Do you have a set of speakers that you’ve had for a while and you’re not getting the same volume out of them as you used to? Maybe the sound isn’t as loud as it used to be, or maybe it just doesn’t seem to have the same quality. If this is happening to your speakers, then don’t worry – you aren’t alone.
This problem is often discussed in different forums and here we are going to set the story straight.
So can speakers lose volume over time?
The truth is, yes, speakers can lose volume and deteriorate in performance over the years. This degradation can be due to various factors, including wear and tear of internal components, accumulation of dust and dirt, and even the age of the speakers.
In this article, we will discuss all of the reasons why speakers lose volume over time and how to fix the problem. We’ll also discuss some tips for speakers losing volume in the first place.
So if you’re concerned about your speakers losing their oomph, read on!
Why do speakers lose volume over time? (7 Reasons with fixings)
There are a few reasons why speakers might lose volume over time:
1. Components degrade over time
The very first and most obvious reason speakers lose volume is that the components inside degrade over time. Just like any other electronic, the parts inside a speaker will slowly stop working as well as they did when they were new.
This is especially true for the voice coil, which is responsible for converting electrical signals into sound waves.
As the voice coil degrades, it becomes less able to convert electrical signals into sound waves, which results in a loss of volume. Sometimes the voice coil also gets too hot and eventually burns out.
The same goes with other components including the suspension, which holds the voice coil in place, as well as the magnet.
The magnet helps to create a magnetic field that interacts with the voice coil to create sound waves. If the magnet loses its power, then the speaker will have a harder time creating sound waves and will therefore be quieter.
This also applies to solder joints and crossover network fails. The solder joints connecting the voice coil to the speaker terminals loosen and create a poor connection. The crossover network fails, preventing high frequencies from reaching the tweeter and bass frequencies from reaching the woofer.
However depending on the speaker components’ duration of life, for some, it can last a decade or more while others might only last a few years.
In the case of a speaker component failing, you have to bring it to a professional. He/she will take a closer look and tells whether the component that fails can be fixed or installed as a new component.
Also Read: Why my surround speaker so quite
2. Dirt and dust accumulate over time
Another reason speakers might lose volume over time is that dirt and dust can accumulate on the components inside the speaker.
This usually happens when the speaker is not being used, as dust can find its way into the speaker through cracks and openings.
As more and more dirt and dust accumulate, it can start to interfere with the components inside the speaker. This can cause the speaker to work less efficiently, which can result in a loss of volume.
Solution:
To prevent this from happening, it’s important to keep your speaker clean and free of dust. You can do this by using a soft cloth to wipe down the speaker on a regular basis.
3. The speaker’s age
Another reason speakers might lose volume over time is simply because of the speaker’s age.
As a speaker gets older, it’s likely that the components inside will degrade and become less effective. This is especially true if the speaker has not been well-maintained over the years.
If you have an older speaker that is starting to lose volume, there’s not much you can do to fix the problem. In this case, it might be time to invest in a new speaker.
4. Hearing Issues or excessive earwax
Most of the time there is nothing wrong with the speaker they sound the same as they were before, but our hearing changes as we get older. Moreover, excessive earwax or seasonal allergies can also be a reason you are noticing the speaker is quieter.
Hearing issues can happen when we spend most of our time listening to loud noises and music continuously without breaks in between.
Solution:
If you think your hearing might be the problem, it’s a good idea to get it checked out by a doctor. They will be able to tell you if your hearing is the issue and whether you need to take any precautions.
If you have excessive earwax, it can block your ears and make it difficult to hear. In this case, you can try using a cotton swab to remove the earwax.
If you have seasonal allergies, they can also cause congestion and make it difficult to hear. In this case, you can try using a decongestant to clear your ears.
5. Poor Connection
If you have a poor connection, for example, if your speaker wire is frayed or broken, this can also cause a loss in volume. This is because the electrical signal from the amplifier can’t reach the speaker properly if there is a poor connection.
Solution
To fix this problem, you need to make sure that your speaker wire is in good condition and that there are no breaks or frayed wires. You can also try using a different speaker wire to see if that makes a difference.
