Most people have run into problems with their headphone sets at some point or another. The kinds of problems you can expect to encounter tend to vary depending on the type of headphone set that was purchased. Knowing what the most common problems are and how to identify them can help you to avoid situations that create these problems in the first place, and hopefully extend the overall life of your headphone set. This article will detail the problems that you are most likely to run into with a new set of headphones.
- One of the speakers starts to malfunction - This is especially common with lower-end models, but is definitely not limited to them. In some cases a very small accidental tug on the ear cable could break one or more wires in the interior, leading to the creation of static or sound breakup. Sometimes one of the speakers will seemingly break down on its own; even though you might be sure you never actually dropped your headphones or abused them in any way. To avoid this problem, make sure to treat your headphones gently. As durable as some models might seem, a simple drop or a cable tug could be enough to break one or both of the speakers.
- Headphone lining - Earphones, Headband-style headphones, and can headphones are all susceptible to damage in this area. The covering that is used to separate the speaker from your skin often has a protective layer of plastic leather or soft foam on top of it. This can start to wear down over time. Sometimes you can replace the foam or plastic leather but if it tears apart or is lost you will likely be left with an uncomfortable speaker covering that will not exactly feel good on your ears.
- Frame cracks - The material that the frame of your headphone set is made of can literally make or break your sonic experience. Some headphones have cheap plastic frames that can break apart with several bends. Some are made with more sturdy plastics or other materials. In most cases, manufacturers will try to use the lightest materials available, knowing that headphone weight plays an important role in comfort. However, using very thin plastic for a headphone frame means that it will be somewhat fragile and likely to break if misused. Related to point #1, this is just another reason to always treat your headphones with care.
Conclusion
Cheap wiring, thin plastic frames, and loose headphone coverings can all lead to problems. If you want to ensure that your headphones last for as long as possible, try to find a pair that is in the medium-priced range or higher-end of headphone models. These are more likely to have been made with more durable materials and equipped with ergonomic frames. As is the case with most electronic products, you essentially get what you pay for. On the other hand, if you already have a pair of headphones and want to keep them working properly for as long as possible, make sure to store them in a safe place when not in use.
