OMG my ear buds are like that and I really hate it. The shorter one never stays in no matter where I clip the damn thing to my person. I can be laying in bed and the left one pulls out with the slightest bocy movement.

OTHO, since I listen to my iPod around the kids, I usually only have one bud in (so I can hear what they are doing) and it is easier to put the shorter one in my pocket or otherwise out of the way.