Diminishing hearing ability?

Al is correct - I also have had wax removed by a doctor a couple of times over the last three years. One thing you do NOT want to do, though, is try to remove it yourself with a Q-tip. Look up remedies for "swimmer's ear" if you want to find out about some safe home remedies.

As someone who has been hearing impaired for over fifty years, I strongly suggest you find a experienced audiologist who works with musicians. Yes, wax removal is a must, but you also need to know what you are capable of hearing. An initial full spectrum hearing test will give you a benchmark to actually help you define 'diminishing'. For further remarks check out my recent interview with Jim Smith of 'Better Sound'.

Obviously you need to have your hearing tested, then consider good hearing aids - which run around $6K/pair - just another component in your system. They are equalizers with some digital processing.

Loydc...yuk..hearing aids are awful. The beauty of sound is totally gone, replaced by digital sand of the worst kind. I tried a few different brands, and decided to live without them.

Wow, thanks all for the great responses!

To Dwellers point, my overall health is very good - at the gym 4 or 5 times a week.

So what do I suspect are the contributors? Heredity (big time), getting older (54), wax buildup (likely), and my past "loud!!" listening preference(so say my wife and daughter). Not much that I can do about these things other than an ear cleaning - I like that idea, can only help!

Papermill puts forth a healthy perspective: enjoyment should not only be had in how well the content's received by the ear of an audiophile but also, and even more, from simply enjoying the emotion brought about by the music.

I recall the words of the gentleman I bought the CJ Premier 16 Preamp (about $8k retail) I'm using: "Selling because I can find ample enjoyment from the experience had in listening to my old Fischer tubed receiver".

Take away: Strive to find enjoyment in the emotions awakened by the music itself and accept the presentation as received by the ever so discerning but degenerating ear. And make an appointment for an ear cleaning!

Again, thanks all very much!!