Why Do My Headphones Keep Breaking? (Main Causes)

Headphones provide an immersive audio experience. You don’t need to disturb your neighbors when rocking your favorite tunes. They keep the sound between your ears while blocking background noises. 

Besides, these portable devices have better sound quality than most speakers since the audio frequencies don’t interact with the walls of your room. The best part is that you can choose between wired and wireless headphones.

While headphones are convenient, they have one slight technical drawback. Headphones are delicate devices, making them prone to damage. It doesn’t matter how much they cost you. Your priceless headphones can break anytime with the slightest drop.

This post explains why your headphones keep breaking and how to prolong their lifespan. Follow along to learn more.

Why Do My Headphones Keep Breaking


Key Takeaways

  • Headphones have intricate components prone to damage.
  • The lifespan of your headphones depends on their quality and frequency of use. With proper care, they should last for 5-10 years.
  • While headphones are prone to breaking, you can extend their lifespan by cleaning them regularly and storing them correctly.
  • Most headphones break because of accidental drops and bumps. Winding or bending the cord into knots can also damage the earphones.
  • Exposure to extreme temperatures, moisture, and sweat can cause your headphones to break. Keep your earphones somewhere dry, away from fluids and direct sunlight.

What Causes My Headphones to Break?

Depending on their quality, your headphones should last 5-10 years before requiring a replacement. Premium models have a longer lifespan, but it all depends on how you take care of them

Your headphones breaking is not an isolated problem. After all, they are delicate devices with intricate components. Understanding why your headphones keep breaking can help you prolong their lifespan.

Here are a few reasons your headphones keep breaking:

Accidental Drops and Bumps

Most headphones break because of accidental drops and bumps. Many assume their headsets are durable because of their quality and rigid design. However, the inside comprises fragile components that can’t withstand drops even within a sturdy casing. The intricate parts will jostle and wear out quickly in case of a bump.

Hinges are usually the weakest part (Image credit – Reddit)

Hinges are usually the weakest part (Image credit – Reddit)

Quality headphones can survive a 1-2 feet drop. However, they won’t withstand a fall from 5 or 6 feet. You can tell your headset is broken from signs of visible damage. If there are no dents, you can know from the sound quality. Broken headphones produce poor or inconsistent sound.

Fixing a Broken Headband (Glue and Baking Soda)

How to Glue Broken Headphones [Superglue and Baking Soda HACK]

Exposure to Extreme Temperatures

Exposing your headphones to extreme temperatures for prolonged periods can damage them. Most headsets comprise plastic parts that cannot withstand excess heat. High heat can cause the elastic foam covering the earcups to lose its shape. It can also damage the internal components, causing the wires to break.

Conversely, cold temperatures are bad for your headphones. They can break the brittle wires when they contract and expand. It can also cause the plastic casing to crack and eventually disintegrate.

Exposure to Moisture and Sweat

Most people use headphones when gaming, strolling, or working out. While keeping fit is good for your health, the sweat that comes with it spells trouble for your headset. Jogging in the rain also exposes your headphones to excess moisture. While modern earphones are waterproof, they can’t withstand water for too long before they get soaked.

Excess moisture and electronics are not a good match. The sweat or water might penetrate your headphones, causing irreparable damage. In worse cases, the wires might short-circuit and break, impacting your headset’s functionality.

Bending the Cord into Knots

Headphones have varying cord lengths based on use and for added convenience. Lengthy headset cables might have numerous advantages. However, they have their fair share of disadvantages. They quickly form knots and loops, making them prone to breaking. Besides, you can easily step on or roll over them with your chair’s casters, damaging the brittle internal wires.

Damaged Headphone Cable - Exposed Wires (Image credit – Reddit)

Damaged Headphone Cable – Exposed Wires (Image credit – Reddit)

Sometimes, the cord might be too long for your liking. By your volition, you may want to wind it up to shorten it. However, doing so can cause the cable to tangle and break the internal wires.

Fixing Broken Headphone Cables

How to Fix Broken Headphone Cables

Pulling the Cord Frequently

Your headphones are likely to break if you keep pulling on the cord. Whether accidental or not, doing so strains the internal wires causing them to break. The undue stress and tension might separate the cable from the plug, damaging your headphones.

That’s not all. The internal wires might snap on one side, causing the headphones to malfunction. The broken lines will cause your earphones to deliver sound to the left or right earcup instead of both earcups.

Incorrect Storage

Most headphones are portable, allowing you to carry them when traveling. However, how you store your headset while in transit determines how long it can last without breaking. Tossing them into your backpack or pocket increases the likelihood of damaging them. Other items in your bag may crash or exert undue weight on the headphones, breaking the earphones.

Fortunately, quality headphones often come with a durable carrying case for extra protection. The storage box has a rigid design to protect your headset when traveling. Some carrying cases recharge your wireless headphones, keeping them charged and ready for use.

Always use a carrying case to transport your headphones

Always use a carrying case to transport your headphones

Sleeping with Headphones On

Some people prefer to sleep while listening to soothing music on their headphones. However, sleeping while wearing your headset can be risky. You might turn and roll over your headset, damaging it with your heavy head. Moreover, the chances of the cord forming knots and tangles are high. The wires might eventually break if you don’t disentangle the cable.

