Sweat Can Damage Headphones: Here’s How to Protect Your Device

While wearing headphones during a workout is common, did you know that excessive sweat can damage your device? Let’s look at the specific damage sweat can cause to headphones.

Many people make a habit of listening to music on headphones while working out at the gym or running. Noise-canceling headphones, in particular, are great at blocking out background noise; however, if you sweat heavily or engage in high-intensity workouts, that sweat can become a problem for your device. Therefore, it is crucial to consider sweat and water resistance when choosing headphones. Let’s explore how to keep your headphones safe from sweat.

What damage does sweat cause to headphones?

Excessive sweat can allow moisture to seep into the ear cushions of over-ear headphones, causing the material to deteriorate and leading to unpleasant odors over time. Additionally, the salt present in sweat can affect the metal connectors and internal components, potentially causing issues with charging and sound quality. Always check the sweat and water resistance specifications before purchasing headphones.

How can you protect your headphones?

You can use sweatproof earpad covers to protect your headphones from sweat. These fit over the existing ear cushions and can be removed and washed after use. Silicone covers offer superior protection against moisture, while knit fabric covers absorb sweat and are also washable.

Clean your headphones immediately after a workout

Instead of putting your headphones straight into a bag or case after a sweaty workout, clean them thoroughly first. Remove any moisture using a dry towel or tissue. You can use an antibacterial wipe to clean off the sweat. If your headphones have detachable ear cushions, remove and clean them separately, but be careful to prevent moisture from entering the internal parts. After cleaning, place the headphones and cushions in a well-ventilated area to air dry. Opt for earbuds instead of headphones. Compared to over-ear headphones, many wireless earbuds offer superior protection against sweat and water. Many earbuds come with an IP rating, which indicates their level of water and sweat resistance. If you do not like wearing earbuds, bone conduction headphones are another option; with these, sound is transmitted via the cheekbones rather than being delivered directly into the ear.