Sudden loud static noise on bluetooth headset

I'm using LG Tone+ (HBS-730) bluetooth headset on my MacBook Air mid13 on OS X 10.10.2 Yosemite.


Since a few days ago, while I was listening to music and such on my headset, sometimes, a loud static noise (max volume I think) started suddenly, which shocked me and led me to quickly pull the earpieces out. No other sound is recognizable since this static noise is so loud. The noise does not stop until the bluetooth is disconnected by either turning off the headset or the bluetooth module from mac. Turning the headset on again, it works again normal.

While the noise exists, if I mute the volume on mac, the static noise stops, but comes back when I increase the volume again. Volume control on the headset did not do anything.


I'm suspecting either the bluetooth module on the laptop or the bluetooth module in the headset is bad, but couldn't test with another headset as I don't have anything else. It happened 3 times for the past 3 days I have been using it.


MBA is a little bit over 1 year old and the headset is about 1.5 years old, no related problems were experienced in the past.


Does anyone have any clue or similar experience?

MacBook Air, OS X Yosemite (10.10), null

Posted on Jan 8, 2015 1:21 PM

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187 replies

Feb 15, 2015 4:11 PM in response to Stuartea71

Reported the bug, and was miraculously able to generate bluetooth diagnostic report while the static was occurring, and then a few minutes later, was able to create a bluetooth diagnostic utility report starting just before the static and continuing through several minutes of it. Uploaded files with the report.


Also...I waited through the static once, and it actually cleared. But it came back.

Feb 16, 2015 12:33 AM in response to KaaSerpent

Sounds good KaaSerpent!


I had a suggestion that the problem might be to do with the aptX codec, but though it could still be a factor - the spread of devices having the problem and using/not using aptX is evenly split. The only factors I've found is anyone with the problem is running 10.10.2 and using a MacBook of some sort (no desktops).


Here's the list so equipment so far from those who gave it:


With aptX

x2 - LG Tone+ (HBS-730)

Sony MDR-10RBT

Red Beat Pill

Sennheiser MM400-X

Sony BM10

Creative WP-450 (EF0460)

Beats Studio wireless headphones

Mpow


Without aptX

Sony SBH-20 headset

Jawbone Jambox

Samsung sound bar (HW-FM45C).

Bose Soundlink 3

Philips SHB7000WT

Jabra Revo Bluetooth Headset

Bose SoundLink 2

Inland ProHT 87091

Sony SRS BT100

JBL micro


Unknown

Creative Bluetooth 2.1 - which model?

Logitech UE speaker

Feb 19, 2015 8:38 AM in response to jinkim608

Having the same issue with my 2013 Macbook Pro Retina and brand new Beats Studio Wireless. I actually thought it was an issue with my Beats at first so I took them to Apple and they replaced the headphones. Then today the same thing happened with my replacement pair. Figured it had to be an OSX issue. The recurring theme here appears to be Yosemite related issue.. Hopefully Apple will provide a fix for this soon as this problem is ear piercing! I feel like its doing damage to my ear drums!

Feb 19, 2015 3:21 PM in response to Stuartea71

surprisingly after **** back and forth with this I found a work around with the apps causing me issues


When I do a hipchat or screenhero conference call if I go into preference and toggle the settings to my blue tooth device it comes back and works...Apps like screenhero have me switching it back and forth to get it to work....basically when a chat starts I get the dead static and then i switch the settings and it comes back.


I know this probably is a crappy workaround but gets me some of my sanity back.

Feb 19, 2015 4:09 PM in response to jinkim608

Having the same problem with a MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011) & the Jawbone Big Jambox. Thought it was the Jambox that was the problem as theres alot of threads in their forum about the static issue but alot of them seem to be macs or iphones (alot of the complaints are from 2012 too)... Even contacted their support and they want me to send it back for a replacement..


But after reading this thread and seeing all the different devices that have the same issue & the fact I never have a problem with my android phone & the Jambox, im thinking its Yosemite thats the issue.

Feb 23, 2015 3:33 PM in response to jinkim608

I also have had this over the last two or three weeks. Occurring when I least expect it either with a mini bluetooth speaker or when playing music over a hifi, whether from iTunes or Spotify. Just got scared to death sitting reading at 11pm with quiet background music and family asleep to have the hifi suddenly blast out static at full volume. I imagine neighbours also woken up as well as me half deaf...! As this is the fourth time now (with no obvious trigger) I'm giving up on my mac and BT for music - my Android phone wins...


I have also had Yosemite since launch, so something has just changed - presumably the 10.10.2 update I installed on 27/1/15 as others have speculated.


Please fix asap!

Feb 25, 2015 8:50 AM in response to jinkim608

Same here with new MacBookAir 13" Running 10.10.2

Headset is BlueParrot B250-XT


The problem for me only seems to occur when the screensaver comes up using Skype. I have not tried other scenarios.

I am usually in conf on Skype and when the screen saver comes up due to inactivity I get the horrible loud white noise.

By setting the screen save to 1 Hour, I don't get the problem anymore so long as my Skype call doesn't go beyond an hour.

To kill the noise, I close the Skype call session (not Skype itself). The noise goes away and then I redial and await the next head blasting experience...NOT

I have filed a bug report

Feb 25, 2015 9:28 AM in response to jinkim608

Same issue. Yosemite 10.10.2. MacBook Air (13-inch late 2010 model). Beats Studio Wireless headphones. The headphones are new and this was the first time actually using them on my laptop. So far I've only used them with my iPhone or iPad, without a problem. Problem happened with Spotify and iTunes. Restarting Bluetooth fixed it, but surprisingly so did just restarting Spotify.

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Sudden loud static noise on bluetooth headset

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