I have small ears and sensory issues, and I’m delighted we're getting better fit options from our earbuds

When Apple unveiled the latest AirPods Pro 3, there was plenty to get excited about, like the new heart rate sensor and live translation. But for me, the most exciting upgrade wasn’t flashy at all. It was comfortable and foamy.

I’ve been told by more than one consultant that my ear canals are unusually small (and, apparently, “oddly twisted” though that’s a story for another day). Add in some mild sensory sensitivities and I’m easily frustrated by earbuds that feel too tight, too loose, to claustrophobic or just wrong somehow. So seeing Apple now finally offering five ear tip sizes (including a new XXS option) feels like a small but significant win.

It may not sound like much, but it’s a big shift. Not all that long ago, plasticky earbuds, heavy builds and one-size-fits-all tips were the norm. If you didn’t ...