Why Is One Earbud Louder Than The Other: Reasons And Solutions

It can be a frustrating scenario if one earbud sounds significantly louder than the other.  Before you assume your earbuds are broken and discard them, the cause is often simple and easily fixed. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the common reasons and provide solutions.

Why Is One of My Earbuds Louder Than The Other?

Here are the main reasons why your earbuds might be experiencing an imbalance.

• Earwax Blocking The Speaker Mesh

• Low Battery Levels

• Uneven Bluetooth Connection

• Dirt Or Dust Buildup

• Incorrect EQ Or Balance Settings

• Physical Damage 

• Internal Mesh Clogging & Moisture Exposure

• Firmware Bugs 

• ANC or Noise-Cancellation Issues 

How to Check if Just One Earphone is Not Working

It’s important to confirm the issue and isolate the cause. These quick checks can help you diagnose the problem.

Reset or Reconnect Earbuds

Place both earbuds back in the charging case, close the lid, wait 30 seconds, then remove them and reconnect. Next, unpair the earbuds from your device via Bluetooth settings and pair them again to ensure a fresh and stable connection.

Check The Charging Case

Open your charging case and visually inspect the charging contacts on both the earbuds and the case. Ensure they are clean and free of lint or moisture. Sometimes, one earbud's contacts are slightly dirty, preventing a full charge.

Inspect for Physical Damage

Examine the earbud for cracks, dents, or visible wear that could impact sound output.

Test On Another Device

This is a most crucial diagnostic step. Test your earbuds with a completely different device, such as a laptop or a friend's smartphone. If the volume is balanced on the new device, the issue is with your original device's sound settings. If the imbalance persists, the fault is likely within the earbud itself.

Check Internal Mesh & Moisture

Look for blocked speaker meshes or signs of moisture. Lightly clean the mesh with a soft brush or cloth and allow earbuds to dry completely if exposed to water.

Test ANC or Noise-Cancellation Settings

To check if ANC or noise-cancellation is causing the issue, temporarily turn off these modes on both earbuds and play audio. If the sound becomes balanced, ANC is affecting one earbud.

Check Firmware Updates

Verify whether there are updates for your earbuds via the app or device settings. Firmware bugs can sometimes cause volume imbalances.

How to Fix Earbuds That Only Work on One Side 

Once you’ve identified a potential issue, follow these fixes to restore balanced audio to your wireless headphones.

Charge The Earbuds

Ensure both earbuds and the case are fully charged. Leave them on the charger for a minimum of 30 minutes  When doing this, confirm that the charging indicator lights are active for both buds.

Remove And Reconnect The Device

Completely disconnect the earbuds from your Bluetooth device list and reconnect them. This clears any lingering connection data that might be causing the imbalance.

Move Closer To Your Smartphone

If you are listening in an environment with many walls or other wireless signals, tThe signal might be getting disrupted if your phone is some distance away or in another room. Locate your connected smartphone or device closer to your earbuds to establish a stronger, more stable connection.

Check If The Audio File Is Faulty

Sometimes the source of the problem isn't your equipment, but the audio itself. Play a different song, video, or podcast. If the new audio track is balanced, then the audio file you were listening to may have an unbalanced sound mix.

Update The Earbuds Or Device Software

Check if there are any available firmware updates for your earbuds and device.  Note that earbud updates are sometimes  done through an accompanying app.  Otherwise check your phone or computer for updates. Updates frequently include bug fixes that address connection and audio quality issues.

Reset ANC or Noise-Cancellation Settings

Turn off active noise cancellation (ANC) to see if it causes the imbalance. If the sound balances, recalibrate or adjust the ANC settings according to the manual.

Repair or Replace Damaged Earbud

Look for visible cracks, loose parts, or damage near the speaker. Physical damage can cause uneven sound, and replacement may be necessary.

Clean Internal Mesh & Dry Moisture Exposure

Gently clean the speaker mesh with a soft brush or lightly damp cloth to remove debris. If exposed to moisture, let earbuds dry completely before use. Avoid heat sources to prevent damage.

Reset Bluetooth Settings

If all else fails, you may need to reset the Bluetooth settings on your device entirely. Note that this will unpair all your Bluetooth accessories, but it can resolve deep-seated software conflicts.

Reliable Earbuds to Avoid Volume Imbalance

The best long-term solution to avoid volume imbalance is to choose high-quality, reliable earbuds designed for consistent performance. Shokz earbuds, with their open-ear design, rely on robust, non-in-ear technology.  This naturally prevents the most common cause of imbalance: earwax buildup.

1. OpenRun Pro 2 – For People Who Enjoy an Active Lifestyle

OpenRun Pro 2 uses bone-conduction audio, which sends sound through your cheekbones instead of the ear canal. Because nothing blocks your ears, the sound stays consistent on both sides, even during intense workouts.

