One earbud sounding low? Simple fixes to try before buying a new pair

Like smartphones, earbuds have become an essential gadget for nearly everyone. People use them to listen to songs, watch films and take calls. Wireless earbuds are especially popular these days because they are small, light and easy to use. From office workers to college students, many people wear them.

Problems can sometimes crop up while using earbuds. The most common is low sound from one earbud, which spoils the enjoyment of songs and films. Many users start thinking of buying a new pair for this reason, but there is no need. Low sound from one earbud does not mean the device is completely dead. The cause could be a settings problem or dust that has collected in the earbuds. The problem can easily be solved at home.

The first step is to find out whether the fault lies in the earbuds or in your phone. If the sound is low when connected to your phone, connect the earbuds to another phone and play songs. If they work fine there, the problem may be in your phone.

If the sound is still low on the other phone too, first clean the dust off the speaker mesh. Constant use lets dust settle on the mesh, which reduces the sound. Clean the mesh gently with a dry soft cloth, a light brush or a cotton bud. Never use a sharp object for this.

The second thing to check is the silicone tip. The rubber silicone tips on the earbuds often do not fit properly in the ear. As a result, outside noise is still clearly audible even with the earbuds in, and the experience of the song or film suffers. Try the other silicone tips supplied with the earbuds to see which fits the ear best.

The third possible cause is the phone's left-right audio balance setting. If the audio balance slider has accidentally slipped to one side, the sound from the earbuds can change on its own. To fix this, go to the Accessibility and Hearing section in the phone's settings. Set the audio adjustment or audio balance slider to the middle and also check the mono audio toggle.

So try these easy fixes before buying new earbuds. Your problem may be solved without spending any money.