6. Poor Speaker Quality
We all know not all speakers are made equal, and some are just better than others. Especially when you purchase speakers for non-name brands, they are not made with the same care and quality.
For example when you visit local speaker shops to purchase a new speaker and tried different speakers and you found one that sounds much better than the others at that time. But with time it starts to lose its quality and does not sound as good as it used to. This is because the speaker was not made with good-quality materials.
Solution:
It’s important to invest in a good-quality speaker if you want it to last for a long time. Look for a speaker that is made with high-quality materials and has a good reputation.
You can also try looking for reviews of the speaker before you purchase it to see what other people have to say about it.
7. Software or driver problems
In some cases, the speaker might not be losing volume, but it might sound different than it used to. This can be due to software or driver problems.
If you’re using a Windows computer, for example, you might need to update your sound drivers. You can do this by going to the Device Manager and finding the sound drivers. Then, you can right-click on the sound drivers and select “Update Driver.”
If you’re using mobile and connect wirelessly, the speaker might need a firmware update. You can usually find this in the settings of the speaker app.
8. Physical damage
If you accidentally drop your speaker or if it gets wet, this can also cause a loss in volume. This is because the physical components inside the speaker can become damaged.
If you think your speaker has physical damage, the best thing to do is to take it to a professional to get it fixed. They will be able to assess the damage and see if it can be repaired.
While there are a few reasons why speakers might lose volume over time, there are also a few things you can do to try and fix the problem. However, if the speaker is old or has physical damage that cannot be fixed or brought to the speaker at the level where you can enjoy the sound, it might be time to invest in a new one.
How to prevent your speakers from losing volume in the first place?
The very first thing you should do is to invest in a good quality speaker which does not mean spending thousands of dollars on a speaker. You can find a good quality speaker at reasonable prices. The important thing is to do your research before you purchase any speaker.
Secondly, you should make the right setup, connection, and speaker placement. If you do not have a good setup then all your investment in the speaker will go to waste.
Keep your speaker safe from any physical damage. Do not expose your speaker to any extreme temperature or moisture.
Also, keep your speakers clean and free of dust and dirt. If you take good care of your speakers, they should last you for many years.
If you move your speaker from one place to another, make sure to handle it with care. Avoid dropping or banging your speaker, as this can damage the internal components.
With little care and maintenance, your speakers should last you a long time and provide you with many years of enjoyment.
Conclusion
If your speakers are sounding quieter than they used to, it could be due to a number of factors. However, in most cases, it is simply because the speakers are getting older and losing some of their original volumes. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it is something to keep in mind if you are looking for the best sound quality possible.
If you’re concerned about your speakers losing volume over time, there are a few things you can do to help prolong their life. First, make sure to keep them clean and dust-free. Second, avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near heat sources. Finally, be careful not to overload them with too much power.
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your speakers will continue sounding great for years to come.
FAQ’s
How often should you replace speakers?
This is a difficult question to answer, as it really depends on the make and model of your speakers, how often you use them, and in what environment you use them. Generally speaking, however, most speakers will last for several years before needing to be replaced. If you notice a significant decrease in volume or quality, however, it may be time to replace your speakers.
Another factor to consider is the age of your speakers. If your speakers are more than a few years old, it is likely that the components will have degraded over time, which can impact sound quality. In this case, it may be time to consider upgrading to a newer model.
How long does the speaker last?
The speaker will last as long as you take care of it. All speakers will eventually need to be replaced, but with proper care, your speaker should last a long time.
However, on average a good quality speaker should last around 20 years.
Why did my phone speakers get quieter?
There are many reasons why your phone’s speakers might have gotten quieter over time. It could be related to a hardware issue, or it could be a software issue. If you’re not sure what the problem is, you should consult with a professional or contact the phone’s manufacturer’s support.
Can you wear out speakers?
The answer is yes, you can wear out speakers. Over time, the cone in the speaker can become damaged and this will result in a loss of volume. Additionally, the coil in the speaker can become damaged and this will also cause a loss of volume.