Troubleshooting Sound Problems When Using A Headset
Headsets are straight forward devices that allow sound output. If experiencing challenges with sound, it is crucial to troubleshooting before discarding the headset and declaring it damaged. To help you out, here is a step by step configuration to follow. Specifications may differ from one device to another, but the basics are similar.
Diagnosing
Each device has an internal sound system. Ensure that it is working by unplugging your headsets. Every time you do that, the device resets to original sound devices such as an inbuilt speaker. If there is no sound, then it is a problem source and requires immediate repair. If the sound is available, then proceed to the next step.
Assess your headset
First, review the headset Software. Sometimes, compatibility can lead to sound loss and other interface issues resulting in inefficient performance. The software must be compatible with the device you are using.
Look for the power source. The device you are using may not be recharged and thus the malfunction. Check the battery or the external source to be sure.
The headset may also be on mute, or the volume is down. Switch to volume or turn up the volume for confirmation.
The problem may be with the port or connection mechanism on either the device or the headset. Try unplugging and plugging it once more. Review the USB connection on either device. Do the same if the connection is wireless (Bluetooth). If the headphones are not functional, try the microphone port to see if it is functioning before proceeding forth.
Each port is visible as small icons representing the device are visible on the side. Ensure you connect to the right port.
Get another device and try the headsets again. If they function the right way, then the problem is with the device sound drivers. If not, the headset has attained some form of damage.
Update device sound drivers
The option is available only if your headset works when you connect to a different device with similar features. Expired device drivers may be a reason behind the sound malfunction. Here is how to solve that particular situation when using an HP device/laptop.
Get a Wi-Fi connection and proceed to access the internet
On the Start Menu, Search for Device Manager.
On the pop-up menu, select Sound, Video and Game Controls
A drop-down menu appears, Click on Update Drivers and Software
Click on Automatic Search for the updated drivers and software.
Allow time for Windows to search the internet, download and update the software/ driver if available
Another menu will appear, indicating a successful installation and update for the sound driver. Click on Close to complete the session.
Opt for Troubleshooting tools if using Windows
Click on start on the appearing menu, search for Troubleshooting
Go to hardware and select Troubleshoot Audio Playback
A play Audio box appears. Click on Play Audio
On the appearing window, select Speakers and Headsets. Click on the Next icon to proceed.
If the device has an available solution, then an Apply this Fix icon appears. Click on it. If not, click on Skip this Step.
Check Sound Settings
If the drivers are unto date, the headset connection presents no challenge, then maybe the sound settings are the problem. After connecting your headsets, you have to configure the sound settings to match the device in use.
- The first step in confirming compatibility between headset and the computer
- Connect the headset to the device
- On the start menu, Search for Sound and click on it.
- On the sound window, click on Playback Tab. Right Click, and a pop-up menu appears. Click on Disabled devices. Every device connected but disabled appears.
- However, the device may be Unavailable or indicate Not plugged in. Recheck the connection or reconnect and connect once again.
- Test the headset or microphone. Speak into the microphone or play an audio piece and listen using the headphones.
The headset is active only if the bars turn green right next to the Playback tab. If it remains grey, then the headsets are not compatible.
- Enable or set as default
Sometimes, devices require the computer to issue an acceptance note before activating. If so:
- Use the Playback tab to activate or set as default sound system for new devices
- If the present icon next to the device is a grey arrow pointing downwards, then it is inactive.
- Right, Click on it to activate. Click Enable.
- If you want to set it as the default device, click on Set as Default from the sound window.
- Check Volume
The device volume may be on mute or turned down. However, before reconfiguring this step, it is crucial to unplug any output sound device.
- On the Playback tab window, select Properties
- Click on Level tabs
- If the sound system is on mute, Enable. Press the Volume sound icon and let it turn blue from red.
- Turn up the volume
- Click on Ok to activate the settings.
Conclusion
Follow these simple steps to reconfigure the sound of the headsets and any other sound device. If unsure, look over the internet for further direction or contact a technician.