Do non-powered headphones and earphones “die” when left untouched for long?

[Rackhour]

I initially wrote “wired headphones” but remembered that there actually are some headphones that do require power in order to be used even with a 3.5mm jack.

Anyway, sorry if this comes across as a dumb question, but it has to be asked.

I am a conference interpreter by profession, and as a result, headphones and/or earphones are absolutely vital for my line of work. As a result, I own two sets of the Etymotic EVO, of which one is my daily driver and the other is still shrink-wrapped, ready to be opened if my current pair has to be sent in for repair.

When I interpret on-site, I bring the first EVO and my ER4XR as my on-site backup should the EVO suddenly fail. As a result, my second pair of EVO has remained unopened for about four or five months at this point.

Should I open the packaging and give it a whirl? Other than a potential factory defect, is there anything that could have rotted or broken down throughout the months? This untouched pair has remained indoors all these months, in a generally cool (19 degrees C during the winter and 24 degrees C as of late with air conditioning) and dry environment. Are there other maintenance tips to consider?

 

[msing539]

When you're onsite, are you in a sound isolation booth with a presenter feed direct from the audio board? And you're plugging in your IEMs there?

In any case, in a climate controlled room, I don't think there's much concern. And a factory defect, though highly unlikely, is still possible... so might as well open them.

 

[Rackhour]

When you're onsite, are you in a sound isolation booth with a presenter feed direct from the audio board? And you're plugging in your IEMs there?

On-site work is generally split into one of two situations. The first is as you describe - a sound isolation booth with a presenter feed direct from the audio board, and I plug in IEMs (or headphones as I’ve seen some partners do) there. The second situation involves the usage of what is basically a portable, very short range (less than 2 or 3m) radio transmission system. I hold a transmitter with a mic, and listeners get receivers with earphone plugs. I don’t wear headphones, but my listeners do.

In any case, in a climate controlled room, I don't think there's much concern. And a factory defect, though highly unlikely, is still possible... so might as well open them.

Yeah, good idea. I kinda figured that since none of my other headphones have broken down while idling, this may apply to IEMs as well. But I’m probably being overly cautious because my job is so reliant on functioning headphones or earphones.

 

[msing539]

On-site work is generally split into one of two situations. The first is as you describe - a sound isolation booth with a presenter feed direct from the audio board, and I plug in IEMs (or headphones as I’ve seen some partners do) there. The second situation involves the usage of what is basically a portable, very short range (less than 2 or 3m) radio transmission system. I hold a transmitter with a mic, and listeners get receivers with earphone plugs. I don’t wear headphones, but my listeners do.

Ah, yes, I've seen both--I'm in the same industry as you, just a different job function.

 

[tapereels]

Proper headphones should last at least a decade, wireless obviously a lot less.