How Do I Fix Buzzing in My Headphones? Increase Audibility for Different Audio Devices

Even though headphones can effectively cancel out background noise and enhance sound clarity, we might still face some issues with them. Mostly, whenever we plug in the headphones on our external devices, we might hear an unpleasant buzzing noise. This may raise concerns with the device, and we will have trouble with our work. It might not get fixed easily, and we have to use our headphones to listen or communicate with the continuous buzzing sound.

So, we need a solution to this problem to prevent any inconvenience to our daily work. Here, we have compiled a comprehensive guideline with additional information to help you understand and get rid of the problem. The remedy will work with different devices compatible with headphones. We have also explained the root of the problem as to why it occurs to get you started. 

What do we mean by buzzing?

Buzzing simply means the continuous low sound that we hear on our headphones, like the sound of a bee. This mainly occurs due to a problem with the device. One of the commonly known issues is electronic interference. The frequency can become unstable to cause output disturbances of the audio. Other than that, the headphones can also have hardware or software issues. If something breaks inside or the driver is corrupted, then we hear this buzzing sound. So, whenever we face such problems, we can understand where the problem resides and then take the necessary step.

Reasons for Buzzing in the Headphones

However, buzzing can occur for various other reasons as well. 

Hardware Problems

As mentioned, this is a major issue for creating buzz. The cord might have problems on the male or female plug, or the connection may not be stable.

Electronic Interference

Another very common complaint is this one. It can occur when the same headphones have different devices working together close to it. The frequencies from all the devices can overlap and make the audio frequency unstable.  

Audio Drivers Updating

Sometimes it might not be a device problem. It can occur because of any update needed for audio drivers. Drivers allow the pc to connect with other external devices. If they are not updated like the operating system then usually any device will show some problems, which is the case for headphones. Are your drivers up to date? Drivers allow your computer to interact with all of the different external devices.

Problems in the Auxiliary Port Issues

The audio port might cause problems when the inside is dirty or oxidized. This also affects the sound that we hear. The auxiliary port should be clean always to prevent such problems. Loose wiring in the port can also cause buzzing. 

Broken Speaker

When we think this is a hardware problem, we should also check if the speaker is functioning. Any damage to the speaker can also cause this noise. 

Unstable Wireless Connections 

For any wireless headphones, buzzing due to connection problems is also very common. This can happen due to interference during connections or if the device doesn’t pair up properly. 

Error in Audio Settings

If we choose wrong the settings for audio, then the headphones may not function properly and cause buzzing.

How to Solve Buzzing Noise inside Headphones

The buzzing noise can be solved in different ways, but this will depend on the type of audio device used. 

Fix Hardware Problems

1. For hardware issues, firstly check the problem, and then troubleshoot it.
2. In case there is a problem with the cable or the ports, check that the connection is done properly. In addition, ensure that the port is working, otherwise, connect the cable to another port to see if the buzzing has stopped. 
3. Check if the cables are connected properly, or if the cables are damaged in any way. First, look over your headset and the connection plug and hole. 
4. Clean the audio ports and other parts and use the headphones again to see if the buzzing is removed.
5. The volume can also be responsible for this noise. You can control the volume by adjusting to the right level when the sound becomes clear without buzzing. 
6. Simply restart the device and then connect and use the headphones again.
7. Ensure that the headphones have fully charged batteries before use to avoid any issues with hearing. Don’t use the headphones while they are charging to avoid this buzzing noise. 
8. The speakers or microphones might be damaged, so check them or take the item to the manufacturer to fix them.

Fix Electronic Interference

1. Switch off other nearby devices other than the audio device. This is because the frequency of all these items may interfere and create a buzzing sound. It can be smartphones, landlines, and even the microwave. 
2. After turning off the other devices, unplug and then plug in the speaker to see if it is working now. A good practice is to keep away from devices with more power to avoid such issues. 
3. Later, you can try on each device at a time to see which one was responsible for the interference and the subsequent buzzing sound. 

Headphone Replacement

1. In case none of the other solutions could fix the buzzing, then you might need to change the headphones. But first, connect it to another PC to see if it is working. If not then it will need replacement. Otherwise, this might be a problem with the PC.  
2. Each headphone has particular durability and functionality. So, when you find that they are showing errors, then it is time to replace them. Headphones are easily disposable, so it is better to get a new one than to fix the old one. 
3. However, for simple causes, like water ruining the headphones or broken parts, it is possible to take the item to the manufacturer to fix it or exchange it for a new pair.

