Beginners Guides
How To Clean Your Headphones
Headphones are a must-have piece of technology. With the rise of listening to music via phones, most people have one device that can play music.
However, not everyone has a pair of headphones so they can listen in private. Plus, they are great for working out, sleep, and other activities!
With the increase in use, headphone hygiene is becoming a bigger problem. People are reporting an increase in ear infections due to the lack of cleaning and drying of headphones.
How do you know if your headphones are clean? They have a mild plastic smell after being washed and dried properly!
To help you prevent headphone infection or bad smells, here is how to thoroughly clean your headphones. We will be using wireless over-the-ear headphones as an example, but this tip can be used for any type of headphones.
Put headphones in water and add cleaning product
If your headphones are in serious need of a cleaning, you can put them in water to do so. You will want to make sure the water is warm or cool, as hot water can potentially damage the components inside the headphones.
Then, add a small amount of cleaning solution to the inside of the headphones. Make sure to rub it in and around all parts that get dirty. Let them sit for a few hours or even overnight to fully dissolve and clean them.
Dry them off with a towel and let them sit for 24 hours before using them again. This is important to make sure they are fully dried out and do not have any lingering smells or germs.
This process can be done weekly or monthly depending on how often you use your headphones.
Shake off water
If your headphones get wet, the first step is to shake off any water. You do this by pulling one earpiece off and shaking it like a towel.
Water will get into the inside part of the headphone, so more water needs to be shaken out. You can do this by holding one side and shaking it or pulling one side off and shaking it like a shoe.
If there is too much water, then let them dry for a few days before trying to use them again. The longer they dry, the less likely you are to get rid of the mold.
This is because mold grows in moisture, so letting them dry out gets rid of some of the moisture inside. Less moisture means less opportunity for mold to grow.
Dry them as much as possible before putting them in a bag or storage box with other things. This will help prevent getting other things wet.
Dry gently with towel
Once you have washed your headphones, you will need to dry them. You can do this in a few ways, but the best way is with a towel.
Wrap your headphones in a damp towel and press out as much water as possible. Then, let them dry on their own or dry them with a hair dryer on a low heat setting.
If you are in a hurry, you can put them in the sun to speed up the drying process. Do not put them in the dryer, however!
This is why it is important to wash your headphones with soap or cleaning solution- so that they look and sound clean, and are more hygienic. Soap breaks down dirt and grime, making your headphones look and feel cleaner.
Let dry completely before using again
Once you have washed your headphones, you must let them dry before using them again. You do not want wet materials sticking to your devices, so letting them dry completely is important.
The headphones can dry on a flat surface, or you can lay them across a towel to dry in the open air. A towel will also help to speed up the drying process.
Some people suggest placing dried headphones in the sun, but this is not recommended unless your headphones are waterproof. If they are not waterproof, the sunlight may damage the internal parts.
If you are unsure if your headphones are waterproof or not, check with the manufacturer to see if they offer water protection for use with your device.
Use a dry paper towel to remove any dirt
Once you have removed the earpieces, you can take a dry paper towel or headphone cleaning cloth and wipe down the interior and exterior of the headphones.
Make sure to wipe down the wires as well as the inside of the casing that houses the wires. Pay special attention to any crevices where dirt and sweat may build up.
Pro tip: If your headphones are wireless, make sure to also clean the battery case and where the two pieces connect.
Dirt can also build up in these areas, so make sure to check them. TIP: Do not wash your headphones in water unless they are water-proof or water-resistant.
Apply a gentle soap or shampoo to the headphones and rub gently with your fingers
Soaps and shampoos are designed to clean hard surfaces like your headphones. Most people have access to soap or shampoo, so this is an easy product to acquire.
Most soaps and shampoos have a glycerin base that would stick to your headphones. This would not damage the headset, but it would be hard to rinse off.
The problem with rinsing soap off of headphones is that it may leave a film on the plastic or rubber. This would then create a new smell or texture on the headphone which is not desired.
It is important to be gentle when cleaning your headphones with soap as well. If you scrub them too hard, you may break the internal wires or dislodge parts of the device.
Rince properly and let air dry
Even if you thoroughly brush your headphones, they will still have some buildup. You can see this in the earpieces and around the wires.
To make sure your headphones look and feel like new, you need to clean them properly. You can do this by washing them or wiping them down. Either way, you want to make sure they are fully dried.
Wet headphones can lead to serious damage that is not easily repaired. The internal parts can rust and the plastic can break down more easily. This is not what you want!
