Laptop headphone-jack not working properly

[oscarcoltman]

I can only hear sound through both sides of my headphones if I hold them in my laptop's headphone-jack a certain way, otherwise I can only hear through the right ear. Do I need to replace the jack or is there something else I can do?

Thanks.

 

[_Blink]

Could just be that your headphones are giving the issue. Try plugging in another headset in and seeing how it does. I doubt the jack in your laptop is faulty, so just try a different headset (or speakers).

If the other ones work fine then you know you need a new headset Otherwise it's your jack.

 

[oscarcoltman]

Yeah, I've tried a couple other headsets and have the same issue. Guess I'll have to fix the jack.
Thanks for your response

 

[_Blink]

Ah I see, most times I've heard of your issue it's the headset.

Yeah seems like the jack

And just to be 100% sure, do the headsets work fine in other computers?

 

[yo____gouflash]

I can only hear sound through both sides of my headphones if I hold them in my laptop's headphone-jack a certain way, otherwise I can only hear through the right ear. Do I need to replace the jack or is there something else I can do?

hey...im having the same issue ..what you do to get it fixed??and my speakers seems to be not functioning too..
Thanks.

 

[Mike Newcomb]

This is a common problem, often caused by either or both off of two factors.
Assuming:
a) the Headphones / Headset are working (test on another Laptop)
b) the internal speakers are working

i) the Jack Socket is a flimsy component to start with, and includes contacts to disconnect the internal speakers.
Depending on usage, eventually the contacts lose their flexibility and one or more fail to make contact.
It can be a nightmare to replace a Jack Socket, as generally it has many small contacts soldered to the Motherboard.

ii) take a look at the Jack Plug.
Should be 3.5mm diameter, but I have found invariably they are undersize - 3mm or just under.
Approximately 15% smaller than the specification!
This compounds the problem.

Possible remedies:-
Buy a usb to jack Socket adaptor - I tried *one*, but found the volume was low,.
Buy a Headset with the correct size Jack Plug - this cured my problem.
Buy a USB Headset

Good Luck - Mike