My ear buds did hurt my ears when wearing them for a while, but only for a week or so. After that I must have learned how to insert them better because they don't hurt any more. My cartilage certainly didn't change. Pixel Buds Pro.

I like how pocketable they are. Can pop them in at the grocery store or Walmart and listen to some music instead of all the random sounds. The noise cancellling is amazing. The fidelity is pretty OK.

I can't imagine wearing over ear headphones when trying to do chores of any kind. Maybe some small clip-ons, but none of those are noise canceling.

I'm mostly writing all this for OP's benefit, despite replying to you.