Some strangely observant "X Factor" fans have noticed that BRITNEY SPEARS has been wearing some sort of device in her ear during the live shows, and some people think it could be a sign that the producers are FEEDING HER LINES.  But reps for Britney and the show say it's just a "noise reduction" device, that deadens the sound of the crowd behind her.  A so-called "insider" says,  "[She] seems to have sensitivity to loud sounds."

That special "sensitivity" might explain why none of the other judges have an earpiece, but it doesn't account for why she only has it in ONE EAR.  But of course, there's a perfectly good explanation for that, too!  Her rep says she simply LOST the other one, but she'll be wearing a pair of them on future shows.

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