I wanted to have the benefit of being able to listen with headphones (noisy neighbours) keep all the leads in place and not effect the normal sound output by doing so. I cannot afford to buy 3 or 4 pairs a year. I tried just to test. The metallic dye was patches all over. I bought a size 6 for my 2 year old son, who has a chubby wide foot. We ordered 3 of them to attach to echo dots in the house. The sound is very good and they are easy to operate. I recommend this hose. I think I need a smaller size! I ordered a 9 and they fit like a 9.