Headphones lose function in one of the earpiece

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    Function Headphones
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the issue of headphones losing function in one earpiece, particularly focusing on potential causes and solutions. Participants explore the durability of headphone cords, the impact of bending and yanking on the wires, and various methods to prolong headphone life.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that headphones often fail due to the breaking of connector wires, which are made of copper that cannot withstand infinite bending.
  • Another suggests reinforcing the headphone cord near the connector to prevent failure, mentioning the use of a rubber band as a protective measure.
  • Some participants discuss the benefits of purchasing higher-quality headphones that typically have reinforced weak points in the cord.
  • A participant shares their positive experience with professional-grade headphones, indicating they have not encountered similar issues.
  • Another participant mentions using insulation tape as an alternative to rubber bands, though they acknowledge it can create a mess.
  • One user expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of rubber bands over time, noting they may decay and fail.
  • Another participant shares their experience with cheap headphones that have lasted for years despite heavy use, suggesting that careful handling can extend their lifespan.
  • A suggestion is made that using a cord extender might alleviate stress on weak points in the headphone cord.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the causes of headphone failure and potential solutions. While some agree on the importance of reinforcing weak points, others advocate for simply purchasing new or cheaper headphones. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to prevent headphone failure.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not reach a consensus on the most effective method for preventing headphone failure, and there are varying opinions on the durability of different headphone brands and types.

ConcealedDreamer
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I listen to music a lot and I use my CD and MP3 players. But every 6 months or so my headphones lose function in one of the earpiece (usually my left one), and eventually lose function to both. Why is that? I had to constantly switch headphones.
 
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why not have it fixed by repaimen ?
u can also by a new ones with cheap price, $15.30 or lower price can satified u if u like to do auction on yahoo pagie

-As always, have a nice day :smile: :smile: :smile:
 
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Why headphones fail

Usually the connector wires break. The wires are made of copper and copper cannot stand infinite bending. Every time you bend your headphone cord a little bit, you are bringing the copper wires inside that cord closer to the breaking point. If you ever yank on your cord while it is plugged in, you are bringing the wires inside to the breaking point very quickly.

One idea for preserving your headphones would be to reinforce the headphone cord near the point where the connector is. This is usually the point where headphone cords fail. What I do with some of my cords is wrap a rubber band around the cord near the connector. This acts like a rubbery cast and help keep the cord straighter at that delicate point. Headhones also tend to fail near where the cord or cords enter the earphones. It might be helpful to reinforce those points as well.

Another idea would be to buy better-quality headphones since they usually come with the weak points in the cord reinforced. Also, some professional headphones allow the cords to be changed.

I have been using my professional-grade Sennheiser HD-280 headphones for many hours a day for a couple of years now. I haven't had any problems with them and I never bothered reinforcing them. (I did have a power supply cord to my laptop break, though, at the point where it enters the laptop. When I got a new power supply, I reinforced the cord at that weak point by wrapping a rubber band around it.)
 
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hitssquad said:
Usually the connector wires break. The wires are made of copper and copper cannot stand infinite bending. Every time you bend your headphone cord a little bit, you are bringing the copper wires inside that cord closer to the breaking point. If you ever yank on your cord while it is plugged in, you are bringing the wires inside to the breaking point very quickly.

One idea for preserving your headphones would be to reinforce the headphone cord near the point where the connector is. This is usually the point where headphone cords fail. What I do with some of my cords is wrap a rubber band around the cord near the connector. This acts like a rubbery cast and help keep the cord straighter at that delicate point. Headhones also tend to fail near where the cord or cords enter the earphones. It might be helpful to reinforce those points as well.

Another idea would be to buy better-quality headphones since they usually come with the weak points in the cord reinforced. Also, some professional headphones allow the cords to be changed.

I have been using my professional-grade Sennheiser HD-280 headphones for many hours a day for a couple of years now. I haven't had any problems with them and I never bothered reinforcing them. (I did have a power supply cord to my laptop break, though, at the point where it enters the laptop. When I got a new power supply, I reinforced the cord at that weak point by wrapping a rubber band around it.)

Thanks, this might help.
 
Rubber band eh, nice trick hitssquad.

I usually use insulation tape, but it tends to make a mess. I'll give that a go, thanks.
 
I wrap it pretty tightly and it makes a stiff rubbery cast an inch or so long. You don't have to do any knot-tying if you tension it by repeatedly twist looping one end over the end of the cable.

Yes, tape often makes a gooey mess. And it does not stay tensioned very well. The rubber band will eventually decay and fail, perhaps becoming a gooey mess as well as crumbling, but it should stay good for years if it is not left in sunlight.
 
Wow, what a great idea hitssquad! I'll have to give that a try since I've had the same problem. I knew it was from the wire wearing out, but never knew there was a way to avoid it. This solution is so simple to do. :smile:
 
I usually just buy lots of cheap headphones.
 
I have had the same cheap Philips headphones for 5 years now, and they still work fine. I have abused the hell out of them, but they still work.

I think as long as you are reasonabl careful, they will be fine.

Perhaps a cord extender will take the stress off the weak points?
 

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