Do your headphones or earphones keep breaking? Or are they just not working well? Follow these tips to stop buying new ones every year.
You probably don’t spend much on headphones because they always break, so you buy a new pair every year. I often hear this as a reason for not getting a good pair, or with the question: Why do my headphones always break?
Here’s the truth: most of the time, it’s you. Your headphones don’t break on their own; they get broken. But don’t worry, you’re not doing it on purpose. Life is busy, and who has time to carefully handle earbuds when you need to put them in your bag or pocket quickly?
Luckily, there are ways to make your headphones last much longer. Here’s what you might be doing wrong, and how to fix it:
1. Not Cleaning Them
Headphones get dirty, especially in-ear ones. Earwax can build up and damage them, as well as their charging cases. Clean the ear tips regularly. Waterproof models can be rinsed, but for others, use a soft, dry cloth and earwax cleaning tools carefully.
2. Misunderstanding Water Resistance
Not all headphones are equally water-resistant. The IP rating tells you how protected they are against water and dust. For example, IPX8 is highly water-resistant, but IPX4 can only handle light rain or sweat. Check your headphones’ IP rating, especially if you use them in wet conditions, to prevent damage.
3. Playing Music Too Loud
Blasting your music can damage the tiny speakers inside your headphones, just like it can blow out big speakers. Keep the volume at a moderate level to avoid this. Plus, it’s better for your ears.
4. Tangling Wires
For wired headphones, rough handling of the cable can cause it to break internally. Always keep your cables loosely coiled and avoid sharp bends. Use ties or cases to keep them neat.
5. Not Using a Case
Storing your headphones properly can prevent damage. Use the case they came with or find a small pouch to protect them, especially for true wireless earbuds.
6. Buying Cheap Headphones
Cheaper headphones tend to break more easily because they’re made with lower-quality materials. Investing in a better pair can save you money in the long run and give you better sound. Take good care of them to extend their life.