OP's Hearing Problem will not be relieved by refining VTA, .....
"I'll add that I am exceptionally sensitive to higher frequencies due to having Hyperacusis"
Seeking opinions about phono specific interconnects
To start with, I am not in the crowd that opposes using cables as tone controls, so let's let that subject lie dormant (I'm also not in the analytical purist crowd). What I'm interested in here is getting suggestions for a phono cable that might tame an Audio Technica AT-MONO3/LP cartridge without making the sound soft. I find that a Cardas Clear Cygnus phono cable is just too soft sounding. I'll add that I am exceptionally sensitive to higher frequencies due to having Hyperacusis. That sensitivity is the reason for the question.
I suppose that a possible alternative is a different cartridge. Might that be a better solution?