So, how do you dry your headphones properly? Two easy ways! One, hang them up to dry. Two, lay them out on a paper towel to dry. This way all of the little bits of water can run off of them.
Store properly when not in use
Although it is simple to do, many people do not practice the art of headphone storage. If you do not have a dedicated place to store your headphones, try keeping them with your other music devices- laptop, phone, music player.
A quick way to ruin your headphones is to leave them tangled up. This can cause the wires inside to break or come out at the plug end.
To prevent this, every time you use them, take a few minutes to organize and store them in a safe place. A box, bag, or even a drawer will do!
If you do not have enough space for an extra drawer or box, then try hanging them on a hook or hanging them around your neck when not in use.
Another tip for storing headphones is to keep both earbuds together with a rubber band or string. This will prevent them from getting tangled with each other.
Hi, I’m Dominique. I love movies and want everyone to have the best home cinema experience possible. That’s why I started 1home Theatre Projector. We help people build their home cinema system using the latest technology and news on laser tv and all-around home entertainment.
We’re a small team of movie buffs (and experts) who are passionate about giving our readers the best advice and information possible. So whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to upgrade your home cinema system, we’ve got you covered!
Headphones have become a staple piece of tech equipment. Almost every person uses some sort of headphones at least occasionally.
They are widely available at stores like Walmart and Target, as well as online sites like Amazon and eBay. There are a huge variety of types of headphones, including earbuds, noise-canceling, studio monitors, and earphone variants.
All of these different types have one thing in common: they are all electromagnets. Yes, that is right! Even though you can’t see them, all headphones are tiny electromagnets. This is not a fact that is discussed often, but it is true!
How are they electromagnets, you ask? Well, let’s dig into the specifics so you can understand this fact better. This article will discuss all the details about how headphones are electromagnets.
How do they work?
Headphones work by using a electromagnet. Inside most headphones is a metal core, usually aluminum. This is where the speaker is located.
Around the core is a wound wire. When an electric current is run through the wire, it creates a magnetic field. This magnetic field is controlled by the strength of the electric current running through it.
The stronger the current, the stronger the magnetic field. This allows for different levels of sound to be created. When plastic or leather covers are placed over the wires, they act as amplifiers for the sound.
The shape of the plastic or leather helps direct the sound towards your ear, allowing you to hear what you are listening to more clearly. How cool is that?
You can also have headphones without this feature, but they will not provide better sound quality than normal earbuds.
Do all headphones use electromagnets?
No, actually headphones come in a few different forms. The most common type of headphones is over-ear or ear-covering headphones.
These have an internal housing for the speakers and an external cover that covers your ear. The wire that connects the two is usually coiled for storage.
In-ear headphones are just what they say- they insert into your ear canal! These are very common among athletes because they block out more noise than over-ears do.
Finally, there are Bluetooth headphones which do not have any wires at all. These sync with your device via wireless signal and therefore do not need any internal wiring either.
What are the advantages of using electromagnets?
Aside from being able to be turned on and off, electromagnets can also be adjusted in strength. This is very important when designing headphones.
If the magnet is too strong, it will pull the earpiece away from the phone or computer, breaking the connection. If it is too weak, it will not adequately produce sound.
The strength of the magnet can also be adjusted so that when you transition from listening to music to a phone call, the connection is not lost. In addition, stronger magnets help to preserve battery life due to less energy required to maintain their state.
Other uses for electromagnets in headphones include wireless charging capabilities and adjustable noise cancelling. Wireless charging is easily integrated into most headphones by placing a magnetic field generator under the cushion of the headphone frame.
What are the disadvantages of using electromagnets?
While headphones are a great way to isolate yourself from the world and enjoy your favorite music, listening to music too loudly can be very dangerous.
According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, more than 1 in 8 people aged 12 to 22 say they listen to music at least half of the time at a level that would be unsafe for their hearing.
This is because people get used to the sound of music and do not adjust the volume higher or lower depending on what changes.
When listening to music through headphones, you are actually only hearing one side of the sound. The other side is being blocked by the headphone speaker itself.
This makes it easier to listen at higher volumes without realizing how loud it really is. As we said before, this can lead to permanent hearing loss due to exposure to high levels of sound.
The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that you turn down the volume on your devices by at least 50% or use earbuds instead of headphones to reduce your risk of hearing loss.
What materials are used in making headphones with electromagnets?