Audio Driver Update

1. When you confirm that the headphones are working fine, then you need to troubleshoot the issue in your audio device. Similar to software and system updates, the audio driver that allows sound travel also needs a regular update. So, the driver needs to be in the latest version before connecting the headphones.
2. For manual updating, go to the manufacturer’s website for the new driver. You can also  use Driver Easy for a faster updating process. It will find the right driver and automatically download and install it into the system. So, download this program and then update and install the driver. 
3. After installation is done, restart the PC and check if it is working with the headphones. 

Audio Settings Configuration

1. When we connect headphones to the computer, the audio settings should be correct for the best sound. So, check the settings for any disable or enable the option. Go to the Control Panel and then the Sound Setting. The panel there can show the options available to fix. 
2. In addition, search the enhancement tabs for any sound effects. After setting the right options, use your headphone to see if the buzzing is gone. 

Solving 3.5 mm Headset Buzzing

The problem can be with the headset or the headphone jack. When both the speaker and the output device and connected to the main power, they can interfere to cause the buzzing. You can try unplugging the electric device, like a smartphone or a laptop, and use the headset. Otherwise, check for other nearby devices from which the cable might pick up signals. 

To solve this issue, you can use a cable that is shielded to avoid interference. The headset cable needs to run parallel to the others. The cable can also be wrapped to prevent electromagnetic energy to interfere with the devices and the cable. Besides, the speaker won’t amplify the signal to cause any interference. 

Apart from these solutions, there are other remedies that are common to any headphone. 

• Ensure the audio ports are clean and working properly. 
• Plug in the headset to the 3.5mm jack carefully for a stable connection. 
• Use the correct settings and software to run the headset. 
• If the software isn’t installed then download and install it before use. 
• To install a new audio driver, you need to close and reinstall the previous ones and then select a new one from Device Manager. 
• Restart the device and then test the headset again to see if it has stopped buzzing. If not, then it might be an issue with the external device. 

USB Headset Buzzing Solution

Mostly, for USB headsets, the problem is with the port or the cable. Sometimes, the audio device may also have some issues. 

• Firstly, ensure that the USB cable isn’t broken or damaged in any way. It should be plugged in properly before use. It is better to plug it in directly to the PC audio port, than a USB hub.
• The audio port should always remain clean. So, you can try cleaning out any debris before plugging the cable.
• Either use the headset away from other electrical devices or disable them before turning on the headset. This will avoid electronic interference that causes buzzing. 
• Check the audio settings and disable previous options and enhancements. Then select the right settings for the headset. Check that there is no buzzing noise after changing the settings. You can install Synapse for this purpose, but when the headset can work without it, then reinstall the program.
• Then uninstall older audio drivers to download and install a new one. You can find this option in the Audio inputs and outputs option in the Device Manager. 
• After installing the new driver, restart the computer to complete the installation process. The audio driver will then be ready for use. 
• Now plug in the headset again and check whether the buzzing is gone. 

How to fix Buzzing Sound In Bluetooth Headphones?

Mostly, any Bluetooth Headphones can show a buzzing problem when there is an electronic interference or the electrical connection in the area is problematic. Sometimes, if the user gets low-quality headphones, then they can face such issues. If the Bluetooth device is running way too many apps, then the Bluetooth connection with the headphone can become affected as well.  Regardless, they can try some methods to remove the buzzing sound. 

• Firstly, change the audio settings and update audio drivers by replacing the old ones. You might also need to fix any damaged drivers by updating them.
• In the audio device, ensure that the speaker and CPU are functioning well with a strong power supply. 
• As you change the audio settings, fix the sound enhancements or disable older options. Sometimes you might need to change the whole sound format.
• If you are still unaware of the problem or unable to fix it, then look for Windows’ Troubleshooter to solve it.
• For problems with overlaps with the router, change the WiFi settings and restart it. Then turn on the Bluetooth headphone again.

To avoid this problem with Bluetooth headphones, take some necessary steps.

• Switch off other nearby devices, and then turn them on one by one to see which one is causing the interference.
• Use some effective apps to use the device that will remove any interference or other problems.
• It is still better to turn off all the wireless devices around to use the headphone. Mostly, Wi-Fi can also cause an overlap of signals to create buzzing inside the headphones. 
• Avoid obstructions that would cause interference, but remain within the frequency range of the device. This will ensure the clear sound of the audio as well.
• A good practice is to reset the headphones frequently as you connect with the audio device. This will remove all the unwanted files and settings.
• Keep updated with the software and drivers for avoiding any technical problems.

What can be done to fix the Buzzing Noise in PS4?

Playstation users often complain about a buzzing sound in their headsets that hamper their gaming performances. For a problem with the speaker or the microphone, they can’t have clear communication with the other party as well. This is disturbing, and they seek a solution to fix this issue. 

