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8 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Headphones

Our headphones are something that we reach for almost every day. With such regular use, it’s essential that we care for them correctly. 

Without the proper maintenance, you may need to purchase your next pair sooner than you would expect. With some brands being rather costly, it’s an unnecessary expense that is best avoided.

headphones

Luckily it’s not that difficult to keep them in excellent condition. You just need to change a few of your daily habits that may be causing further damage.

For the past 12-13 years, I have been into digital marketing and working most of the time in front of the computer which made me an addict to headphones. Yes, I listen to music while working which certainly increases my productivity. Earlier, when I just got started, I found my headphones didn’t last for long, and gradually I learned that they also need care. And, then I started taking care of my headphones. Yes! it worked and I have an example for that too.

A few years ago, I bought iBall Glint headphones, and that is still with me and working perfectly fine. The reason it has been working well is, I changed some of my habits and tried to take care of it a little more. In this, article, I will share those practical tips which I am applying. 

Are you interested in learning more? Below I will talk about 8 tips you can follow to extend the life of your headphones.

Let’s get started!


Here Go the Tips to Extend the Life of Your Headphone


Clean Them Regularly

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a body secretion that is made up of skin cells, dirt, and sweat. Its purpose is to help our ears protect themselves, but while it’s great for our bodies, it’s not that great for our headphones.

Since our ears get very dirty, using them regularly (especially when exercising) will lead to wax build-up on the exterior. Thankfully, the cleaning process is easy. All you need to do is wipe them down with a damp cloth. For tough stains, rubbing alcohol can be used sparingly.  I make use of Isopropyl Alcohol to clean my headphones. The same alcohol is used in making Sanitizers which are ubiquitous ever since Covid hits the world. So, you can use that. 

clening headphone
Photo: Flickr

It’s also vital that you replace the ear foam or pads regularly. Whether you’re wearing Enacfire, Airpods, or Beats, switching to new ones will keep them spotless and comfortable.

Store them correctly

It may seem easier to throw your headphones into your backpack or pocket, but this is a recipe for disaster. If you want them to last for as long as possible, you must ensure they are stored correctly.

Utilize the appropriate storage bags, and they will remain in great shape. Just remember, they all come in different sizes, so be sure that what you get is compatible with your earphone brand. If you only use them at home, consider a headphone stand or rack to display them aesthetically.

Being a music buff, I used headphones a lot, and I did this mistake in the early days by letting the headphone stay on my table where it gets dirt and dust. Storing in a box or bag or anything that is suitable is good to keep it safe from dust and dirt.

When it comes to cable management, there are a few tips that you can follow, some of which include:

  • Keep wires untangled at all times.
  • Avoid dangling wires over surfaces.
  • Don’t roll tight loops and coil correctly.

Don’t Share With Others

You might not think sharing your headphones with another person matters that much, but it’s something to stay clear of. They may not be as careful as you, which could result in damage. They could also lose them, meaning you will be left without anything at all.

But that’s not the only issue. With all the sweat and earwax build-up inside our canals, it’s possible that you could obtain an ear infection from another person. They may also have a differently shaped head, which can result in bends and breaks.

It’s better to be safe than sorry and keep them to yourself! 

Thank god! I never shared my headphones with anyone ever.

Handle Them With Care 

It may seem pretty straightforward, but it’s still a good idea to remember to handle your headphones with care. Accidentally dropping or throwing them on surfaces can lead to sound problems, perhaps stopping them from working altogether. Generally, gadgets or other electronic items may stop working when they fall from some height. Thus, you should be very careful.

Another tip is to only pull at the plug, not the cable itself when removing them from charge. It’s very easy to break the wire this way, and it can be hard to find a replacement. 

Keep the Volume Down

The whole purpose of headphones is to emit sound, but that doesn’t mean you should blast everything at full volume. Playing too loudly may cause them to vibrate vigorously, damaging the delicate interior.

It’s also not good for your overall health, so keep it as low as possible. Most experts recommend sticking between 60 and 85 decibels. If you are at around 100, limit your usage to 15 minutes.

You can read more tips to make your hearing better here. 

Avoid Getting Them Wet

I’ve already spoken about the effect of sweat and earwax, but it’s also essential to be careful around other water sources. For example, wearing them in the bath or in the rain is best avoided. Not just headphones, almost all electronic gadgets may stop working sooner or later if water goes inside them.

If an accident does happen, unplug them to minimize electrical damage and dry them with a soft towel. In most cases, they will take around 48 hours to dry out completely, but you can reduce this by storing them in a box containing a moisture absorber/desiccant packet. 

Steer Clear of Extreme Temperatures 

Just like water can damage your headphones, other conditions, such as extreme heat, can have a negative impact. Leaving them inside a parked car on a hot day can cause electronic malfunctions.

It’s recommended to use them between temperatures of 0º and 35º C (32º to 95º F). You should also avoid using them for extended periods of time and keep them out of direct sunlight, as this can result in overheating.

Invest in High-Quality Headphones

Lastly, while following the above can be helpful, you won’t get long-lasting use from cheap, poor-quality headphones. So, when you’re due for an upgrade, consider investing in something that is a little more durable.

In most cases, the more you spend, the longer you can use them. However, it’s still important to do your research so you can find something you like. There are plenty of online reviews to help you get started. 

A few factors to keep in mind when making your decision include: 

  • Wear you will be using them.
  • The reputation of the brand.
  • The sensitivity and sound pressure level.
  • The type you desire (Over-ear, on-ear on in-ear).
  • Whether you want wired or wireless.
  • Accessories and add-ons.
  • Manufacturer’s warranty, service, and support.

Final words

And that’s it! These are eight tips to extend the life of your headphones. It might seem like a lot of work, but taking the necessary steps really is worth it. Alongside the fact that you’ll save a lot of money, you won’t be so concerned about being left without them!

What do you think? Are there any other care tips that you include on this list? 

About the author

Atish Ranjan

Atish Ranjan is an established and independent voice dedicated to providing you with unique, well-researched and original information from the field of technology, SEO, social media, and blogging. He has in-depth knowledge of computers and tech as he pursued computer science.

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