2. misc-audio
  3. 148321-20253

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
erik_squires OP
16,338 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?
erik_squires OP
16,338 posts
 
Hi everyone,
My hearing went back to normal after I showered. :)

Best,
E
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
prof,
I have tinnitus on a fairly constant basis. Some days worse than others. It took a few years, but I guess I learned to listen "around" it, if that makes any sense....
erik_squires OP
16,338 posts
 
@mr_m


Absolutely.


We can learn a lot from machine learning and neural nets which can see around optical issues to detect disease.


I find myself doing this, and aghast when other audiophiles do it in ways I don’t. :) I think a lot of this is why some don’t mind horrible rooms, or are so cable sensitive.


Which then makes me wonder about how much do I want to train my own neural pathways? Do I want to reach the point where I can tell whether an IC is gold or silver? How does that make me happy? Is this a video game, where I pick up skills to collect coins?


It isn’t. At some point I have to ask how and for what purpose I want to train my ear/brain mechanisms.




Best,,
E
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