All headphones will break eventually. These are delicate devices that have several intricate components. The components will get jostled and, as time passes, wear down, which results in malfunctions and other issues. While it may be possible to postpone the inevitable, it is impossible to prevent it. However, if someone keeps buying headphones that die before a year has passed, it means they are probably doing something wrong.
One way to reduce the likelihood of having to continue replacing headphones is to invest in a wireless headset. It is also a good idea to learn why headsets may continue breaking. Keep reading to learn the top reasons for this.
1. Rolling Over the Set’s Cord
Today, cord lengths are longer than in the past. Some cords are 10 feet long, but others may be five to eight feet long. With this long of a cord, it is not uncommon for it to sit on the ground. If this happens, it is important to use caution and not step on the cord or roll over it with the casters on the chair. This is going to cause serious problems and may even completely break the set.
2. Allowing the Cord to Dangle
This is another common way that headphones are damaged -; a dangling cord. Even with the top wired headphones, this is a big risk and one that can lead to a completely broken set. A cord that dangles is going to be bent at a 90-degree angle, which puts a lot of stress on the internal wire. A person can think of this as a staple -; if they bend it back and forth, eventually it will break. If the cord is pinched or pressed against the edge of the desk on accident, it may severe the internal wire.
3. Forgetting About the Headset
After playing a game for hours at a time, many people forget they are even wearing headphones -; especially if they need a snack or have to use the restroom. Failure to take the headset off before rushing to the bathroom or kitchen can quickly break any set.
Even if the cord does not break, pulling it out of the gaming system or computer is going to cause everything to loosen and weaken. As this happens more and more, the cumulative damage is going to add up, eventually leading to the cord snapping.
4. Winding Up the Cord in Knots
Some lifehacks out there claim that cords should be wound up, so they do not tangle. While this may seem good in theory, it is not a smart idea. One reason that headsets break so quickly is that they are put away in tight knots or loops, which speeds up the wear on internal wires. Avoid doing this -; at all costs.
5. Not Having a Case
Never put headphones or earbuds into purses, backpacks, or pockets. Regardless of how careful someone is, everything inside the container is going to be jostled. This can cause the cord to be pulled, twisted, crushed, damaged, pinched, and bent. If the cord remains plugged into the phone, heavy objects can cause damage to the connection point. A better solution is to use a case, which is going to help prevent this type of damage.
6. Pulling the Cord
Many headphones break because users are pulling the cord. This causes significant stress where the cord and plug meet. As time passes, the pulling action can result in the internal wire breaking and completely separating from the plug.
This is true for all headsets, including earbuds. When someone is done using the device, make sure to pull the connection by the plug, rather than the cord.
7. Exposure to Moisture and Sweat
Water and electronics (of any type) do not mix. Water can fry the audio drivers in headsets. Sweat can be a problem too, especially for individuals who like to listen to music while they exercise. A headband can help reduce the risk of sweat, but it is best to purchase headphones designed for exercising or sports, which will be resistant to potential sweat damage.
8. Sleeping in the Headphones
It is not possible to control how much a person moves while they are asleep. The individual may twist, flop, and roll around. At some point, the cord may be snagged, which can cause serious damage to the headphones. Be sure to avoid wearing headphones to bed. Instead, use a device that is going to play music or something else out loud. Another option is to grab wireless air buds to sleep in.
9. Turning the Volume Up Too High
Headphones work by creating sound waves. These are produced by vibrations. The louder the volume is turned up, the more vibrations that are created. Since components in the headphones are delicate, louder volumes can warp the parts that produce sound.
The first sign of a problem is that certain frequencies cannot be heard. After this, the audio will degrade and shift, which results in a loss of full-bodied qualities. As things get worse, sounds are going to be worse, and eventually buzzing will occur.
10. Being Cheap
Paying more does not always guarantee a better product; however, when it comes to headphones, the saying, “you get what you pay for” rings true. When taken care of, even cheaper headphones can last. Try to find a happy medium when it comes to price and quality to get the best of both worlds.
Getting a Quality Headset
When it comes to headphones, there are several reasons they may break and no longer work properly. While this is true, there are several things a person can do to avoid these problems. The best thing a person can do is to invest in wireless headphones. This is going to prevent many of the issues that may occur otherwise. Keep this in mind to ensure that the desired results are achieved and that the headphones last as long as possible.
Photo by Daniela Mota on Unsplash
