You most likely invested in your headphones so you could experience clear, high-quality audio even while on the go. Muffled or distorted audio is often the first indicator something has gone wrong and could be a sign of internal damage. While most headphones you purchase will stand up to extensive use, they’re not immune to the gradual effects of wear and tear. Over time, frequent use will take its toll, leading to a noticeable drop in audio quality.
The longer you use your headphones, the more likely it is that their internal components will wear out. When you try to listen to music at high volumes, the headphones’ aging components won’t be able to provide the same level of audio fidelity as when you first bought them. As a result, you’re likely to experience clipped or muffled sounds that detract from the listening experience.
This shift in audio quality doesn’t typically happen overnight. It’s a gradual process, almost imperceptible at first, where the headphones’ performance dwindles over an extended period. Every note and every beat loses a bit of clarity, a subtle yet steady decline that signifies the wear of the inner workings of your headphones. When this happens, it’s a sure sign it’s time to replace your headphones.