Is there an app to make earbuds louder?
Having earbuds that are too quiet can be incredibly frustrating. You may have to turn the volume all the way up on your device just to hear your music or podcasts at a normal listening level. This issue seems to be particularly common with wireless Bluetooth earbuds, where the maximum volume is sometimes lower than expected.
There are many reasons why someone might want their earbuds to be louder. Some people simply prefer listening at higher volumes. Others may have mild hearing loss that makes it harder to hear at normal levels. Additionally, in noisy environments like on airplanes or public transit, louder earbuds help isolate the audio and block out external sounds.
While cranking up the volume too high can damage your hearing over time, there are ways to safely boost your earbud volume a reasonable amount. This article will explore some troubleshooting tips and volume-boosting solutions to make earbuds louder without compromising audio quality.
Safety Concerns with Loud Earbuds
Listening to music at high volumes through earbuds for prolonged periods can potentially cause noise-induced hearing loss over time. According to the National Institute of Health, noise above 85 decibels can permanently damage the inner ear and lead to hearing impairment.
Earbuds directly transmit sound into the ear canal, increasing the risk of hearing damage compared to over-ear headphones. The closer the sound source is to the eardrum, the greater the risk. Studies have shown that people who listen to earbuds at high volumes for more than an hour a day are at higher risk of developing tinnitus and hearing loss.
It’s recommended to keep earbud volume below 60% of maximum and take regular breaks. Additionally, look for earbuds with built-in volume limiters. Being aware of the risks and smart listening habits can help minimize potential hearing damage over time.
Software Solutions to Increase Volume
There are some apps available for Android and iOS devices that can boost the volume output beyond the hardware limits of your earbuds. These software volume boosters work by modifying the audio signal before it reaches the speakers.
One popular Android app is Volume Booster for Headphones (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kaydev.sound.booster.headphones&hl=en_US&gl=US), which can increase volume up to 200%. It has customizable volume settings and comes with a five-band equalizer to adjust the sound profile.
For iPhone users, apps like Volume Booster and EQ (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/volume-booster-and-eq/id1063147463) offer similar volume boosting capabilities. This app lets you boost volume up to 150% and has an equalizer with bass boost and virtualizer features.
While software volume boosters can make your earbuds play louder, it’s important not to overdo it. Listening at excessive volumes can damage your hearing over time. Make sure to take breaks and be mindful not to turn the volume up too high.
Hardware Modifications
There are a few ways to physically modify your earbuds to increase their maximum volume output. One method is to remove any physical dampers or resistor components inside the earbud housing that limit volume (source: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/krgo7k/mods_increasing_cup_volume_effect). This can boost volume but may also reduce bass response. Be very careful when modifying internal earbud components as you can easily damage them if not careful.
Another hardware mod is to replace the default earbud eartips with Comply foam tips or a similar memory foam material (source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpkabeaKInE). The foam conforms to your ear canal better and creates a tighter seal, allowing less sound to leak out and more volume to be directed into your ears.
You can also try using small plastic or rubber earbud spacers to increase the volume inside the earbud chamber and direct more sound into the ear canal. However, this may negatively impact sound quality and frequency response (source: https://xdaforums.com/t/mod-volume-boost-for-headphones-earpiece-bluetooth-and-speaker-jb-kk-g3-roms.2799537/).
In general, hardware modifications involve some tradeoffs and risks, so proceed with caution. Software volume boosts may be a safer option for increasing earbud volume.
Alternative Headphones and Earbuds
Some alternative headphones and earbuds are designed specifically with higher than usual volume in mind. While most earbuds top out around 110-115dB for safety reasons, certain models aim to deliver louder volume without sacrificing sound quality.
For example, the Vatomy V22 earbuds are designed to go up to 116dB, which makes them significantly louder than typical earbuds. They use 10mm titanium composite dynamic drivers and have enhanced bass for a powerful sound [1]. However, they may not be suitable for all listeners due to the extreme volume levels.
Some gaming headsets like the Razer Kraken BT Kitty Edition are tuned for extra loud immersive gameplay. They output audio up to 122dB and have cooling gel ear cushions for comfort during long sessions [2]. While great for gaming, they may be too bulky for everyday listening.
There are also wired earbuds that prioritize higher volume, like the Sony XB50AP Extra Bass earbuds. They have 12mm drivers and a closed dynamic design that enhances bass and amplifies overall volume. However, being wired-only limits their flexibility.
