Hearing loss and center image


I'm wondering if anyone has difficulty w/establishing a center image in their system because of hearing loss in one ear, and if so, what solution/s work best to deal with this problem. (I lost some hearing several years ago, and this is a problem to say the least.) Also, does anyone know whether dual mono volume controls (i.e. Cary SL-98, Atma-Sphere, etc) or an equalizer function would allow me to shape the center image differently than the typical single balance control. Any help would be much appreciated.
bojack
Bojack,
I suggest that you have a audiologic exam.
Each hearing loss is different and an audiogram (which looks just like a frequncey responce chart) will tell you in which ear and at which frequencies you need correction.
In my case, the right ear is down 20db at 3000hz, but near normal at 2000hz and 4500hz. This kind of wipes out the violins on the right side.
The good news is that your brain can adjust. In my case after about a year it is much less noticeable.
I also find that sitting slightly to the right and setting the balance right +1.0 helps.
Have you had your ears tested?
Ken
In fact I have, and found out that my left is down only 2-3 dB @2,000 Hz. The audiologist told me she found it incredible that I could even detect that amount. I am, however, convinced that the loss is more than that, as the test did not seem all that advanced/thorough and by the fact that I also have difficulty catching words when people are on my left side. Might have to go to someone else.
Bojack I am glad to learn that your loss is 2-3db.
I took a look at my audiogram and I'm down 35db over a very limited range, in one ear. I describe my loss as annoying, not disabling. I needed the test to really be sure. Having your ears tested again is a good idea, if you are concerned. Get a copy of the report and compare it to the one you have for confirmation. I had several when I first had a problem and annually since, and they are very consistant.
Based only on my own experience, I think you will have to look elsewhere for your imaging problem. Consider yourself lucky.
Yeah, it sounds like things could be considerably worse than they are. I'm off to hear Willie Nelson right now, and hopefully I won't be worrying about the center image! (bringing the trust earplugs just in case). Thanks for the points of reference.
Here is a link to an online hearing test that is very effective. I was a little depressed to see I have a mild hearing loss in frequencies above 6khz in my right ear(10 - 20 db). I am not sure if it is causing my center image to be off to the right or not.

However it made me feel a little better that there are other people on here with the same problem.

http://www.digital-recordings.com/hearing-test/www-ht-pro/ht_help_p.html