Sleeping while wearing your headphones is a safety risk. The cord might wrap around your throat, leading to emergencies.

Playing Audio at Extreme Volumes

Playing audio at extreme volumes for prolonged periods can damage your headphones and cause hearing loss. Your headset has tiny speakers that vibrate when producing sound. 

Cranking up the volume will cause the speakers to vibrate more vigorously. Doing so for extended periods can take a toll on the sound-producing components. Loud audio also produces excess heat that might burn the driver coil and damage your headphones.

Replacing Broken Headphone Drivers (SONY MDR-7506)

0x0017 - MDR-7506 Driver Replacement

Going for Cheap Over Quality

The price tag might not determine the quality of your headphones. However, cheaper headphones easily break because most comprise flimsy materials. The design quality is wanting, and the cheap materials cannot withstand accidental drops and bumps. They don’t usually pass through quality assurance tests. Manufacturers of these earphones are always after making a quick profit rather than producing products that can last for years.

How to Prevent Your Headphones from Breaking?

Headphones are undoubtedly fragile devices. However, proper care can help extend the lifespan of your headset. Here are a few tips to prevent your headphones from breaking.

Headphone Care Tutorial – Official SONY Headphone Guide

Sony Headphones Care Tutorial

Clean Your Headphones Regularly

Clean your headphones regularly to remove excess wax, gunk, and moisture. Water damage can make the headset unrepairable. Wipe away sweat after every workout to prevent the wires from short-circuiting or fraying.

Cleaning Headphone Cushions

How To Clean Sony XM4 Headphone Cushions | The Ultimate Tutorial

Cleaning Velour Ear Pads

How To: Clean Your Ear Pads

Use a Carrying Case

Proper storage can help prevent your headphones from breaking. Always use a carrying case to store your headphones when traveling. Keep the earphones in their storage box to protect them from damage.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Exposure to extreme temperatures can make your headphones more susceptible to breaking. After all, most models comprise plastic parts and casings that cannot withstand fluctuating conditions.

Invest in Sports Headphones

If you often use headphones for workouts, consider sports headphones. These earphones are waterproof and can withstand excess moisture and sweat. Moreover, they have a rigid design for outdoor activities.

Don’t Sleep with Wired Headphones

Avoid sleeping with wired headphones. You may roll and turn, damaging your headset with your heavy body weight. You might also tangle the wires, increasing the likelihood of breaking them.

Avoid Winding and Pulling On the Cord

Headphones usually comprise tiny brittle wires. Winding the cable can form knots and tangles, eventually damaging the headset. Conversely, pulling on the cord causes undue tension, increasing the chances of breaking the internal lines.

Go for Quality Headphones

Consider investing in quality headphones from recognized brands. Premium models can last for years without breaking, thanks to their superior build quality. Besides, some have warranty coverage, allowing for free replacements or repairs.

How to Properly Pack and Carry Your Headphones

How to Pack, Store, and Carry Your Headphones Around

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Question: Is it normal for headphones to break?
  • Answer: Headphones have intricate components which makes them prone to damage. Wired headsets are particularly susceptible to breaking since frequent bending and entangling can cause the lines to wear out faster. You can prolong their lifespan but can’t prevent the inevitable.
  • Question: How long should headphones last?
  • Answer: The lifespan of your headphones depends on their quality and frequency of use. High-quality earphones comprise durable materials that can last for years. They can withstand accidental drops and bumps, spills, and extreme conditions. With proper care, they should last for 5-10 years. Premium models are sturdy and have a lifespan of over ten years.
There’s a big difference in build quality (among other things) between cheap and premium headphones

There’s a big difference in build quality (among other things) between cheap and premium headphones

  • Question: Why do cheap headphones break so easily?
  • Answer: Cheaper headphones easily break because most comprise flimsy materials. The design quality is wanting, and the cheap materials cannot withstand accidental drops and bumps. They don’t usually pass through quality assurance tests. Manufacturers of these earphones are always after making a quick profit rather than producing products that can last for years.
  • Question: How can I make my headphones more durable?
  • Answer: Proper care is necessary to increase your headset’s lifespan. You can make your headphones more durable by cleaning them regularly and storing them correctly. Avoid tangling the wires or putting the headphones directly in your pocket. Do not expose them to extreme temperatures since doing so might damage them. Always store the earphones in a dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Question: Can you fix broken headphones?
  • Answer: Broken headphones are fixable, depending on the extent and location of the damage. You may need wire strippers, scissors, electrical tape, and a soldering iron to fix your broken earphones. In case of a broken cord, strip the wires, rejoin them, and insulate them with duct tape. For damaged earcups, use an adhesive to return them into place.

Conclusion

Quality headphones last for 5-10 years. However, this does not mean they cannot break. After all, your headset is a delicate device. It comprises intricate components prone to damage. While you cannot prevent your headphones from breaking, you can prolong their lifespan by following the above tips.

Was this article helpful?
YesNo

Leave a Reply