Please read again or comment on where I’m not clear. I’m trying to express about the exact opposite, I don’t really care that much about how visually pleasing it is, I care about how usable it is. That usability is largely defined by contrast, largely because I’m don’t have the eyes of a 7 year old.

These in-ear things never worked for me either until they started making custom hearing protection with removable filters which are compatible with most in-ear headphones. And the best thing is that you don’t need active noise canceling (depending on the openness of the headphones) because the thing is made to cancel noise. Downside is that they usually amplify bass much more than regular tips so you need to use an EQ.

Btw, it’s possible to get some custom in-ear headphones where everything, including the tip, is one piece of plastic, which is supposed to sound fantastic, if you’re willing to spend a ridiculous amount of money.