When looking for headphones, you will find many different types. The main two features that are sought after are sound quality and style. A third feature that is being looked for is magnet strength.
Sound quality is determined by how well the headphones reproduce sound. This is dependent on the specifications of the materials used to make the headphones.
Style is obviously depending on what design and color the headphones are. They must also match your personality!
The magnet strength refers to how strong the electromagnet in the headphone is. The higher the strength, the better quality music you will get out of them.
When buying cheap headphones, it is hard to tell if they are made with high quality materials or not.
Are there any disadvantages to using headphones with electromagnets?
Yes, unfortunately, there are some disadvantages to using headphones with electromagnets. First of all, listening to music or podcasts at a higher volume can lead to hearing loss.
In addition, since you are listening to music on your phone, tablet or computer, you are also exposed to EMFs. These EMFs come from the device and affect your cell signal.
By using headphones, you are blocking out this radiation and consequently, your brain is not being conditioned by the signals.
Studies have found a correlation between long-term cell phone use and brain tumors as well as other neurological disorders. Because of this, it is best to limit your cell phone use and switch to wireless headphones.
Another disadvantage is that people may listen to music at a lower volume when using wireless headphones but still for a long time which can lead to habituation.
What about wireless headphones?
Along with the ever-increasing demand for wireless everything, there has also been a growing market for truly wireless headphones. These are earbuds that do not have any connecting wires between them.
How are these made? While most companies do not discuss their manufacturing processes, some reveal some details.
Most use similar methods: each earpiece has its own mic and small processor, and they connect to a shared wireless chip that connects to your phone. Some use Bluetooth connection, others use Wi-Fi connection. Some even have both!
The biggest difference seems to be how much battery life you want. Companies try to balance the length of the battery life with the weight of the headphones- the lighter they are, the smaller the batteries can be. Some even use special materials to preserve battery life.
How much power do they have?
Although the average person will only consider two main factors when buying headphones, there are actually quite a few. The two main ones being sound quality and noise cancellation.
Sound quality is pretty self-explanatory. You want to buy headphones that have good, crisp sound. That happen to be tailored to your listening taste!
Noise cancellation is how effectively the headphones block out external noise. This is a pretty important feature if you are looking to spend money on headphones. How do they do this?
They are electromagnetic shields that actively cancel out external noise. How much power does the headphone require? It depends on the type of noise cancellation you choose.
Hi, I’m Dominique. I love movies and want everyone to have the best home cinema experience possible. That’s why I started 1home Theatre Projector. We help people build their home cinema system using the latest technology and news on laser tv and all-around home entertainment.
We’re a small team of movie buffs (and experts) who are passionate about giving our readers the best advice and information possible. So whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to upgrade your home cinema system, we’ve got you covered!
With the release of the Windows 10 October 2018 Update, a new feature was introduced that allows you to quickly toggle your headphones on and off.
This feature is called ‘Headphones Toggle’ and is available in the Windows 10 sound settings menu. You can access these by clicking the volume button on your device or via the device menu.
You can either toggle audio off for all applications or just Spotify, for example. This is great for when you are doing a task that requires concentration and do not want any distractions.
Previously, you had to go through several steps to completely turn off your headphones. You had to go to the Sound panel, then change the default device to ‘No Device’, then restart your computer!
This new feature makes it much easier to disable your headphones on your computer! Are you a frequent headphone user? Try this feature out and see how it helps you.
Type audiosrv
Now that you have opened the Audio window, you can start to disable the headphones feature. To do this, type DisableDevice and then hit Enter. A box will appear asking you to select a device to disable.
Search for Headphones and then select them from the drop-down menu. Then hit Disable and then OK. You have successfully disabled the headphones feature on your computer!
You can close the Audio window at this point, but it is recommended to keep it open in case you need to re-enable the headphone feature or make other changes. Keep in mind that re-enabling the headphone feature is just as simple as disabling it.
Re-enabling the headphones requires only two steps: opening up the Audio window again and hitting Enable Device. Easy as that! Anyone can do it.
Click on Audiosrv
The next step is to open the Audio Service. You can do this by clicking the Computer button on the bottom left of the window, then clicking Sounds, video and speech. A new window will open, click on Playback then click on the arrow next to Speakers and select Raise volume instead. This will keep sound from playing through your headphones as well!
Now, back to the Computer window, click on Device Manager and check if there is a headphone icon with a red line through it. If there is, right-click on it and select Update device driver.
