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Do headphones wear out? How long do headphones last?

Different types, sizes, and shapes of headphones are available. And these variations among headphones are also reflected in the wide range of prices and levels of durability. You wouldn’t want to invest in headphones that break in a month or two, thus headphone durability is just as crucial as the sound quality they create.

Different things can cause your headphones to deteriorate over time. Some of these reasons include the fact that you bought a pair of headphones that were very inexpensive but made of poor quality materials, that your headphones were exposed to moisture, or that you neglected to get a headphone case.

If properly maintained, most headphones have a lifespan of three to five years. Naturally, how you care for the headphones will affect how long they last. Furthermore, it should come as no surprise that pricey headphones will last longer than less expensive ones. Additionally, because wires are easier to replace than batteries in a Bluetooth-powered pair of headphones, wired headphones last somewhat longer than wireless headphones.

How long do headphones last?

Since there are many variables that affect how long your audio equipment lasts, like the sort of headphones you use, how well you take care of them, how well you protect the internal components of the headphones, and many more, there is no set timeframe for how long your headphones should last.

However, customers claim that when properly cared for, headphones last about 3-5 years. Due to their more straightforward design, wired headphones are also said to last longer than wireless ones. In contrast, due to their complexity and non-replaceable batteries, wireless headphones break more frequently.

Do headphones go quieter over time?

Because the mesh close to the headphone drivers, which is constantly vibrating as sound passes through them, deteriorates over time, most headphones will play music at a lesser volume than they did when they were first purchased. The fact that most people listen to music at dangerously loud volumes is one of the many reasons why headphones become quieter over time.

Sound will go through the mesh at a lower volume because greater volumes cause a considerably stronger vibration that more seriously damages the mesh. The headband on your headphones may no longer exert as much of a clamping effort, which will lead to reduced sound isolation because there won’t be a sufficient seal from the outside sounds. This is another aspect that could cause a lower volume coming from your headphones.

The final element is only relevant for wireless headphones. In order to save energy, certain headphones will play at a reduced volume. If your headphone battery is broken and begins to drain more quickly, this could result in your headphones playing at a lower volume than usual all the time.