Aggrivated tinnitus from speakers?


Hi,

I'm new to the forum and was looking for some advice. I recently put together a system comprised of a McIntosh MA6900 + a pair of KEF R7s.

I've always had hearing sensitive to high frequencies, and have a very high frequency tinnitus at 18,000k. That's why I went with the Mac, as everyone talks about how smooth and musical it is. When I was shopping for speakers, I was doing a lot of research but then the KEF R7's went on crazy sale and I was able to pick up a pair for under 2k. It seemed like too much of a deal to pass up, especially with all of the glowing reviews, but maybe that was a mistake on my part...

I'm noticing when I listen to the system, my tinnitus activates at a lower frequency for several hours afterwards. I notice this most on FLAC / MQA - quality tracks on Tidal (via WIIM w/ integrated DAC, at very reasonable volumes - <85db ) It seems to happen less when I listen to vinyl or CD-Quality tracks, but it still happens.

It's driving me crazy and I'm so disappointed as I thought this was going to be my ultimate setup and I dropped a lot of $. The Mac has just been to an auth service center for new lamps and was bench tested and given a perfect bill of health after a small bias adjustment, so I don't think it's the problem.

I decided to use some headphones to see if I experienced the same thing... Senn. HD650's let me listen for long periods without problems. HD660S2s seem to give me maybe a little sensitivity after awhile, but the sensitivity I get from the KEF's is totally different.

I realize I should have demoed the speakers, but I just jumped on the deal - partially on their reputation and also because their narrow, tall size was ideal for the room layout.

Any advice on how to get to the bottom of this? Do I need to test different speakers or do I need to treat the room? I'd hate to give up the Master level recordings because I mentally swim in the detail and love it. I just hate the thought of not being able to enjoy the system properly, but I'm not sure where to start on making  it work for me.

 

 

128x128omegaman79

Interesting. I too suffer from Tinnitus, or at least some form of damage caused by my work environment. My left ear only.

The interesting thing I find is that it seems to be worse when streaming. Listening to vinyl or CD’s does not seem to be as much of an issue. I don’t actually know if its is Tinnitus to be exact but I get pain in my left ear after some time. I know there is some frequency loss as well as I hear much more highs in my right ear.

I have known this for some time from my work life but it has really come to bother me now after pouring out a nice chunk of money on a major audio upgrade. I think I will see my doctor for some further advice or solution, if that is possible at all.

Just when I bought nice kit, too!

Update on Neuromod Lenire device....the wife and me acquired 2 units from an Audiology clinic in Edina MN on last week Wed Dec 20. We have each been doing the one hour treatment daily sine then. It consists of BT headphones, a wired tongue tip device and a cell phone sized device programmed specifically for each of our tinnitus profiles. It s a 30 minute soundtrack of rain / light t storm background with slow moving cello / synth tune that repeats over and over, along with a staccato (think 32nd notes) playing along the same tune two registers above the cello. So far no great changes although there does seem to be some slowly evolving quieter periods dueing the day. Was mentioned not to expect much for at least 6 weeks or so.....will update again mid Feb.  

I have Menieres Syndrome in my L ear, a symptom of which is low frequency loss, and tinnitus.  it goes into remission for 6-7 years and then rages for a month or so, and then reduces.  The tinnitus never goes away but it does get quieter, when in remission.  A couple of weeks ago when I had an active attack, I literally couldn't hear anything in my L ear.  Now, hearing is back for the most part, tinnitus is down.  My MD put me on a 4 day lemon juice/water fast and my tinnitus went from a 7 to a 3.  There is an entire thread on hearing aids here as well, which many have said actually improves the tinnitus and makes their stereo sound better.

I have been interested in identifying the frequency of my hiss.  it's frustrating that there is no treatment for tinnitus that works.  A recent study on the NIH website shows that the use of Far Infrared laser in the ear canal, coupled with Gingko Biloba was statistically better than the control group, so there you go.

It's frustrating . . . my favorite way to relax is to listen to music and I have a pretty good system for that.  The tinnitus just messes up the soundstage, and pisses me off.  That concludes my rant.

OP   I hate the thought of not being able to enjoy the system properly, but I'm not sure where to start on making it work for me.

You can try a natural sound power cord. The power cord influences the audio sound a lot and easy to test without loosing money. 

All audio systems sound un-natural and behave like a left speaker in below video. The un-natural sound makes our ears to act unnatural and worsen the tinnitus.

 

IME, Kef speakers are better sound for Tinnitus than many other brands. 

 

In below video, Terry's voice is natural. But the music is unnatural. 

 

Here is a sample of natural audio sound. Alex/WTA