Download and install the updated driver for your headphones and try using them again! If there is no icon, try restarting your computer and re-plugging in your headphones to see if that fixes it.
Go to the start button
Next, click on the Settings option. You will find this in the Windows 10 navigation bar that includes the back button, home button, and open windows button.
A new window will open with a variety of settings to edit. One of these is the Settings page where you can edit your personal settings and adjust system settings.
In this section, there is an Audio setting tab where you can edit your headphone preferences. By clicking on this tab, you can easily enable headphones on your computer!
Under the Sound section, there is a drop-down menu that says Output Device. This is what controls what device produces sound from your computer. By default it is set to Internal Audio and this does not allow for external devices to produce sound unless you connect them.
Hold down Ctrl + Shift + B
Now, this shortcut requires you to hold down the Control, Shift, and Backspace keys at the same time.
It might seem weird at first, but this combination disables your device’s ability to detect device attachments. This includes headphones!
So, if you want to listen to music or a video with your headphones attached but do not want to hear the audio from the screen, then this is the shortcut for you!
It takes some getting used to, but after doing so once or twice you will see the benefit. You can then disconnect your headphones and continue using your computer as normal.
If you want to re-enable your device’s ability to detect device attachments, then all you have to do is hold down the Control, Shift, and Backspace keys again and dis-connect your headphones.
Click on Restart
Once in the restart menu, you will need to select some settings. First, you will need to make sure that you have your computer save your open files and close down properly.
Next, you will need to have it reboot into the default boot device. Finally, you will need to have it log you out so that it can properly restart your computer.
These are very important settings so that your computer can properly restart. Make sure to check all of these settings and that they are correct!
If you are having trouble with your headphones and audio on Windows 10, try checking if the Disable all audio components setting is enabled. If it is, try disabling it and re-plugging in your headphones to see if that fixes the problem.
This problem could be caused by a number of things, from broken wires in the headphones to a faulty device driver on your computer. Try checking out the Device Manager on your computer and see if any devices have an error symbol next to them.
Head to Settings > Devices > Headphones (or other audio device) > Toggle Connect through speakers to off
Now that this is off, your computer will not recognize the headphones as a device to output to. This is why you cannot hear anything when you have headphones on!
By toggling the Connect through speakers option to off, your computer will no longer recognize the headphones as a device. No device means no sound will play through them.
You can still use them to listen to music or whatever else you want, but you will not hear any notifications or phone calls unless you connect some other audio device. This is great for taking calls in silence!
If you would like to re-enable this feature, simply turn the Connect through speakers option back on. Then, test your phone calls and see if you can hear them through the headphones. If not, try re-connecting your audio device and testing again.
Hi, I’m Dominique. I love movies and want everyone to have the best home cinema experience possible. That’s why I started 1home Theatre Projector. We help people build their home cinema system using the latest technology and news on laser tv and all-around home entertainment.
We’re a small team of movie buffs (and experts) who are passionate about giving our readers the best advice and information possible. So whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to upgrade your home cinema system, we’ve got you covered!
Wearing headphones to bed has become a common practice, especially among young adults. With the rise of listening to music via smartphones, people have more access to music than ever before.
Music is a great way to relax and prepare for sleep. Some studies have even shown that music can improve sleep quality!
Having headphones in your ear already makes it difficult to hear outside noise. Adding music onto that makes for a very peaceful sleep.
The problem comes when people do not realize the risks of sleeping with headphones in. The most dangerous situation is when someone passes out and does not hear any emergency calls or noises.
Aside from that, pulling the headphones out while asleep can cause other issues. If they are wrapped around the neck or wrists, they may become tight and impede blood flow. If they are on the floor, then they may cause you to wake up due to feeling off balance.
There are ways to sleep with headphones on safely! This article will go over some of those ways.
Set a loud alarm
If you have trouble falling asleep with headphones on, then try setting a loud alarm. When the alarm goes off, you can take off your headphones and fall asleep!
This is a trick that many people use to help them sleep in uncomfortable places. By sleeping in a different place, your body recognizes that it is safe to sleep and you will get a good night’s sleep.
Sleep is one of the most important things for our health. If you struggle to sleep because you cannot listen to music or podcasts before bed, then try using this tip to help you fall asleep easier.
Some people may find it difficult to coordinate their music or podcast listening time with their bedtime. If this is the case, then try going to bed a few minutes earlier or later so that you can listen to your music or podcasts before bed.
