Bose headphones are versatile and offer excellent sound quality. Besides, they are lightweight, making them remarkably portable. I can go with them to the gym and rock my favorite tunes during my workout sessions. They have premium noise canceling, so I don’t have to worry about external noises.
But after about six months of owning my headphones, I noticed the cushion pads covering the earcups peeling off. I never expected this issue in premium headphones, particularly after buying them expensively.
Later on, I discovered this is not an isolated problem.
Whichever brand you buy, the ear pads will wear down with time and require replacements. Fortunately, Bose ear pads are replaceable to ensure maximum comfort and the best acoustic experience. Besides, the process is much easier than you think.
Key Takeaways
- Your Bose ear pads might deteriorate from regular use, accidental damage, improper storage, or extreme temperatures.
- Bose recommends replacing the ear pads every six months or after 350 hours of use, whichever comes first.
- Replacing Bose ear pads does not require special tools. The process entails pulling the ear cushions up and outward from the ear cups and installing new ear pads.
- You can purchase high-quality replacement ear pads from Bose or a reputable third-party seller.
Replacing Bose QC35 Ear Pads – Step-by-Step Instructions
When to Replace Bose Ear Pads
The ear pads on your Bose headphones are not exempt from wear and tear. The material covering the ear cushions and the foam padding will wear down with time, no matter how well you care for your headphones.
So, if you often use your Bose headphones, the ear pads will be the first components to wear down from regular use. Sweat and body moisture may cause the ear pads to deteriorate faster. The ear cushions may peel, crack, or flake, deforming the headphones.
Worn-down ear pads on BOSE headphones
The ear pads may also wear down because of accidental damage, extreme temperatures, excess force, and improper storage. Consider replacing your Bose ear pads as soon as you notice physical damage on the ear pads or the headphones become uncomfortable. Changes in sound quality are another sign you need to replace your Bose ear pads.
Bose recommends replacing the ear pads every six months or after 350 hours of use, whichever comes first. The company sells high-quality replacement ear cushions, but you may buy cheaper Bose ear pads from accredited third-party sellers.
Replacing Bose Ear Pads
Replacing Bose ear pads is relatively easy. After all, the process does not require special tools. You only need to purchase the correct replacement kit for your Bose headphones and follow the instructions in the user manual.
This guide provides a practical explanation so you don’t damage your Bose headphones when replacing the ear pads.
Method 1 – Replacing Bose Ear Pads On On-Ear Headphones
On-ear headphones have small earpads that sit on your ears rather than over them. The ear cushions on Bose on-ear wireless headphones usually wrap around the edge of the earcups for easy replacement.
Here are the steps:
- Grab the top edge of the right ear pad.
- Gently pull the ear cushion up and outward, away from the earcup.
Start from the top by gently pulling the ear pad up and outward
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 to remove the left ear pad.
- The replacement earpad has a skirt at the back of the cushion to hold it in place.
- To attach a new ear pad, start at the top of the earcup.
- Align the replacement pad with the earcup beginning at the top.
Align the new pad with the cup and start from the top
- Stretch one edge of the cushion skirt over the earcup into the slot behind the flange.
- Stretch the cushion skirt around the earcup.
- Work your way around until the entire cushion skirt is in place into the slot.
- Adjust the cushion padding accordingly to remove any folds.
BOSE On-Ear Headphones – How to Replace Ear Pads
Method 2 – Replacing Bose Ear Pads on Over-Ear Headphones
As the name suggests, over-the-ear or around-ear headphones have larger ear pads and earcups that sit around your ear.
Follow these steps to replace Bose ear pads on on-ear headphones:
- Grab the edge of the right ear pad cushion.
- Gently pull the ear cushion toward the center of the earcup and away to remove it.
Pull the ear pad toward the center and away
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 to remove the left ear pad.
- If you’ve had your Bose headphones for over a year, replace the screen mats covering the speaker.
- The inside rim of the earcup has small tabs that hold the ear pad in place.
- The back of the earpad cushion has a mounting flange.
- Slide the mounting flange at the back of the ear cushion into the earcup tabs.
- Snap the edges onto the earcup tabs all the way around to ensure the earpad is in place.
- Apply pressure for a few seconds to ensure the earpads are secure.
Replacing Ear Pads on BOSE Over-Ear/Around-Ear Headphones
Method 3 – Replacing Bose Ear Pads on NC700 Style Headphones
Some Bose wireless headphones, such as the NC700, have a different structure. The earpads are foldable, and the ear cushions are flush with the earcups. Fortunately, replacing Bose ear pads on these headphones is the easiest.
Here are the steps:
- Grab the edge of the ear pad or ear cushion.
- Pull it away from the earcup to remove it.
Pull the ear pad away from the earcup to remove it
- The earcup has slots that hold the ear pad in place.
Each earcup has slots that hold the ear pad in place
- The replacement pad has tabs that fit into the earcup slots.
- To attach the new ear pad, align the tabs on the cushion with the earcup slots.
- Press the ear pad into the earcup to snap it into place.
- Repeat the above steps with the remaining earpad.
Replacing Ear Pads on BOSE NC700 Headphones
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question: Can you change Bose ear pads?
- Answer: Yes. You can replace your Bose ear pads without taking the headphones to a service center. The ear cushions are wearable items that can wear down over time from regular use. You can order replacement ear pads from Bose or a third-party seller and install them on the headset earcups.
- Question: What causes Bose ear pads to wear out?
- Answer: Bose ear pads can wear out with time from everyday use. Excessive sweat and moisture can also cause the cushions to peel or flake. Other causes include improper storage, temperature changes, accidental damage, excessive usage, and inadequate care. The good news is that you can replace the ear pads once they start cracking or peeling.
- Question: How often should I change Bose ear pads?
- Answer: Your Bose ear pads are less durable than other parts of your headphones. For this reason, Bose recommends replacing the ear pads every six months or after 350 hours of use, whichever comes first. If you often use your headphones, the ear cushions will likely deteriorate faster, meaning you may have to replace them earlier than the recommended six months.
- Question: Should I replace the screen mat under my Bose ear pads?
- Answer: Your Bose headphones have a screen mat beneath the ear cushions. The function of this mesh is to prevent dirt and dust from infiltrating the speaker. When installing new ear pads, replacing the screen mat is optional. You should only replace the screen mats if you’ve had your Bose headphones for over a year.
- Question: How do I change Bose ear cushions?
- Answer: Changing Bose ear cushions does not require any special tools. You only pull the ear pads up and outward from the earcups. Align the replacement pads with the earcups and tuck the edge of the ear cushions into the space behind the earcup flange. Stretch the cushion and work around the earcup until the entire cushion skirt is in place.
Conclusion
Your Bose ear pads will eventually wear down over time from regular use or other reasons. Fortunately, replacing Bose ear pads is relatively easy as you don’t require any special tools or skills. By following this guide, you will be able to replace Bose ear pads within minutes.
