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I woke up with cold ears

I've been doing a lot of critical listening, with a new amp (Luxman 507ux) and new DIY power cable. I've been trying to find an audible benefit or difference in either.


Regardless of my findings, I wanted to share something else, coincidental. I woke up, listened to music and it sounded horrible. Very tinny. Very bright. Gave up and decided to run the dishwasher instead... and guess what? The dishwasher too was too bright!

What I mean is, I was being irritated by the sound of it. To my ears that morning the dishwasher sounded like a chalk board.


What do I think I learned? That my ears are not consistent devices. That they too have their own sensitivities and behaviors which I need to take into account when listening.


erik_squires
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Mahler
That is very common, I fly a lot for work.

Best way to fix is to yawn deeply and repeatedly until it pops.

Equalises the pressure again.
lak's avatar
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lak
4,669 posts
 
I truly believe when I first wake up in the morning my hearing is more sensitive. I turn on my bedroom receiver to listen to my FM station and the music sounds more amplified. I go into the bathroom for five minutes and then renter the bedroom and the music sounds as if someone turned doen the volume a tad.
wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
1,061 posts
 
My inner nerd loved reading all of this. I may need to seek professional help. 
erik_squires OP
16,268 posts
 
I think the hearing thing is not just "more sensitive" but also imbalanced. I loose treble and midrange. And not every day.


But I know this happened!


Of course, I also recommend regularly using lotion type soap and a syringe on the ears. :)
prof
3,479 posts
 
@jtcf

You aren’t alone. The first thing I thought was “I hope Erik hasn’t developed Hyperacusis” (seems like he didn’t as he’s no longer complaining about it).

Like you I battle Hyperacusis (and tinnitus) - currently going through a very dispiriting relapse. It’s bad enough for anyone to experience it, but it really tears at the soul of an audiophile.

Can you still enjoy music?
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