When listening to your favorite music, it can be frustrating if your prized pair of headphones don't sound as good as you'd have expected. If they have static noise, you won't have the listening experience that you deserve. Knowing how to get rid of static noise can save you time and money.
What Is Static Noise?
Static noise in headphones is like a crackling or buzzing sound. In most cases, it results from a loose wire in your headset. If some of the cables are damaged, they will cause a short circuit. Even though the amperage is quite low, the short circuit interferes with the normal transmission of sound signals and causes static.
What Causes Static Noise in Headphones?
Static noise occurs when the interior parts of the auxiliary port are damaged, oxidized, or dirty. Any of these factors can affect the audio quality of your headphones. Headphones have lots of delicate parts.
When these parts are damaged, they will produce muffled sounds. By inspecting the various components, it's possible to determine the extent of damage and decide whether you need to repair or replace your headphones.
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How to Get Rid of Static Noise
It's essential to identify the root cause of the problem so you can find the best way to address it. If you detest the buzzing noise that comes from your headphones, try the following remedies:
1. Check Headphone Speakers
Before you start inspecting other parts of your headphone's hardware, ensure that your speakers are working properly. If the speakers are made of brittle materials, they can start to rattle as they cannot handle the electrical power they continually receive. If the cone is damaged, the speaker will produce a buzzing sound whenever it vibrates.
While troubleshooting the speaker, plug in another audio device that's working properly and find out if the static noise disappears.
If the problem persists, it shows that your speakers are working properly. But if the speakers are damaged, it may be possible to repair them by replacing the earcups. Alternatively, ask for a replacement if the warranty is still valid.
2. Check Auxiliary Ports
The auxiliary chord plays a key role when transferring the sound signal from your phone or any other audio device to your headphone speakers. However, if the interior parts of your auxiliary port are damaged, your audio playback device will cause static noise. In most cases, the problem occurs at the delicate junction between your 3.5mm audio jack and the cable.
To fix the problem, you only need to clean the auxiliary port. Removing the dirt that causes audio problems will eliminate static noise easily. Also, check if any of the wires at the junction are frayed and solder them to get rid of static noise in headphones.
Sometimes it's easy to clean the audio jack by blowing air to get rid of the dust. But if you want to clean the inside of the jack, rubbing it with isopropyl alcohol can be very effective. Make sure to turn off the device before using the isopropyl alcohol and wipe it with a dry towel.
3. Inspect Internal Wiring
Even if the drivers inside your headphones are working, they'll still need a cable to deliver the audio. If you've mishandled the delicate cables, you might have broken the thin wires.
If the internal wiring is damaged, you'll hear static on the headphones. While unplugging the headphones from your audio device, it's best to hold the 3.5mm jack rather than the cable. Cables that no longer work either need to be replaced or repaired.
Unfortunately, it's almost impossible to fix the frayed wires. Try replacing the damaged cables with a new set of cables and splice them together. Since the repair will eliminate the short circuit, you'll no longer hear the static noise.
Check the cables to avoid a loose connection to the sound card. Also, ensure that you've selected the sound card as your default playback device.
4. Modify Audio Settings
Many people who aren't happy with their audio devices' audio devices can modify the enhancements to create custom settings. However, the audio adjustments might deteriorate the audio quality. So, it's essential to have the original settings as default in your audio device.
Sometimes your headphones might have static if your playback device has incorrect settings. Even before you begin fiddling with cables and ports, modifying the audio configuration could save you trouble. Start by modifying the audio to factory settings and test your headphones.
Go to your audio settings on Android and click on the Device Tab, Accessibility. Under the Hearing option, tap Sound Balance and adjust the left/right Volume Balance. Then click enable Mono audio to complete the process.
Alternatively, disable all sound enhancements on windows. Visit the Control Panel and click on Hardware and then Sound. Under the Playback tab, click on Speakers. You can also solve the problem by navigating the Enhancements tab under system effects, Disable Sound Effects and click Ok.
If the static doesn't disappear, then you have some hardware problems in your audio device that only a technician can resolve.
If your headphones produce scratchy sounds, then you have some hardware or software problems. If the sound card is fine, check whether the audio drivers are up to date. Troubleshoot the problem by altering the equalizer and adjusting the volume levels.
5. Examine Your Wireless Connections
Static is a common problem in wireless devices. The presence of other wireless devices in proximity can cause interference and result in static.
When Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections overlap, they tend to cancel each other out and significantly affect the audio quality. Disconnect other wireless signals that could be hampering your listening experience. Alternatively, get rid of any metallic barriers to ensure seamless connectivity.
When to Replace Your Headphones
You know it's time to replace your headphones if you don't get rid of static noise even after trying these remedies. In most cases, cables are the culprits since they can easily break if mishandled. If your headphones sound great at low levels but produce static noise whenever you turn them up, then you'd better upgrade with a sturdier alternative.