Why it helps prevent imbalance:

• No ear tips: no earwax blockage or muffled sound

• Stable fit: sound stays even while running or training

Best for: outdoor running, gym workouts, cyclists who need awareness + balanced audio

2. OPENFIT AIR – For Long Listening Comfort

OpenFit Air uses an open-ear design with lightweight ear hooks. Its speakers sit outside your ears, providing a natural, even soundstage without pressure buildup.

Why it helps prevent imbalance:

• The open-ear design of open-ear headphones unique prevents uneven sealing or pressure

• Airflow reduces debris buildup that could affect one side

Best for: long listening sessions, calls, office work, daily walking

3. OpenDots ONE– For Connectivity-Focused Users

If your imbalance issues come from Bluetooth drops or signal interference, OpenDots ONE is designed to maintain a stable, synchronized connection between both sides.

Why it helps prevent imbalance:

• Strong connectivity reduces one-side dropouts

• Open-ear speakers ensure no obstruction between left/right channels

Best for: commuting, travel, users in high-interference environments (subways, offices)

4. OPENSWIM PRO - For Swimming and Water-Friendly Workouts

OpenSwim Pro keeps audio consistent even underwater or in humid conditions. Its sealed design protects internal parts, preventing water or debris from clogging one side.

Why it helps prevent imbalance:

• Waterproof sealing prevents moisture-caused volume drop

• Secure fit keeps sound output stable while swimming

Best for: swimming, triathlons, beach workouts, rainy-day training

5. OPENMOVE-For Everyday Casual Use

OpenMove offers dependable, balanced sound at an accessible price. The lightweight open-ear design eliminates pressure differences between ears, making left/right audio naturally even.

Why it helps prevent imbalance:

• No ear tips to cause muffling or uneven fit

• Reliable Bluetooth helps maintain consistent volume

Best for: commuting, casual music listening, daily calls

Quick Comparison 0f The Top Models

Tips To Keep Your Earbuds Balanced

Preventative care is essential for maintaining consistent volume and longevity.

Handle Earbuds Carefully

Avoid dropping your earbuds, especially on hard surfaces.  This can damage the tiny internal speaker components responsible for sound output. Treat them with care, like any sensitive electronic device.

Store Earbuds Properly

Always return your earbuds to their charging case when not in use. This protects them from dust, dirt, moisture, and physical damage. Leaving them loose in a pocket or bag is a recipe for debris and malfunction.

Perform Regular Maintenance

Make it a habit to gently clean the speaker mesh and the silicone tips (if applicable) once a week. Use a dry cotton swab or a clean, soft-bristle toothbrush to brush away any visible residue.

Remove Dust From Charging Case

The charging case itself can accumulate lint and dust, particularly in the charging wells. Use a compressed air can, a dry cotton swab, or soft cotton cloth to clean the charging pins.  This ensures a proper and full charge for both earbuds.

Use Gentle Cleaning Tools

Never use sharp objects like pins or needles to clean the speaker mesh.  You will risk puncturing the delicate membrane underneath. Use a soft, dry toothbrush or an official cleaning tool designed for audio equipment.

FAQ

How Do I Get My Earbuds Back To Normal Volume?

First, check your device's Balance/EQ settings to ensure the slider is centered. Next, thoroughly clean the speaker mesh of the quieter earbud to remove any earwax or dirt blockage. If the issue persists, perform a factory reset of the earbuds.

Can Earwax Cause Low Earbuds Volume?

Yes, absolutely. Earwax blocking the speaker mesh is the single most common reason why one earbud is quieter than the other. The blockage makes the sound muffled and low.

Why Is One Earphone Quieter Even After Cleaning?

If your earphones are still quieter on one side even after cleaning, the issue is likely software or connection-related. Take the following steps to try and correct the problem:  1) Check whether both earbuds have equal battery levels; 2)ensure your Bluetooth connection is stable; 3) verify that your phone’s Balance setting is centered; and 4) consider performing a firmware update or full factory reset to restore proper audio balance.

How Do You Know When You Need New Earbuds?

You’ll know it’s time to replace your earbuds when sound imbalance or low volume cannot be corrected as recommended.   Other clear signs include noticeably shorter battery life or unstable Bluetooth connections.  If there is visible physical damage to the speakers or earbuds housing they should also be replaced. 

Conclusion

Experiencing uneven earbud volume is a common, though annoying, issue. In most cases, the fix is straightforward.  It may only take a simple cleaning or a quick adjustment of your device's settings. Follow the troubleshooting steps outlined above and adopt a routine of regular maintenance.  When you buy earbuds, choose high-quality, reliably designed earbuds like the Shokz line.  You will significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering these problems and enjoy listening to robust, balanced music.