5 common headphone problems and how you can fix them

Headphones are a valuable accessory of modern life. Premium studio headphones allow you to escape into your zone by eliminating external noise. Wireless headphones enable you to go hands-free and simultaneously do other tasks. Headphones also optimize the call sound quality for both the listener and the speaker. At home, at the gym, or during your daily commute, headphones provide enhanced, uninterrupted audio when listening to music, podcasts, e-books, or watching a show. Most of the newer models of headphones also come with an Active Noise Cancellation feature that allows you to block out the chaos of the outside world. 

Needless to say that headphones have grown into an integral everyday accessory that most of us heavily rely on. Dysfunctional headphones can be a significant source of annoyance. We have identified 5 common headphone problems and how to fix them so you can get back to your routine with your favourite soundtrack! 

1) No sound

No sound is one of the most prevalent issues you can face in your headphones. Being completely cut off from music when you most need it is bothersome. 

Fortunately, it does not mean that your headphones are broken. Here are a few reasons that might be the cause of this issue: 

- The audio source might not be connected to your headphones. 

- Your headphone battery is dead. 

- If your headphones have a volume dial, make sure that it is not on mute.

- Your audio source is muted. 

If none of these problems are the reason for the complete lack of audio, you might have to consider getting a new pair. You can check with your headphone manufacturer about their warranty period and claim new headphones if your warranty is valid. 

2) Connectivity issues

Connectivity issues with Bluetooth headphones are common and sometimes recurring incidents. Although obvious, you should always check before assuming that your headphones are entirely dysfunctional. Start by making sure that your headphones are completely charged. Most headphone cases come with a battery indicator. Then, enable the pairing mode on your headphones and connect with the audio source. If connecting with a smartphone, one can also choose the ‘Forget Device’ option from Bluetooth settings and reconnect with the headphones. Before pairing, remove any Bluetooth device your smartphone might auto-connect to from the vicinity. 

3) Only one side of the headphones is working

The problem is more prevalent with wired headphones. Generally, bent wires are to blame. This can be caused by improper storage of the headphones as well. It can also occur due to the accumulation of dust. You can get a can of compressed air to blow out any excessive dust accumulated in the headphones carefully. If it happens in your wireless headphones, you can try reconnecting them by following the instructions mentioned above. 

4) Pairing issues

Surprisingly, even the most premium wireless headphones might face paring issues with the audio source. If you face this problem, make sure that the headphones are compatible with your device. Update your android/ios version to the latest one. 

5) Poor sound quality

A user with a wired headphone set might encounter this problem due to a damaged headphone jack. Ensure that the headphone jack fits snugly. 

Most wireless headphones might have poor sound quality due to electronic interference. To avoid this, try to keep other electronic devices away from your headphones. 

Final thoughts