.
A conch piercing is usually located on the inner cartilage of your ear, separate from the area where your headphones are.
This means you can continue to enjoy your AirPods or other similar earbuds without any discomfort or irritation to your conch piercing.
However, it’s important to be gentle and careful when inserting and removing your AirPods to avoid putting unnecessary pressure or pulling on your healing piercing.
If you experience any discomfort or irritation, we recommend consulting a professional piercer or healthcare provider for guidance.
Also read: Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs Sony XM5: Which Earbuds is Better?