Although the Apple iPod is very popular, the earphones that come with it are not.

Besides being uncomfortable, the stock iPod earphones can contribute to hearing loss as users must turn the volume up to deafening levels to compete with outside noise.

The best alternative is to turn to replacement noise isolating earphones.

Most people cannot afford the expense of Shure or Etymotic earphones that can cost up to $500.  But what really makes these good choices is not so much the sound quality, but the quality of the triple-flanged noise isolating tip that was originally developed for audiologists to perform hearing tests.

Well, the good news is that although severely frowned upon by the high-end earphone manufacturing companies such as Etymotic, a few eBay sellers have purchased the triple-flanged tips and modified them to fit on earphones made by Sony, Koss, Skullcandy, etc.

This makes for an affordable earphone that sounds good and blocks out sound.