Do not use loud music
While this may seem like a good idea, music or noise in general will keep you awake. Why?
Because you have to listen to the music or noise, your brain will not process the fact that you are asleep.
The fact that you are listening to something means that you are awake-your brain knows this and does not want to stop processing that fact.
To test this theory, try going to bed without music or noise and see how well you sleep. Then try sleeping with music or noise and see how well you sleep again. You will notice a difference!
It is best to have quiet, soothing music or no music at all when going to bed. Your brain will process that you are sleeping and will let down your guard so to speak.
Keep the volume low on your headphones
Although this may seem self-explanatory, it’s important to note that the volume on your headphones should be low. As mentioned before, there’s a risk of hearing loss if the volume is too high for prolonged periods of time.
It can be difficult to determine the appropriate volume for sleeping with headphones on, but it’s best to play it safe and have a low volume.
Experts recommend setting the volume no higher than 60% of the maximum output provided by the manufacturer. This way you will still hear enough of the music or audio to relax and fall asleep, but you will not be exposing your ears to too much noise.
Keep in mind that this varies depending on the brand of headphones you use. If you are using cheaper ones that do not have high quality sound protection, then you can probably put up the volume more.
Use a soft noise generator
If you find the sound of the ocean or rain too relaxing, then try a soft noise generator. You can find these online and in the app store.
Noise generators introduce a light background noise into your environment, like the sound of rain or surf, but with an adjustable volume. They are great for sleeping as you can adjust the volume to a level that is not too loud or distracting.
They are great for sleeping as they keep your mind focused on the sound instead of thinking about everything that day. They are also very relaxing, so if you are having trouble falling asleep, try investing in one!
If you have your own music and you do not want to lose the quality by reducing the volume, then turn off all of the other sounds on your phone such as notifications and set an alarm. That way, you will still hear your music but not your phone notifications.
Use white noise
If you struggle to sleep because of noise in your environment, you can use headphones to block out other sounds. But how do you sleep with headphones on?
For one, you can choose to listen to white noise instead of music or a podcast. White noise is an almost constant sound that blocks out other noises.
It can be the sound of a fan, the rustle of a paper bag, rainfall, or even the sound of a machine turning on and off. Any of these can help you sleep!
White noise is best because it continues even when you turn off your headphones. You can also choose to listen to white noise before bed, so that it helps you get into a relaxed state before sleep.
Use a sleeping app
If you do not feel comfortable using the two methods above, there is a third option. Use a sleeping app to monitor your sleep.
Many apps offer this feature for free, and some even have it as an ad-free paid feature. By having your phone next to you while you sleep, the app will monitor how long you sleep and how many times you wake up.
This is a great way to start sleeping with headphones on, as the app will tell you how well you slept!
Some of these apps offer more features such as setting a waking alarm based on how well you slept, or tracking how long it takes you to fall asleep each night. These are nice additions if you are looking for something else to track about your sleep.
Keep the headpones on all night
While this may seem weird, it is advised to sleep with your headphones on all night. This prevents you from having to adjust them multiple times in the night, and risk waking up your partner.
Many people have reported success in just putting the headphones on before bed and leaving them on until morning when they get up. This also helps you not worry about getting tangled in wires in the middle of the night!
Some models even have a built-up battery that keeps your music playing until the next morning so you do not have to re-charge before bed.
If you must take them off due to tangling or feeling too wired, just remember to turn them off before bed! Some models have a built-up feature that turns off the music automatically after a set time which can help with this.
Be careful when sleeping with headphones
While it may be tempting to fall asleep with headphones in, or even in your ear, it is not a safe idea. If you need a little white noise to sleep, try keeping the same device on standby with a playlist instead.
Many phones have a built-in setting that turns off the screen and stops all sounds after a certain time period so you do not need to set one yourself.
Removing the ability to hear sounds completely may help you get a better night’s sleep!
Some people use music to help them relax before bed, but if that makes you feel more awake instead, try switching it up. Perhaps listen to some soothing music before bed, or just take out the headphones!
Some people find that sleeping with items in their hair can be uncomfortable, so try moving them before bed.
Hi, I’m Dominique. I love movies and want everyone to have the best home cinema experience possible. That’s why I started 1home Theatre Projector. We help people build their home cinema system using the latest technology and news on laser tv and all-around home entertainment.
We’re a small team of movie buffs (and experts) who are passionate about giving our readers the best advice and information possible. So whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to upgrade your home cinema system, we’ve got you covered!
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