Having one headphone that is louder than the other can be annoying and make listening to music or watching videos less enjoyable. There are a few potential causes for why your left headphone may be louder than your right. In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons for this issue and how to fix it.
Common Causes
Here are some of the most common reasons why you may be experiencing louder audio in your left headphone:
1. Earwax Buildup
Earwax buildup is a leading cause of imbalanced headphone volume. Over time, earwax can accumulate in the ear canal and partially block sound from getting through. This is especially common in the ear that you sleep on at night.
Since the blocked ear receives less audio signal, the headphone has to work harder to deliver volume to that side. As a result, the other ear with no blockage will sound louder in comparison.
2. Hearing Loss
Natural hearing loss that occurs with age can also cause one headphone to sound louder. High frequency hearing loss in one ear will make that side receive less treble information.
With less high frequency sound coming through, that headphone may need increased loudness to sound balanced. This causes it to seem like the other headphone is too loud.
3. Headphone Imbalance
Faulty headphone drivers can sometimes cause an imbalance in loudness between the left and right channels. This is often from wear and tear over time. Issues like driver malfunction, broken solder joints, or physical damage can affect headphone balance.
Checking headphone volume on another audio source can help determine if the issue is with the headphone itself or something else.
4. Source Device Settings
Volume settings on your source device could also be the culprit. Things like audio balance adjustments, mono audio modes, and hardware problems on your phone, computer, or portable music player can cause one headphone to be louder.
It’s worth checking your device’s audio settings to make sure nothing is improperly configured.
How to Fix Louder Left Headphone
If you determine the cause of your louder left headphone, here are some tips to fix the imbalance:
Clear Earwax Buildup
Carefully clean your ears according to your doctor’s recommendations. This may include wax-softening drops followed by irrigation. Over-the-counter wax removal kits can also help clear blockages.
Never insert cotton swabs or other objects into your ears to remove wax, as this can damage your eardrum.
Adjust Headphone Balance
Many headphones and audio devices have balance controls in their settings. Try shifting the balance slightly towards the right channel to compensate for your louder left side.
Replace Headphone Parts
If your headphones are replaceable/repairable, swap out faulty ear pads, cables, or drivers. Battery replacement can also help for wireless headphones with degraded battery performance.
Use Hearing Aid or Assistive Device
Those with hearing loss can benefit from a hearing aid or assistive listening device tuned for their specific needs. This can help restore proper left/right balance when listening.
Disable Mono Audio
Make sure any mono audio modes are turned off on your device. Mono mixes left and right channels together, which can cause perceived imbalance.
Update Audio Drivers
Updating to the latest audio drivers for your computer/device can help resolve software-related balance issues stemming from the source.
When to See a Doctor
If simple steps don’t fix your louder left headphone issue, consult an audiologist or ear doctor. They can check for underlying problems like earwax impaction, ear infection, or hearing loss causing the imbalance. Medical treatment may be needed to restore proper ear function and headphone balance.
Conclusion
Having one side of your headphones louder than the other can ruin your listening experience. Earwax blockage, hearing loss, headphone faults, and device settings are common culprits. Try cleaning your ears, adjusting balance controls, replacing parts, updating drivers, or seeing a doctor if simple fixes don’t work. Addressing any hearing issues or headphone problems can help restore balanced audio so you can enjoy music and media again.