Nothing is more annoying than when your favorite song or podcast suddenly sounds off — one earbud plays loud, while the other is barely audible. Before you throw them away or rush to buy a new pair, try these
quick fixes that work in most cases.
🧼 1. Clean the Earbud MeshThe most common culprit is
dirt or earwax blocking the sound output.
- Use a soft brush, dry toothbrush, or cotton swab to gently clean the mesh.
- For stubborn debris, use a bit of isopropyl alcohol on a microfiber cloth and wipe carefully.
- Avoid poking sharp objects inside — it may damage the drivers.
🔄 2. Swap and Test on Another DeviceSometimes, the issue isn’t the earbud but your phone or laptop.
- Connect the earbuds to another device.
- Swap left and right earbuds (if they can work independently).
- If the sound issue switches ears, the problem lies in the source device, not the earbuds.
📱 3. Check audio Balance SettingsModern smartphones have a
Left-Right audio Balance option.
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing > audio Balance.
- Make sure the slider is in the center and not leaning to one side.
🔊 4. Reset or Re-Pair Your EarbudsWireless earbuds can develop pairing glitches.
- Forget the device from Bluetooth settings.
- Reset the earbuds (check the user manual — most require holding buttons for 10–15 seconds).
- Reconnect and test again.
🔋 5. Check Battery LevelsLow battery in one earbud can lead to
low sound output or distortion.
- Fully charge both earbuds in the case.
- Some apps (for premium earbuds) show individual battery levels — check them.
🧪 6. Test with Mono ModeEnable
Mono audio Mode in accessibility settings. This plays the same sound in both ears.
- If the problem persists, the earbud hardware may be faulty.
🛠️ 7. When to Seek Professional HelpIf cleaning, resetting, and testing don’t work, the earbud driver may be damaged.
- Contact customer care if under warranty.
- For expensive models, consider professional repair before replacing them.
✅ Bottom LineLow sound in one earbud is usually a
quick fix — a little cleaning, a reset, or adjusting phone settings can solve the problem in minutes. Save yourself the expense of a new pair by trying these steps first.
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