Why are my AirPods not loud enough anymore?

Many AirPods users have experienced the frustrating issue of their AirPods not sounding as loud as they used to. While AirPods are known for delivering high-quality audio, the volume can sometimes seem lower than expected. This article will explore some of the most common reasons why AirPods may not be loud enough anymore and provide tips for troubleshooting the issue.

Earwax Buildup

One of the most common reasons AirPods may seem quieter is due to a buildup of earwax in the speaker mesh. Research has shown that prolonged AirPod use can lead to earwax accumulation that blocks the speaker and reduces volume (Source). Earwax naturally migrates from the ear canal to the outer ear over time, but AirPods can accelerate this migration. The earwax can then get lodged in the speaker mesh of the AirPods, muffling the sound.

To remove the built-up earwax, first inspect the speaker ports and mesh for any visible wax buildup. Then use a soft-bristled brush, toothpick, or adhesive putty to gently clean out the mesh. Take care not to push the earwax further into the speaker. You can also use a dry cotton swab to absorb some of the wax. Be patient and gentle during the cleaning process. With the speaker mesh cleared of earwax, the volume should return to normal.

Faulty Hardware

One potential cause of AirPods not being loud enough is an issue with the internal hardware components. The speaker drivers inside the AirPods can become damaged over time, especially with heavy use, leading to diminished volume and sound quality. Blown out speakers are a common hardware problem that affects volume levels.

Apple has acknowledged some hardware issues with certain AirPod models. The AirPods Pro Service Program covers a small percentage of AirPods Pro manufactured before October 2020 that may experience sound issues due to a faulty component. Under this program, Apple will examin and repair eligible AirPods Pro for 2 years after the first retail sale.

Checking your AirPods’ serial number on Apple’s support site will determine if your model qualifies under the service program. If not, general hardware issues like blown out speakers would still require service from Apple or an authorized service provider in order to correct the volume and audio quality problems.

iOS Updates

One common reason for AirPods seeming quieter is due to changes in default volume levels with iOS updates. Apple occasionally adjusts the default volume for AirPods and other headphones in software updates to comply with hearing health regulations (Apple Support). For example, iOS 14.6 included a sound level limit for AirPods to 85 decibels in an effort to protect hearing. While reasonable volume is important for ear health, it can leave users feeling like their AirPods are suddenly too quiet if they are accustomed to higher volumes.

Checking your device’s iOS version and determining if an update corresponds with when you noticed your AirPods losing volume can help identify if this is the culprit. You may be able to increase your maximum volume again by adjusting the Volume Limit setting under Music > Volume Limit, or using Siri to turn up the volume. However, increased volume should be used cautiously to avoid damaging your hearing.

Hearing Loss

Natural hearing loss over time reduces the volume you can perceive. As we age, the tiny hair cells in our inner ear start to degrade, causing hearing loss. This type of hearing loss, known as presbycusis, leads to difficulty hearing high frequencies and can make it seem like your AirPods volume is lower even when it’s turned up high. Presbycusis is a common condition, impacting about 30% of people in their 60s and 40-50% of people by age 75.

In addition to natural age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud sounds can also damage the hair cells in your ear over time and cause noise-induced hearing loss. Listening to audio at high volumes through your AirPods for extended periods may accelerate this damage. You can protect your hearing by keeping the volume at less than 60% and taking regular breaks.

If you suspect you have hearing loss, get your hearing tested by an audiologist. They can check for presbycusis, noise-induced loss, or other issues like earwax buildup. Addressing any hearing loss issues may help restore your ability to hear your AirPods at normal volumes.

Improper Fit

One of the most common reasons AirPods may seem quieter is if they don’t fit properly in your ears. AirPods rely on a tight seal within the ear canal to create noise isolation and optimized sound quality. If the fit is loose or the wrong size ear tips are being used, the bass levels can seem decreased and the overall volume reduced.

AirPods Pro and second generation AirPods 3 come with silicone ear tips in multiple sizes – extra small, small, medium and large. It’s important to use the size that creates the best seal and most snug fit. The Ear Tip Fit Test in iOS can help determine this. Third party foam eartips from brands like Comply also provide a tighter fit for some users.

Checking the fit and potentially switching to a different sized ear tip is one of the easiest ways to maximize AirPods performance if they seem quieter than usual. With a proper seal and secure fit, the sound isolation increases, resulting in much better sound quality at higher volumes.

Environmental Noise

Louder environments can make AirPods seem quieter in comparison. The ambient noise around you ends up competing with and masking the audio from your AirPods. For example, being on a crowded subway or walking next to a busy road may overpower the volume coming from your AirPods.

According to Apple’s support article Customize Transparency mode for AirPods Pro (all models), you can use Transparency mode on AirPods Pro to let in more or less ambient noise. This may help balance the external noise with your audio. However, very loud environments will still make it harder to hear your music, calls, or other audio clearly.

Consider moving to a quieter area when possible. This reduces the environmental noise competing with your AirPods. Also try adjusting the volume, fit, and sound settings to optimize for your current surroundings.

User Error

One common reason that AirPods may seem quieter is simply user error. Over time, people become accustomed to the volume level of their AirPods. As our hearing adjusts, the same volume level can seem quieter in comparison. This perceived change in volume may not reflect any actual decrease in the AirPods’ sound output.

Additionally, some find themselves gradually turning up the volume over time without realizing it. This forms new habits where louder and louder volume seems “normal.” When returning your AirPods to lower volumes that are safer for long-term hearing health, the sound can suddenly seem too quiet. This user error gives the impression of reduced volume when in fact the output level remains consistent.

Before assuming your AirPods are defective, consider whether you have simply become used to higher volumes. Try resetting your ears by using the AirPods at lower levels for a few days. In most cases, the volume will seem loud enough again once your hearing adjusts. Proper volume levels may feel quiet at first but are better for your long-term hearing health.

Tips for Increasing Volume

If your AirPods volume seems lower than usual, there are a few things you can try to increase the volume:

First, inspect your AirPods and clean any visible earwax or debris from the speakers and microphone. You can use a soft, dry cloth or a cotton swab. Allow your AirPods to fully dry before reinserting them (Apple Support).

Excessive earwax buildup in the ear canal can muffle sounds, so you may need to get your ears professionally cleaned. Visit an audiologist or ENT doctor for an ear exam and cleaning.

Inspect your AirPods for damage and consider replacing them if the hardware seems faulty. AirPods lose volume and audio quality over time due to normal wear and tear.

Make sure your iOS and AirPods firmware are updated to the latest versions, as Apple issues updates to improve performance (Apple Support).

Check your AirPods settings in Bluetooth on your iPhone or iPad and turn off any volume limiting options, which restrict loud volumes for hearing safety.

Adjust the volume on both your iOS device media player and in Accessibility settings to maximize volume output to your AirPods.

When to Seek Service

There are certain situations when you should seek service for your AirPods, even if the volume issue seems to have resolved itself:

• If you experience frequent volume drops that are not resolved by cleaning the AirPods.
• If you notice crackling, static, or distortion that persists even after updating iOS and cleaning the AirPods.
• If you believe there is damage to the hardware from drops or exposure to liquids.
• If there is visible damage to the AirPods like torn ear tips or mesh.
• If the volume buttons or sensors are unresponsive.
• If you are unable to hear calls or audio properly even at max volume.
• If the battery life has diminished significantly.

In these cases, it’s best to schedule a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store or contact Apple Support to troubleshoot the issue. Diagnostic tests can check the AirPods’ speakers, microphones, and hardware for problems. Out-of-warranty issues may need repair or replacement.