"Noise" with Sony MDR-EX71 Earbuds?

[shell76]

I bought these earbuds about two weeks ago because they got such good reviews and comments on here. I agree that the sound quality is much better that Apple equivalent in ear buds, and they successfuly block out outside noise, but....I don't know the best way to explain this....I am experiencing a lot of "noise" from the headphones themselves. For eg, when walking I can hear/feel my own footsteps. If I run I can hear my own heartbeat. I can hear the cord bashing agaist my handbag/treadmill/body

Does anyone else have this problem or know how I can solve it? I thought the sensation might have gone away once I got used to the headphones but it hasn't

thanks

[kauffee]

The noise from your footsteps is called "occlusion effect." Stick your fingers in your ears and walk around... same thing. The noise from the cord is called "microphonics." All in-ear phones have both of these to some degree. Occlusion effect is something you can't get rid of. However, certain models of phones reduce microphonics by running the cord over the ear like the Shures do. That way, some of those microphonic vibrations are killed before they get to the phones.

Most people, including myself, just learn to ignore it. I very rarely notice it anymore. Your brain learns to tune it out.

[dragfree]

You can reduce the noise by thoughtful cord management. For instance, I run the cords behind my neck and clip the main cord to my shirt collar. This not only keeps it from slipping down but reduces cord movement, thus reducing noise. And try experimenting with inserting the buds at different angles to reduce cord noise.