An apparatus for blocking materials from entering the sound port of an earphone, while simultaneously allowing sound to pass through unaffected is disclosed. In an earphone having an elongated nozzle with a central opening adapted to transmit sound, a removable or replaceable a sleeve assembly having a wax guard or barrier is formed integral with the ear sleeve assembly. The barrier is mounted in a stem and is adapted to prevent materials from entering the central opening of the earphone nozzle. The stem is also adapted to receive the sleeve over its body. The sleeve can be cylindrical or tapered in shape, and the sleeve can be adapted to aid in blocking ambient noise. The barrier, the stem, and the sleeve can all be formed as an integral one-piece assembly, and the entire one-piece assembly can be adapted to be changed by the user.