Aspects describe an in-ear audio output device for ESD mitigation. The device includes an earbud housing, a nozzle having one or more apertures to conduct sound waves to the ear canal of the wearer, a flexible printed circuit board positioned within the earbud housing and the nozzle, the flexible printed circuit board comprising: a first portion, a second portion comprising a first edge of the flexible printed circuit board proximate the one or more apertures, and a metal layer on a top surface of the second portion, a microphone attached to a bottom surface of the flexible printed circuit board, and a metal casing attached to the bottom surface of the flexible printed circuit board and surrounding the microphone, the metal casing comprising a second edge proximate the one or more apertures, wherein the second edge is a greater distance from the one or more apertures than the first edge.