How do you fix earphones with one side low volume?

Having one earphone side at a lower volume than the other is a common problem that many headphone users experience. According to a 2021 global study, approximately 1.7% of people worldwide have some degree of noise-induced hearing loss, often caused by improper use of headphones (medicalnewstoday.com). While slight volume differences between ears is normal, a noticeable imbalance can negatively impact music listening or voice calls.

There are several steps you can try to diagnose and fix a low volume earphone. This guide will cover checking connections, inspecting the earphones, adjusting balance settings, cleaning contacts, replacing eartips, resetting earphones, replacing internal components, professional repair, and buying new earphones. With some basic troubleshooting, you can often resolve volume issues and restore proper stereo balance.

Check Connections

One of the first things to check is whether the 3.5mm audio jack is fully inserted into your device. Sometimes a loose connection can cause intermittent audio or low volume issues in one earbud. Examine the jack and port for any debris buildup, like lint or dust, that could be blocking a solid connection. Try plugging your earphones into different devices as well, like a computer or phone, to help isolate if the issue is with the earphones themselves or a particular device.

As noted in this Wired article, swapping to another pair of headphones can confirm whether the problem lies with your device’s Bluetooth connection or the earphones.

Inspect Earphones

One potential cause of low volume in one earbud is physical damage to the earphones themselves. Carefully inspect the wiring of both earbuds and look for any fraying, kinks, cuts or other issues. Wires can become damaged from normal wear and tear, getting caught on objects, excessive bending, etc. Damaged wires may develop breaks that impact audio transmission.

Also examine the earbud covers and mesh screens. Debris buildup, wax, moisture, and other blockages on or in the earbud can muffle the sound coming through. Gently clean the earbud covers and screens to remove any obstructions (Source 1). If the mesh screens are torn or punctured, this can also impact sound quality.

Try Adjusting Balance

Many smartphones, tablets, computers, and other devices that utilize earphones have built-in balance controls in their sound settings. Open the sound settings on your device and look for an option to adjust the left/right balance. Slowly adjust the balance towards the side with low volume and see if it helps correct the imbalance in volume between the two earpieces. Just a slight adjustment of 5-10% towards the low side is often enough to fix the issue. But be careful not to set the balance too far to one side, as this could make the other earpiece too low.

If adjusting balance does not resolve the volume difference, you’ll need to keep troubleshooting. But this is an easy fix to try that takes just a moment and has helped many users with earphones that have one side playing lower. As earphones loosen and degrade over time, the balance can shift, so being able to tweak the balance setting on your device is a handy option.

Clean Contacts

One common cause of low volume in one earbud is due to buildup or corrosion on the headphone jack contacts and ports contacts. Cleaning these contacts can help restore proper audio transmission between the wires and ports.

Use a cotton swab or soft brush dipped in isopropyl alcohol to gently clean the headphone jack contacts on both your audio port and headphone plug. The alcohol will help cut through and dissolve any grease, dirt, or debris on the metal contacts. Be very gentle, as the contacts are delicate. Let fully dry before reconnecting.

Check for any visible corrosion or damage on the contacts. Corrosion can interfere with the signal and cause connectivity issues. If there is any visible buildup that alcohol does not remove, you may need stronger cleaning methods. However, take care not to damage the contacts.

Properly cleaning the headphone jack contacts and port contacts with isopropyl alcohol can help remove debris interfering with signal transmission through the earbuds. This simple solution may restore volume and sound quality in one earbud going quiet.[1]

Replace Eartips

One simple fix to try is replacing the eartips or covers on your earphones. Sometimes a poor seal or loose fit in the ear canal can cause one side to sound quieter. Experiment with different sized eartips, like small, medium and large, to find the best fit for your ears. Wider bore or foam eartips can often create a better seal compared to narrow or stiff silicone tips.

According to experts, the right eartips improve sound quality by reducing ambient noise and properly isolating the music inside your ear canal. As this Quora post explains, comply foam eartips are popular for increased comfort and quality. However, silicone or triple flange may also work if sized correctly.

Take your time testing a variety of eartip styles and sizes. With the proper seal and snug fit, both sides should sound equally loud and clear. If the imbalance persists, further troubleshooting is needed.

Reset Earphones

Some earphone models have a reset function that can re-balance the left and right audio channels. Consult your device’s manual or online support documentation to see if your specific earphones have a reset function and how to perform it.

Resetting earphones essentially restores them to factory settings, which re-calibrates the hardware and software to sync up the left and right audio. It’s a quick solution to try that may fix volume imbalance issues.

For example, some Bluetooth earbuds like AirPods have a reset process that involves pressing and holding a button for 10-15 seconds until the LED light flashes. Other wired earbuds may require unplugging and replugging in while pressing a button.

Just keep in mind that resetting earphones will wipe any customized settings, so you’ll have to repair them and make any adjustments again afterwards. But it’s worth trying as a troubleshooting step before exploring more involved repairs or replacements.

If you don’t have instructions for your specific earphones, searching the make and model online can often find reset guidance from other owners or the manufacturer. Resetting earphones is an easy fix to try that might just do the trick! (1)

Replace Internal Components

For advanced DIY repairs, voice coils or drivers can be replaced. This requires soldering skills and part sourcing. Many earbuds and headphones use small standard speakers inside, so compatible replacement parts can sometimes be found online or salvaged from donor devices. However, finding the exact correct part can be challenging.

The process involves taking apart the earbud housing, desoldering the original driver, and soldering in the new component. This requires a steady hand, proper soldering equipment, and understanding of electronics. Tiny driver components are easily damaged by excess heat. Replacement parts often cost $10-30.

While internal repairs can restore volume, results are unpredictable. It’s easy to damage other components during disassembly. An improperly installed driver may also lead to issues with sound quality or fit. For most consumers, professional repair or replacement is recommended over DIY driver swaps.

Get Professional Repair:

Many repair shops specialize in diagnosing and fixing earphone issues like low volume on one side.

Professional repair services may be worthwhile for expensive earphones that you want to extend the life of.

Repair technicians can check the internal components like drivers, cables, and connections to find the root cause of the volume problem.

They often have the parts, tools, and expertise to repair earphones in a way the average person can’t do at home.

For example, VesperAudio offers professional earphone repair services and notes expertise in diagnosing issues like low volume, distortion, loose connectors and more.

Buy New Earphones

If you have tried all of the troubleshooting steps above and the earphones are still having issues with one side being low volume, it may be time to replace them with a new set. Earphones have a limited lifespan, especially if used frequently. The internal components can wear out over time. According to sources, it’s generally a good idea to replace earbuds or headphones if they are no longer functioning properly or have become damaged.

When buying replacement earphones, consider choosing a wireless model to avoid any cord issues in the future. Modern wireless earbuds last around 2-3 years with average use before needing replacement. High quality models may last longer. Just make sure to follow care and maintenance best practices to maximize the lifespan of any new earphones.

Replacing your earphones is often the easiest and most effective solution if you have exhausted all other troubleshooting options. Investing in a new quality set will provide improved sound and hopefully avoid any future volume imbalance issues.