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ZDNET's key takeaways
- Simple habits can help your headphones last much longer.
- Regular care keeps headphones performing like new.
- Small changes can extend your headphones' lifespan.
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I've spent plenty of time testing headphones and earbuds, and I've found a handful of small, seemingly obvious but mighty tips to keep them in tip-top shape and performance. If your headphones or earbuds aren't working like they were in their heyday, these small fixes might help.
Also: 4 headphones I swear by (and how I use each pair differently)
These tips can also help you develop healthy maintenance habits if you recently purchased a new pair of headphones or earbuds to replace your daily drivers.
1. Replace your earpads (and tips)
Your headphones' earpads and earbuds' eartips are more important than you think. When they're in their best shape, they maintain optimal sound quality, noise isolation, and comfort. It's normal for them to degrade over time from typical wear and tear, and once you notice tears, rips, or excessive shape distortion, it's time to replace them.
Many popular headphone manufacturers, like Bose, Sony, and Apple, sell OEM replacement pads and tips, which are typically the easiest part of the headphone to self-repair. You can find cheaper third-party replacements, but you may get what you pay for. Buying OEM replacements ensures the same quality and fit, even though they may be more expensive.
2. Put your headphones in their case
You might keep your headphones out of their case for convenience, but storing them in their case when not in use keeps them safe from exposure to dust, debris, and humidity. Your headphones have plenty of small openings, particularly the holes on the earcups that house microphones and the charging port.
Also: Why these headphones are still the best from Bose - even though they're a year old
Most over-ear headphones haven't been formally tested for dust or water ingress, and although they can handle some exposure, it's best to keep them as protected as possible. Keeping them in their case protects them from dust, dirt, moisture, and scrapes, scratches, and bumps, promoting longevity.
3. Your headphones deserve proper charging hygiene
You may be familiar with battery hygiene regarding your smartphone, and similar rules apply to the rechargeable battery inside your headphones. The biggest difference is that the battery inside your headphones is much smaller and weaker than your smartphone battery, and excessive battery drain is common in older headphones.
Also: 3 charging mistakes that are killing your tablet - and the simple fix you need
Your headphones likely have a one-year manufacturer's warranty, and battery issues tend to occur once it's expired. Replacing the battery yourself is possible, but it may require some soldering. To preserve your headphones' battery, try to keep it between 10% and 80% charged, and don't leave them plugged in overnight. After 45 minutes to an hour on the charging cable, your headphones should be good to go.
4. Clean your headphones
Cleaning your headphones and earbuds is not only good for your devices, but for your ears, too. In-ear earbuds can accumulate earwax, and excessive wax on the speaker can degrade audio quality and impact ear health.
Also: When was the last time you cleaned your headphones? Here's how and why you should
The pads of your over-ear headphones can collect oils, sweat, hair, and skincare products, leaving residue and absorbing odors over time. Keeping your earpads clean can preserve their condition and help avoid skin irritation.
5. Updating firmware and software
It's easy to ignore software and firmware update requests, but like any device, they can significantly improve your headphones' performance. Headphone and earbud firmware updates can enhance your devices' power on/off or hibernation performance, noise cancellation abilities, wireless connection reliability, or battery endurance.
Also: Here's how a free software upgrade made the Sonos Ace worth their price tag
Headphones and earbuds don't receive software and firmware updates as frequently as tablets, smartphones, or laptops, but keeping your audio gear up to date may improve your experience if it's out of date.
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