Are your headphones constantly breaking, distorting, or crackling? Then we have some bad news: You are most likely the source of the problem. We'll show you how to take care of your ears.
If you are one of those people who consume one or two earbuds a year, you should think about what you are doing wrong: a mid-range model should easily last for five years or even more with proper use. If you have a problem more than this, it could easily be your fault. We'll show you the most common mistakes and give you some tips on how to avoid them.
1. Do not keep your headphones clean
Regardless of the model, regular maintenance is important, which in this case means regular cleaning. It doesn't matter whether it's earbuds or TWS headphones, dirt can be a source of eternal problems. In TWS headphones, dust can clog the tiny grilles on its own, but the bigger problem is that our bodies aren't spared either: they encounter earwax and sweat. Earwax isn't something you like to look at, and for good reason: the yellowish-brown glue looks unsightly against a white or black surface. However, the appearance is only a minor issue, and the bigger issue is that due to its texture, it is very difficult to clean from the earbuds so as not to accidentally get stuck between the grills. If you do this, it is very difficult to remove it from there – it is often not possible without disassembly.
There is also a third problem related to earwax and dirt in general; If you don't clean the earbuds before putting them in the case, they will build up there over time, and if you lift the gadget just a few tenths of a millimeter, charging may no longer work.
The easiest way to clean IPX7 certified earbuds is that you can wash them under water. However, the majority are not, in their case you can try cleaning tools that can be purchased separately, or even toothpicks – do not do it with a needle, because it can easily scratch the plastic. Before cleaning, remove the silicone pads, and you can wash them with water. However, make sure they are completely dry before putting them back on the headphones.
In the case of headphones, the main problem is not earwax, but sweat and natural oils on the skin/hair, which can lead to discoloration of the fabric covering the earpads, and cracking in the case of leather. This is inevitable over time, in this case only changing the ear pad can help, but regular cleaning can significantly extend the service life.
2. You do not take into account the restrictions on the IP value
We've already touched on the issue of water resistance in the previous point; The IP value indicates whether the model can withstand water to some extent or not. For earphones, the IP value is usually IPX4, IPX5, IPX7 or IPX8, because if the sound comes out somewhere (it does come out), dust can also get there. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of assuming that a device is waterproof when they see any IP tag. Although IPX4 and IPX5 only mean drop-resistant, these earphones cannot withstand immersion in water. Moreover, you have to be very careful when washing, as only IPX4 protection offers resistance against water splashes, and IPX5 against weak water jets – if you turn on the tap and put the earbuds under it, they are ineffective.
IPX7 or IPX8 protection is recommended for sporting activities (gym, water sports, running) – it's also useful to choose a type within this group that has been developed specifically for sports. These headphones feature a special coating that protects the material from the harmful effects of sweat drops.
It doesn't hurt to know what the IP tag stands for: Earbuds, sure, but the case – with one or two exceptions – usually doesn't. So you have to take care of the issue better than usual!
3. Do not use the case
Speaking of status, this is an accessory that is not only worth using, but also mandatory. Of course, with TWS headphones it cannot be otherwise, because it is the case that takes care of recharging the batteries. However, when not in use, it is useful to keep your earbuds and wired headphones in their cases. This protects not only the earbuds themselves, but also the cable – which is especially important if the cable is not replaceable, but fixed. (Many Bluetooth headphones can also be used with a cable, and with these types the jack or USB cable can always be removed.)
Why is it important to store earbuds in a case? To prevent cable entanglement. You also felt the cable twisting itself, didn't you? Well, that's right, due to the internal structure, the normal position of the cable is “coiled”. Therefore, you can ensure the longest service life if you do not wrap the cable around your fingers too tightly and put it in a case – preferably a more solid one. Make sure the wrap is not tight! This case is very important if you are taking the earbuds with you on a trip.
4. Cable is a sensitive commodity
Many people also make the mistake of handling the cable roughly. No matter how thick the cover is, no matter how good the cable is, if there is a 90 degree bend immediately after the connector, or if there is constant friction when connecting it to the cell phone in your pocket, premature wear is serious. content. You should also pay attention to the fact that when pulling the cable from the connector, always do so through the connector, and not by pulling the cable. If you don't pay attention to these things, the internal soldering may loosen, and the cable may break – even without any external signs of this, that is, the cable itself looks fine from the outside.
“Sleeping” with wired headphones is prohibited, as it is life-threatening – it is clear that no one intentionally sleeps with headphones on. However, if it often happens that you fall asleep while watching a movie in the evening, it is good to know that with this cable you will likely get rid of the cable quickly. While sleeping, you will unintentionally lie on the cable and strain it; Nothing good for your internal structure.
5. You use it too loudly
Headphones don't like to turn up the volume on a regular basis; Sound is produced by these devices with vibrations, and by definition, the higher the volume level you set, the more vibrations are needed. This leads to premature wear. At first, you will notice that certain frequency bands are cut off, and then you will hear vibrations, crackles, and other errors. In extreme cases, the diaphragm may break and the earphones stop working completely.
At the same time, it is important to note that it is not only recommended to keep the volume low in order to protect the earphones, but also because you can prevent early hearing loss by doing so.
