I was listening to a podcast and I was able to easily press the button to pause and play. These are perfect though. Its fun. So I went with the next smallest size and voila, it fits my ear just right AND I can hear my surroundings better. Also: very durable. I am sure that this will wear in over time and I am sure that I am just being petty right now, but it is a little bothersomeWould I buy this again. I bought these for my wife, and I thought it was a good buy, until she laid down and I saw her feet. Im sure it fits most feet. So apart from the aesthetics, it still works perfectly now that Ive sewn it back up. The fact that its a bit shorter top to bottom does make it slightly less restrictive for everyday wear, but it really pulls into a lovely hourglass shape and easily cinches in the waist.