Left ear audio drops off after a certain amount of time

Understanding and Troubleshooting Audio Dropout Issues in Windows 10: A Case Study

Introduction

Experiencing inconsistent audio playback can be frustrating, especially when it affects the quality and usability of your audio devices. Many users encounter issues where one earbud or speaker channel drops out after a period of use. This article explores a real-world scenario involving audio dropout in Windows 10, detailing potential causes, troubleshooting steps, and solutions to help users resolve similar problems.

Case Overview

The user reports that when using Moondrop Kato and Moondrop Chu earphones on a Windows 10 system, the left channel gradually diminishes after approximately one to two hours of use. The problem manifests as a significant reduction in audio volume in the left earbud, along with a sensation of negative pressure or imbalance when no audio is playing.

Key details include:

• Hardware: Windows 10 PC, Moondrop Kato, Moondrop Chu
• No external amplifiers or DACs
• No USB hubs involved
• Issue persists across multiple audio jack ports (front and rear) and with a USB-C dongle
• Temporary fix: manually balancing audio levels, which does not offer a long-term or natural solution
• Troubleshooting attempted: driver updates, driver reinstallation, Windows updates, purchasing different dongles

Common Causes of Left Ear Audio Dropout

Audio dropout issues can stem from several sources, including:

1. Faulty or Loose Hardware Connections: Loose or damaged headphone jacks and cables can cause intermittent sound loss.
2. Driver or Software Problems: Outdated or corrupted audio drivers may cause inconsistent output.
3. Hardware Defects: Defects within the headphones, audio jacks, or sound card can lead to channel imbalance over time.
4. System Configuration Issues: Incorrect audio settings or conflicts may contribute to the problem.
5. Power or Interference Issues: External interference or power fluctuations affecting audio components.

Troubleshooting Strategies

To diagnose and address such issues, consider the following steps:

1. Hardware Inspection and Testing:
2. Test with different cables and headphones to rule out hardware faults.
3. Use alternate audio ports (front vs. rear) and observe if the issue persists.

4. If available, test the headphones on a different device to verify functionality.

5. Software and Drivers:

6. Ensure all audio drivers are up to date from the manufacturer’s website.
7. Use Device Manager to uninstall audio drivers, then reinstall clean versions.
8. Check