Methods to Make Your Earbuds Sound Better
August 3, 2024Whether you use earbuds in the classroom, at work or while running errands, they can help you concentrate and block out distracting sounds. However, they may not sound as great as you’d like.
Fortunately, there are several ways to make your headphones louder. Check out these methods to rediscover the details in your music and reduce your stress!
1. Change the Ear Tips
Whether or not your headphones have an active noise cancellation feature, the best way to get the most out of them is to change the ear tips. Everyone’s ears are different, so finding a pair that fits comfortably in the right ear canal can make a big difference in sound quality.
You can find a set of replacement ear tips at the retailer that sold you your earbuds, or online. Try a few different sizes to see which ones fit you well, then listen to music with them on to see how they affect the quality of the sound.
Be careful not to pull on the ear tip too hard or you might tear it. This is especially true of cheap earbuds made to be disposable and not designed for a long lifespan.
2. Change the Frequencies
In order to get the best sound out of your earbuds, it is important to understand that frequencies can make a big difference. The higher the frequency, the more detail you will hear.
Every person listens and responds to sounds differently. Some like more bass, while others may prefer a higher treble. Luckily, most earbuds have an EQ console that lets you tweak the frequencies to your liking. Just be sure to avoid boosting too much, as this can lead to distortion.
Another way to improve your earbuds’ sound is to use higher quality music files. This includes listening to lossless audio formats rather than compressed ones. This will help your ears to enjoy the full dynamic range of music without losing details. Also, try to listen to your music in a quiet place to reduce ambient noise.
3. Clean the Earbuds
The nooks and crannies of school chromebook earbuds collect dust, dirt, and general gunk like you wouldn’t believe. They can also become clogged with earwax and affect their performance.
Start by taking a clean cotton swab and lightly dabbing it with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) or hand sanitizer. Use it to wipe the mesh and other parts of the earbuds. Be sure not to get any of the liquid into the drivers, as this can damage them.
If you have earbuds with removable rubber tips, remove them and soak them in a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide or soapy water for about 20-30 minutes. Once they are dry, put them back on. You should also sanitize the charging case with the same solution. It is important to keep your earbuds clean, as it can extend their lifespan and improve their sound quality.
4. Block Ambient Noise
When listening to music, you don’t want ambient noise (environmental sounds) drowning it out. This can be distracting and make it difficult to concentrate.
Noise-isolating headphones and earbuds block outside noise physically by creating a seal around the ear canal. They also have adjustable-fit ear tips and extra ear cup padding to minimize unwanted noise.
Inactive noise-canceling headphones reduce external sound digitally with built-in microphones and internal circuitry. They work best on lower frequencies such as airplane and subway noise, lawnmowers, and city traffic.
The headphones use tiny built-in microphones to listen in on ambient noise, then the onboard electronics generate an out-of-phase sound wave that cancels the incoming noise. This is known as destructive interference. Some headphones allow the user to choose whether they want to let in ambient noise when this feature is active.
5. Change the Battery
A new battery can make your earbuds sound better by increasing the audio output. Additionally, a new battery will have a fresh charge and be free from any dirt or debris that might have built up over time. If this is for a school, consider charging carts for headphones and earbuds.
A fresh battery will also have a lower temperature, which can reduce the amount of noise and static in your music.
Lastly, a new battery can increase the playtime of your earbuds. Be sure to keep them charged at a minimum of twenty to eighty percent, as letting them drain completely can damage the battery. Additionally, draining the battery frequently will consume more charge cycles and result in a shorter lifespan. Also, try to listen to music stored locally on your device rather than streamed from a streaming service. This will improve the dynamic range of your music, which can make it more detailed and full.