Interested in purchasing a fresh pair of earbuds to use at the gym or when you’re otherwise on the move? Earbuds and headphones of a high quality have been produced by JLab for several years now, and the company sells them at prices that are within reach of the typical consumer.
As a result, they have made an appeal.
But can the JLab earbuds get wet, or would they be rendered useless if exposed to even a small amount of water?
Is it possible to submerge the JLab GO Air?
The JLab GO Air earbuds have a water-resistance rating of IP44, which means that they are able to withstand splashes coming from any direction. However, they are not resistant to water. They do offer protection against splashes and objects larger than 1 millimetre in size for approximately 10 minutes regardless of the direction from which they come.
When it comes to electronics, the term “waterproof” is frequently used, which can lead to confusion among consumers looking to purchase such products.
When it comes to your standard electronic devices, the term “waterproof” does not accurately describe their capabilities.
Instead, we use the term “water-resistant” when referring to this property.
Before you purchase anything that advertises itself as “waterproof” or “water-resistant,” it is important to gain an understanding of the distinction between the two terms because there is, in fact, a difference between the two.
In point of fact, there are numerous gradations of resistance to water!
The IP44 rating for water resistance was the primary selling point for me when it came to the JLab GO Air earbuds.
That is a pretty amazing deal taking into consideration the price.
When you take into account that Apple’s AirPods and Amazon’s Echo Buds (which are designed to work with Alexa), both of which carry IPX4 ratings, you are getting a pretty good deal from the more reasonably priced JLab GO Air.
But, what exactly can you do with your JLab GO Air earbuds in your ears? Is it okay to take a shower with them in your ears, and can you exercise with them in your ears? Let’s get into some more detail about this topic so that you have a better understanding of the stresses that your earbuds can and cannot withstand.
What’s the Difference Between Water-Resistant and Waterproof Materials?
The term “waterproof” refers to an object that is completely impervious to the penetration of water. There is not a single part of that object that can be harmed by water.
Because of the materials used in their construction, Wellingtons (also known as rainboots) are completely impervious to water on the outside.
The JLab GO Air are not constructed with components that are made of materials that are totally resistant to the infiltration of water.
They are designed to instead provide some protection against splashes.
Their IP rating of IP44 reveals that they have some water-resistant capabilities, but they are not able to withstand being completely submerged in water or even being sprayed by powerful jets of water.
An Explanation of IP Ratings
After all of that, let’s talk about what IP ratings are and how to interpret them.
“International (or Internal) Protection” is the abbreviation for “IP.”
This rating system is comprised of a two-digit grading system that is related to the enclosure of the mechanical or electrical item under consideration.
The first digit provides an indication of the level of protection offered against the introduction of foreign bodies and particulate matter.
The numbers range from 0 (not rated) all the way up to 6. (full protection against dust and other particles, having been tested with continuous airflow).
The second digit denotes the degree of protection against moisture ingress.
The range of possible scores is from 0 (not rated) to 9K. (which indicates protection against high-pressure, high-temperature jet sprays, wash-downs, or steam-cleaning procedures).
The JLab GO Air earbuds have an IP44 rating, which means they are resistant to particles larger than 1 mm in size and sprays from any direction. They have been tested for at least 10 minutes with an oscillating spray device and have passed the test.
Is taking a shower while wearing JLab GO Air possible?
You can wear your earbuds in the shower as long as they have an IP44 rating; however, doing so is something that I strongly advise against.
This is not necessarily because of the water itself but rather because of the chemicals that you probably use while you are bathing.
Your body wash, shampoo, conditioner, or lotion might contain chemicals that, if they got into the earbuds, would wreak havoc on the internal components of the headphones.
Because of this, it is strongly recommended that you keep your earbuds in their case while you are in the shower.
I was wondering if you could take your JLab GO Air to the beach with you.
Sand gains can be anywhere from 0.0625 millimetres (or 1/16 of an inch) to 2 millimetres in size.
Due to the fact that the earbuds can only protect against solids that are 1mm or larger in size, there is a possibility that sand will get into your GO Air earbuds.
Because they cannot withstand being submerged, you should avoid wearing them anywhere near water at all costs.
When you go to the beach, do not bring your headphones with you; instead, leave them at home or in the vehicle.
Does the JLab GO Air have a sweat-resistant design?
Because they are sweat-resistant, the JLab GO Air earbuds are suitable for use during physical activity.
Even if you work up a good sweat, this shouldn’t have any negative effect on your earbuds in any way.
It is important to remember to give them a thorough cleaning after each use so that nothing (like earwax, which is gross) gets stuck in the holes of the earbuds.
What should I stay away from when using the JLab GO Air?
It ought to be obvious by this point that the JLab GO Air comes with a set of capabilities as well as some limitations.
It is not advised that you give them a shower, nor should you take them to the beach.
But are there any other activities that you should steer clear of while wearing earbuds?
It is strongly suggested that you avoid the following:
- dusty environments
- any kind of high-pressure jet
- Complete submersion in the water
- dumping them or subjecting them to physical force
- extreme conditions of temperature, humidity, or both
Earbud Cleaning Instructions for the JLab Go Air
Ear wax has the ability to get into the tiny holes in the earbuds, which can lead to buildup. I mentioned this earlier.
Because of the potential for this to result in a degradation of the sound quality, you should make it a habit to clean your earbuds on a regular basis.
You can clean your earbuds by using a disinfecting wipe if you want to avoid getting germs on them.
After that, get a toothpick and clean out the gunk that has accumulated in each hole.
Before putting your earbuds back in their case, you will want to make sure that you have dried them thoroughly.
A Few Parting Thoughts
No more wondering “Is JLab waterproof?” You are now aware of the response.
Although earbuds are not watertight, certain models, such as the JLab GO Air, are water-resistant.
You can submerge them in water without fear of damage, but you probably shouldn’t go swimming with them in your ears because it could be uncomfortable.