eventually the plastic cap over the bud stretches and falls off. But, until that happens, they are comfortable, healthier for the ears than "buds" and have excellent sound. These phones don't have that nasty wrap around style that is not only unconformable but painful if something catches the wires, the Phillips will stay in place unless wrenched, then it comes off. and unlike buds alone, they stay in without have to jam them in the ear... My only problem is finding them now that my local seller has cut down their product line.