don’t throw away your Yahbas …….. yet

‘In ear’ earbuds. A stupid name which suggests that some earbuds are ‘out of ear’ in defiance of all logic. The ‘in ear’ label means that they have silicone attachments which jam a bit further into the ear cavity – thus offering the wearer greater confidence that they will remain in place. Apparently by delivering the audio deeper into the ear there is also a reduction of external sound combined with enhanced bass reproduction. Impressive stuff eh! Actually, the fact that they do tend to stay in place is good enough for me – I just can’t achieve that with standard buds.

There is a catch however – the silicone attachments come off too easily. The first time you notice one is missing you can’t help checking to see if it’s jammed into your ear – an exorbitant auditory impediment as Dr Iannis described it in Captain Corelli (your summer homework is to read that book if you haven’t already). Needless to say, it NEVER is to be found in the ear – usually it never is to be found at all. Without the attachment the earbud can’t be used – it won’t stay in place, it’s uncomfortable and the sound is badly compromised.

Now, regrettably and controversially, I shall suggest that you avoid Yahba in ear earbuds. I was really pleased with mine until I lost an attachment. In my naivety I asked the retailer if they could supply spares – no they couldn’t. Contact Yahba directly they suggested. I’ve done that twice now – and they steadfastly refuse to reply. If you are considering throwing away your Yahbas because of a mislaid piece of silicone can I please have the one that you still have? Of course, if you find yourself very hard of hearing in one ear it may be that you do after all have an exorbitant auditory impediment. Don’t be tempted to use a cocktail stick however – seek professional help. I’m reminded of an incident years back when a colleague was absent mindedly ‘itching’ his ear with a pencil – stood too close to a door which unexpectedly opened. You don’t want to know the rest!

(This blog is proud to claim that its Health & Safety stance has earned it the Literary Medical Practitioners Association bronze award – the only web based column to have received that endorsement).