Ultimately, while these models deliver louder sound, it’s critical to be mindful of safe listening volumes to protect hearing health.
Adjusting Phone and App Settings
One of the easiest ways to make your earbuds louder is by maxing out the volume levels in your smartphone’s system settings and music app. Most Android and iOS devices have separate volume controls for media playback and system sounds like ringtones. You’ll want to turn both of these up to the maximum safe level.
To increase overall phone volume on Android, go to Settings > Sound and drag the Media Volume and Ring Volume sliders all the way to the right. You can also use the physical Volume Up button on your phone to raise the current media volume to the highest level.
In the Spotify app or whichever music player you use, make sure the in-app volume slider is also maxed out. This controls the audio signal being sent to your earbuds separately from the system volume. Try raising the Normalization setting as well, which boosts quieter songs to be closer in loudness to louder tracks. Just be careful not to increase volumes to unsafe levels that could damage your hearing over time.
According to Android Authority, “Most music player apps have both preamp and equalizer settings built-in so you can customize the sound exactly how you want.” (Source)
Using a Headphone Amplifier
Adding an external headphone amplifier lets you boost the volume of your earbuds far beyond what your smartphone, tablet, or computer audio output can provide. Dedicated headphone amplifiers are designed primarily for driving headphones or earbuds to louder volumes without distortion or loss of audio fidelity. These specialized devices allow you to get much greater power and volume. Devices like the FiiO A3 or HeadAmp Pico Power will drive high-impedance headphones requiring more voltage to reach louder volumes. They provide ample power to push your earbuds to louder decibel levels if your device’s built-in amplifier falls short.
The main drawback is that a portable headphone amplifier is another device to carry around. But they let you pump up the loudness substantially while maintaining sound quality. If you want your earbuds to reach their full loud potential, a dedicated amplifier is the way to go.
Trying Comply Foam Tips
One way to potentially increase the volume of your earbuds is by trying ComplyTM foam tips. Comply tips are made of memory foam that conforms to the unique shape of your ear canal. This tight seal blocks out external noise and can increase the perceived volume and audio quality of your earbuds.
According to Comply, their foam tips are engineered to “deliver up to 3 decibels of isolation” compared to standard silicone tips. This isolation effect allows you to hear more details in your music at lower volumes. The complyfoam.com website states that their foam tips are ideal for musicians and loud environments since they sit deeper in the ear and provide maximum noise isolation.
Some key benefits of Comply’s foam tips that can boost in-ear volume include:
- Noise isolation technology
- Soft memory foam that molds to ear shape
- Comfort and stability for long wear
Comply offers foam tips designed specifically for popular earbud models like Shure and AirPods Pro. Check their sizing charts and follow installation instructions to find the right fit for your ears. With the tighter seal of comply foam tips, you may be able to increase the effective volume while listening at lower decibel levels.
Checking for Obstructions
Earwax buildup is a common cause of reduced volume or muffled sound from earbuds. Over time, earwax can accumulate on the earbud’s speaker grill, as well as inside the ear canal, blocking sound from entering freely.
To clean built-up earwax from earbuds, first try using a dry microfiber cloth or toothbrush to gently brush the earbud surface and speaker grill. Avoid using liquids or inserting anything into the earbud. For tougher buildup, a toothpick can help gently scrape away caked-on wax, particularly in the corners and crevices of the earbud grill. Take care not to damage the delicate speaker element (Forbes).
It’s also important to regularly clean ears of excess wax to prevent blockages. An ear irrigation system or gentle ear drops can help safely break up wax inside the ear canal. Never insert cotton swabs or other objects into the ear to remove wax, as this risks damage. A doctor may also professionally clean away hardened wax buildup if excessive (The Verge).
Keeping earbuds and ears clear of obstructions ensures sound can travel freely from the speaker through the ear canal, maintaining full volume potential.
Conclusion
There are a variety of options to safely and effectively make your earbuds louder. Software solutions like volume boosters, equalizers, and virtual surround can maximize your phone or app’s volume beyond normal limits. Hardware modifications like impedance adapters can significantly increase volume by changing the resistance levels. Alternatively, investing in high sensitivity headphones specially designed for louder playback may be the easiest option. Adjusting your phone and audio app’s sound settings can also help increase gain and loudness. For mild volume gains, using foam eartips, removing earwax buildup, and ensuring proper fit can optimize performance. Ultimately, being able to hear your audio clearly at safer volumes leads to better long-term hearing health.
