Why does my audio keep going up and down?

Answered by Antonio Sutton

There are several reasons why your audio may keep going up and down. One possible cause is a physical trigger, such as stuck volume keys on your keyboard or a malfunctioning mouse USB dongle. These triggers can inadvertently lower or raise the volume without your intention.

If you notice that your audio keeps fluctuating, start by checking your keyboard for any stuck volume keys. Sometimes, due to prolonged use or accidental spills, keys can get stuck in a pressed position. Gently press and release each volume key to ensure they are not stuck. If you find any sticky keys, try cleaning them with compressed air or a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab.

Additionally, if you use a mouse with volume control capabilities through a USB dongle, ensure that it is not acting up. Sometimes, the dongle itself may have a malfunction causing it to send erratic volume commands to your system. Try unplugging the dongle and see if the volume fluctuations stop. If they do, you may need to replace the dongle or troubleshoot any software issues related to it.

It is also worth checking if any other external devices connected to your computer, such as audio interfaces or speakers, have their own volume controls that might be causing the fluctuations. Make sure these devices are set to a consistent volume level and not being inadvertently adjusted.

In some cases, software or driver issues can also lead to audio fluctuations. Ensure that your sound drivers are up to date and compatible with your operating system. You can usually find the latest drivers on the manufacturer’s website or through the device manager in your computer’s settings.

If none of the above solutions resolve the issue, it is possible that there may be a hardware problem with your computer’s sound card or audio system. In such cases, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance or contact the manufacturer for further troubleshooting steps or repairs.

To summarize, the audio fluctuations you are experiencing may be caused by physical triggers like stuck volume keys on your keyboard or a malfunctioning mouse USB dongle. Checking and cleaning these devices, as well as ensuring that other external devices are not causing the issue, can help resolve the problem. If the problem persists, updating drivers or seeking professional help may be necessary.