In many cases, it can be a problem with the fan, either it is damaged, unclean, or overheating for some reason. Otherwise, the problem can be with the power received to run the machine, where the voltage may not be correct or enough. 

• If the problem is with the fan, then they need to replace it immediately.
• Place your PlayStation to the correct power supply sufficient to run the device smoothly. 
• When you discover that the headset problem might be internal, then you need to turn off the controller, and then reset it. Then it should be connected again to the console and synched to run the machine again. As you connect the headset with the USB, check whether the sound is removed. 
• Sometimes, electronic interference from other devices can also cause buzzing, so turn off other devices while running the PlayStation. 
• Fix the volume and microphone level of the headset on the PS4 to fix buzzing. The option is in the Sound/Devices area. Here you can also check for the optimum level with feedback. 

Solving Buzzing Issue on iPhone

Audio issues in iPhones mainly occur due to a hardware or software glitch. Other common problems are wrong settings, lesser system updates, or several apps running together. The problems in iPhones or even smartphones are quite simple to solve.

• The majority of the time, the buzzing will be removed as you restart the device. This will also remove other errors on the phone. When the phone is working again, check whether the audio has become clear. You can also use some audio apps to check this. 
• Then you can try some other advanced troubleshooting. This includes adjusting the volume level of the microphone or speakers. You can also try other audio settings like equalizers, or enhancements. Change the volume to see which level works the best. The equalizers will balance the frequency level as well.  
• Check if the software of the system is updated. If not then select the update option immediately to get the latest version. The new software will update all the apps, remove buzzing, and increase the effectiveness of the system. Besides, it can also fix any bugs. After installation of the new version, reboot the device again before use.
• You can also reset all the settings of the device, to fix any invalid or wrong ones. This will also solve audio issues. However, in case of a bigger problem, like malware or complex errors, you will need to factory reset. Since all the data will be erased after restarting, you get to set the settings again for the audio.
• If these solutions don’t remove buzzing, then it might be a problem with the headset. 

What to Do for Buzzing in One Ear?

Such a situation may occur for a number of reasons. But mostly, it is a problem with the earbud. Poor manufacturing, quality, usage overload, or excess equalization may damage the item. In such cases, the user needs to replace the earbud to remove buzzing. In other cases, it may be the plug or the wrong audio settings. Adjust the volume level to see whether at a certain level the audio becomes clear. This can help to identify any loose connection or damage to the cable. For wired earphones, use a USB splitter for avoiding buzzing sound in the future. In addition, ensure that the earbuds or headphones are clean and have no dust or debris. 

Removing Buzzing Sound in Windows

If the buzzing occurs in the Windows device, then there might be a problem with the audio settings. For hardware problems, check the source of the issue, either the sound card or the speakers, and use methods accordingly.

Sound Card	Hardware
Inspect the condition of the sound card inside the CPU.	Identify if the problem is in the output device or the Windows audio, by plugging in another device to see if the buzzing continues. Then replace the faulty device. In addition, check the USB port for any problems.
Check that it is placed properly in the port. If not, try to adjust its placement.	Go to the Windows settings to select the audio troubleshooting option. This will inspect and figure out the problem and solve or suggest a solution.
In case there is any dust or debris around it, tidy and clean it all.	Disable any enhancement option to fix the sound level manually. In some cases, automatic enhancement may cause disturbances in the sound.
Identify if the sound card is working. If it seems damaged in any way, then it needs to be replaced.	Update a new audio driver from the Device Manager settings. Install it and restart the device to run the new version. This will fix all existing issues.
Restart the device to work on the settings.	Reset the audio settings for default options. The selections causing the sound will be reverted.
Test the headset to see if the buzzing is gone.	Turn off all the background programs and apps.

Ways to Fix Buzzing in Headphones While Playing Games

Whenever the user faces an irritable buzzing sound while gaming, it is mostly a problem with the connector cable. So, the best way to solve this problem is to get a high-quality DAC as recommended by many users. This will bypass the soundcard to clarify the audio. For a cheaper solution, change the sound card or use a new USB for the headset, or use a new adaptor.

Conclusion

Buzzing in the headset is a very common problem and every user has to deal with it once in their usage time. It mainly happens after long-term use of the item. Although manufacturers try to make the best quality headsets to avoid such inconveniences, this kind of product isn’t very long-lasting. They are sure to wear out after some time. To ensure clear and smooth audio for various purposes, the best method is to replace it. But for recent purchases, you can easily solve the problem using all the given steps. In addition, remember about other obstructions inside the house like wood, metal, concrete, and environmental sources to create interference. 

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