Why Do Headphones Break So Easily? Prolong the Lifespan of Your Headphones With These Tips and Tricks

July 16, 2023
David Sunnyside

Music is one of the most popular ways that people express themselves. It is also a powerful mood booster that can change how you feel with just a few beats. Whether you're relaxing or studying, headphones are a great way to immerse yourself in your audio and get lost in your music. However, headphones are delicate devices with intricate components that can break easily if mistreated. Fortunately, you can prolong the lifespan of your favorite pair with some simple tips and tricks.

One of the main reasons why your headphones break so easily is because you listen to them at loud volumes. Since headphones work by generating vibrations, the more you listen to them at high volume, the quicker they will wear out. Excessive volume use can even warp the electronics inside the earbuds and make your music sound tinny or muffled.

Another common cause of headphone breakage is tugging on the cord. This causes the internal wires to bend repeatedly, putting stress on the connection points (near the earpieces and input plug) and causing hairline fractures along the copper wires. This metal fatigue will eventually lead to the internal wires separating or shorting out altogether, leaving you with broken headphones.

Another way to extend the lifespan of your headphones is to keep them out of sight. Most headphone cords come with a long cable that can reach up to 10 feet. When you leave them dangling on the ground, they can be accidentally stepped on or rolled over by the casters of your chair. This constant bending can damage the copper wires and lead to a small split in your headphones' audio jack, preventing them from working properly.

David Sunnyside
Co-founder of Urban Splatter • Digital Marketer • Engineer • Meditator
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram