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jinkim608 Author

Level 1

1 points

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

Top-ranking reply

snowoutside

Level 1

10 points

Posted on Jan 12, 2015 6:48 PM

Yes! I am experiencing the exact same thing. Same headset (LG Tone+, HBS 730). I have a MacBook Pro, from mid-2010, running 10.10.2 Yosemite.

It only started in the last few days, though I've been running Yosemite for a little while now. I had previous bluetooth issues with Yosemite, specifically that the audio would get out of sync with whatever video I was watching. Upgrading to a later build of Yosemite seems to have fixed that, though.

The loud static sound is new, though. Based on the fact that the headset works fine in every other instance I use it (I have two phones that I use with it frequently), I'm fairly certain the issue is with Yosemite.

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187 replies

Aug 4, 2016 1:55 PM in response to jinkim608

Just had this happen on OS X El Capitan (10.11.6) on a mid-2012 macbook pro. Cannot reproduce by means described earlier in this thread, but it definitely happened and fits the description perfectly; maximum volume static no matter what the volume setting.

Feb 1, 2017 12:30 PM in response to jinkim608

I see that this problem has been reported 2 years... 13 pages of complaints and no response from Apple.

Not only that, I have a mid-2015 MBP running latest patch of Sierra that just began doing that today.

I have Bose QC35 headphones which are bluetooth enabled wireless. I thought initially that it was the headphones going defective. I tried using the cable instead of bluetooth and still got the same static noise. So the issue is not only bluetooth but rather the bug is related to how the laptop sends its audio to external receivers. Apparently Thunderbolt is not having this issue. The audio works fine on my monitor (Dell 3415) which is connected to the laptop using a single Thunderbolt cable.

I put the headphones into its original packaging and getting ready for return but soon realized it's not the QC35 having issues... I know that because I plugged in my previous 5 year old Bose headphones and they got the exact same noise.

I tried both sets of headphones on other sources of audio and they work perfectly fine. I'm afraid I can't listen to quality music at my desk while working anymore... until there's a fix from Apple.

Apr 3, 2017 7:09 AM in response to jinkim608

The same thing happened to me too I was listening to music with the wireless beats headphones they're 2 years old and a loud buzzing sound randomly happened in my ear. it's annoying and loud and doesn't stop until you turn them off. why does that happen

Sep 29, 2017 6:01 AM in response to Franko94

Same with a new 2017 MacBook 12". Thought my Bose QC35 headphones had died so ordered new $250 B&O H5 bluetooth in ear headphones. They worked for about 30 minutes well. Now just as bad as the Bose. What is the deal Apple? Guess I need to bin the Mac and get a PC based computer!

MrKitty

Level 1

4 points

Dec 26, 2017 9:54 AM in response to jinkim608

It's the end of 2017 and this is still happening on occasion. It seems to be related to selecting the bluetooth device as an audio input in the system preferences. If I select some other audio input source, the static stops and audio through the headset is fine.

Mar 4, 2015 1:34 PM in response to KaaSerpent

https://appleseed.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/

jinkim608 Author

Level 1

1 points

Jan 16, 2015 7:23 AM in response to snowoutside

I see. Thank you for your input. Since I posted this, I have been using my headset with only my phone and had no occasion of that problem. I agree that it is indeed a problem with Yosemite.

Jan 30, 2015 5:12 AM in response to jinkim608

Confirm this horrible bug. Macbook air late 2010, Sony SBH-20 headset. Now I'm really scared to use my Bluetooth headset

Feb 1, 2015 9:15 AM in response to jinkim608

Same problem for me using Bose Soundlink 3 Bluetooth speaker on MacBook Pro Late-2011.

Seems to occur at random times but has happened both when listening to music through Spotify and on Youtube.

alimjiwa

Level 1

0 points

Feb 2, 2015 1:38 PM in response to jinkim608

Same issue. MBA mid-2012. Jabra Revo Bluetooth Headset.

Happened after the latest Bluetooth lag fix.

Just seems to happen mid-song. Unpredictable.

Bluetooth audio is un-usable in this state....

Franko94

Level 1

4 points

Feb 2, 2015 3:05 PM in response to jinkim608

I am also having this problem since updating to 10.10.2.

I am on a 2011 Macbook Pro. And it usually makes the noise soon after waking my laptop.

Feb 2, 2015 4:55 PM in response to jinkim608

Solution might be to delete itunes preferences, redownload itunes and reinstall.
At least it's been working for me for 6 hours so far...

Franko94

Level 1

4 points

Feb 2, 2015 5:21 PM in response to teo Morabito

My problem isn't iTunes specific though, I have problems without even playing any music. It'll just randomly have loud static and then go away.

Feb 3, 2015 1:05 AM in response to teo Morabito

It's any audio source for me - not just iTunes and it can work fine for hours and then it happens.

Feb 3, 2015 10:56 AM in response to Stuartea71

Having the same issue. Macbook Air 13.3 with latest OS. Red Beat Pill. Playing musci from Spotify

Side note, how do i change my profile name, mine sounds very biblical. lol i made it years ago.

Sudden loud static noise on bluetooth headset