2. misc-audio
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Dang it, I'm Deaf....

The worse thing that can happen to an audiophile, I'm totally deaf (technically profoundly deaf) in one ear. It all happened in about one year's time. My retirement plans for getting a huge statement system are gone with my hearing. So, I went ahead and got a cochlear implant but it is not the same as a hearing aid, it's a last resort for those that have no hearing. I can't use it when listening to music. Fortunately, my other ear is pretty good. So I experimented with my system today. I ended up with both loudspeakers about 3 feet apart and sort of favoring my bad side. It's working out pretty good. I get some hints of depth but of course no wide soundstage. I'm also experimenting with mono vs stereo. I've had the music on for most of the day.I think I'll still be able to enjoy my music but in a slightly different presentation. 

Anyway, I was wondering if anybody else with single sided hearing loss has any tips? 

128x128russ69
khughes
90 posts
 

@lowrider57 

I have hyperacusis, which is the polar opposite of your condition. It's sensitivity to high frequencies that can cause migraine type pain.

Hyperacusis doesn't just manifest for high frequencies, as I unfortunately know from experience. In addition to tinnitus in my right ear (cochlear infection some years back), I have intermittent hyperacusis, which is apparently quite odd (but so am I). Doesn't normally bother me but when it does I can't listen to music (or anything else for that matter)  above normal speech loudness without causing pain. Sucks, but nothing near the order magnitude of the deafness the OP is afflicted with - All my sympathies on that ill fortune. 🙁

Getting old is not for the faint of heart apparently...

secretguy
1,772 posts
 

I've dealt with tinnitus and SHL in one ear. Fortunately steroids resolved that issue. I'm a professional musician so I've head to make adjustments working as well.

Hope you get some improvement.

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 

@khughes  I agree, my affliction doesn't come close to what Russ is experiencing. All the best to him.

Like you, my hyperacusis is intermittent. When it hits, music has to be shut down, tv muted, car stereo off. The louder the audio peaks, the more intense the pain is. Mine is the result of a virus.

secretguy
1,772 posts
 
skyscraper

564 posts

A number of you have mentioned your suffering with tinnitus. There is a currently a clinical study going on of a drug to treat tinnitus:

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04829214

Thanks for posting this. I emailed my local person conducting the study. We'll see what happens.

larsman's avatar
larsman
2,102 posts
 

@bob540 - I turned 70 in September, and I've had tinnitus for many years, and for me it manifests as a 'hiss'. Sometimes it's louder, sometimes it's quieter. It's possible that this is what you are experiencing. You might want to consult an audiologist.... 

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