THE EAR-TIPS ARE LONG-LASTING AND OF THE HIGHEST INDUSTRY STANDARD.Please take some extra care when you remove the tips from the plug.There are three small circles on the neck of the plug that securely position the eartips and the leash. Therefore, do not pull the eartips straight off the plug, because then they risk breaking.Grip the eartip with three fingers. Slowly pull and TWIST the eartip off the plug.This applies to both the silicone tips and the foam tips, but it is even more important for the foam tips, because of the little inner tube that can release from the foam if pulled too hard, and without the twisting movement.