I also like the Etymotic earbuds..sm...

I read a post Hayseed made about a month or two ago and then someone else on a different board also mentioned them so I gave them a try.  I bought mine on ebay and saved about 50%.  You have to maintain them by cleaning the earbuds or the filters occasionally or changing the filters.  I haven't changed a filter yet but one got plugged with earwax once and I had to clean it.

Anyway, I listened to the same voice file with Etymotic earbuds, standard earbuds that came with an iPod, and some cheap earbuds from Walmart.  I can definitely tell the difference.  No doubt in my mind or ears the dictation is clearer with the Etymotic earbuds. 

On eBay you can also buy earbuds with Etymotic tips that aren't made by the original company, like a hybrid.  I haven't tried those.  I'd rather have the original Etymotics.  I'm no expert but I would think the Etymotic tips block out outside noise but the earphones themselves determine the clarity, which is important in transcription work. 

They definitely block noise.  I have to take one out to talk to someone standing next to me.  I have to keep my cell phone on vibrate and ring or I would probably miss phone calls.

Thanks for recommending them Hayseed.

• ear phone help . . . - maam1
  • I also like the Etymotic earbuds..sm... - Diane
  • I'm constantly praising virtues of Etymotic earbuds! - Hayseed
    • OMG, thank you!! - Margaret
    • Thanks, I'll give it a shot . . . nm - maam1

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I find them extremely comfortable (very soft silicone fits right in your ear canal and blocks out ALL outside noise) and superior sound quality.  I get a lot of ESL and dictators from noisy hospital settings, and the clarity with which I can hear the fine nuiances is incredible. 

When I'm not using them for work, I put them in my portable MP3 player and use them for listenin' to tunes on my walk or chores.  They kick butt and have been with me for 3 years now...the same set.  Can't say enough good things about them.

Other posters here took my recommendation and found them cheap cheap on E-Bay.  I use the Etymotic ER 6i set, which can be seen here on the manufacturer's site:
http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er6i.aspx    (but search around to find them cheaper elsewhere!)

They have been a lifesaver, but the only down side is once they are in your ear, you don't hear NUTHIN' else.  Unless the phone is right by my keyboard, I don't even hear that go off, and when I'm out walking, I don't hear cars coming up on me or dogs....or perps...so that could be kinda bad I suppose.  They are truly noise-cancelling earbuds.   Good luck in your search!