HEY, BATTLE LINE! I think my headphones are broken.

Hey, Battle Line! My headphones only work out of one ear. Any advice?

- Tomas, Puget Half Sound, WA

Hey Tomas - First, remove the headphones from your ears and turn them off. Then, sit down on a couch next to a friend or spouse. If that happens to be the same person, then congratulations on at least getting that right.

Have that person read aloud this paragraph, being sure to listen very carefully. Once that is over, move to the opposite side of your partner and repeat the process, again listening very carefully.

If you do not notice any difference in tone or volume, then that is good news. It means you are not suffering hearing loss. As for the headphones, go ahead and toss them in the garbage. They’re shot.