My new headphones are uncomfortable after a short while

Dreamnine

I got a set of Sennheiser Momentum On-Ear headphones recently. The alcantara material used under the leather band and on the cups feels natural, and they aren't clamping my head too tightly.

Still, I only get about 30 minutes use before my ears get sore. It's not so bad if I'm lying down and my pillow takes some of the weight, although these aren't heavy headphones to begin with.

Is it because I'm used to earphones and haven't used headphones before, and should the discomfort get better with time?

Johnmcl7

I have Sennheiser Momentums as well although the leather ones but the design looks the same. I find the cups are quite small and if they're not quite aligned properly they can pinch the ear slightly which is noticeable after you wear them for a while so sometimes just slightly rotating the cup so it sits properly can make a difference.

Also make sure the cups themselves are at the correct height, if you have them too low then your head doesn't take enough weight on the band which puts pressure on your ears instead. Obviously you don't want to have the headphones clamped round your head but if you're feeling it sore on your ears it's worth just trying to raise the cups and lower the band a little.

John

Dreamnine

Thanks - they sound really good so I'm going to persist with them.

Johnmcl7

I've been really impressed with mine, I pretty much always used studio grade closed headphones but some devices (such as my phone) have trouble powering them so bought the Momentums. I was expecting them to be worse than my Ultrasones but while the bass is weaker, the clarity is superb and I find them really comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Easily one of my best headphone buys, I hope you can enjoy yours.

John