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  3. 192181-19946

a resonance in my left ear

(This is a general question but I'm posting here because DACs affect the problem. That might be some clue. I also posted in "Tech Talk" but not sure if I'll get any response.)

I have a "resonance" in my left ear. At certain frequencies the sound will get a lot louder, very similar to a high-Q resonance. It's especially obvious on piano notes.

I can demonstrate to myself it's my left ear and not my equipment in two ways.

  • Put on headphones, listen to the same signal in each ear. Right ear sounds great, left ear has a screeching resonance on certain music.
  • Listen to speakers, plug one ear at a time with earplugs.

One clue is that I have tinnitus in my left ear. It varies in intensity and the resonance is definitely worse when the tinnitus is worse. However I can't tell if the resonance is at the same frequency as the tinnitus, which is very high pitched, while piano notes around 500 Hz typically stimulate the resonance the worst. I've even put a parametric filter on the music to demonstrate a notch at roughly 500 Hz silences the resonance. 

I've been evaluated by an ear doctor. My hearing is within the normal range. He didn't really even seem to understand my description of the resonance and said there was no test that could be performed. I asked for a brain MRI and they did that, but it was normal. 

The resonance is pretty much intolerable as a listening experience for the music and equipment that triggers it strongly. I can tolerate it if the equipment and music doesn't stimulate it too much.

Here's the weird thing. Different DACs will stimulate the resonance to different degrees. For instance the Terminator 1 barely stimulates the resonance, while it goes completely nuts on the Gustard A26 and even more so on the Gustard X20 Pro. The iFi iDSD doesn't stimulate it at all and the Gustard R26 only slightly.

Also the digital front end affects the resonance. When I used a NUC computer as a PC-based system, the resonance was bad on the x20Pro but tolerable. When I switched to an Aurender N100 the overall sound quality improved hugely on the kind of music that doesn't hit the resonance, but the resonance got twice as bad on certain music like piano. 

Wondering if anyone might have any theories.

magon

Showing 4 responses by symphonicsoul

symphonicsoul
6 posts
 

I just had an audiology exam, as I've been experiencing what I can only describe as amplification on certain frequencies. s this what you mean my resonance? As a former orchestra conductor, to have any distortion or hearing loss is devastating.

The audiologist told me it's called "recruitment" and she tested for it. She told me as hearing loss begins, your range shortens and certain frequencies get amplified. What used to be just loud, becomes intolerable. For me the subway trains coming in and out are deafening, along with sirens. The orchestra at full steam gets distorted at certain frequencies, like distortion from an amp that can't handle the power.

Does this "resonate"? Sorry, I couldn't help it ;)

symphonicsoul
6 posts
 

@magon that Bruckner must have been amazing! From what I also understand, having small/narrow ear canals can create amplification issues. When I was little, certain sounds were really loud and they say this is consistent with small canals and then later causes issues. The canals can also start to collapse with age too. I don't know, food for thought if perhaps you have narrow canals

symphonicsoul
6 posts
 

@magon it's the worst when doctors are dismissive. Interesting that you have small ear canals and thinking that could be in play.

You mentioned the Aurender N100h as not aggravating the issue. I just bought the N150 and got a headache after listening, which went away after I stopped. It's so darn bright and when it hits those frequencies that are bothering me, it's borderline painful. Especially with piano and sax and I know you're having issues with piano notes as well. The sounds stage and separation among instruments is stellar and I'm bummed. Wondering if I should return it and try the N100h instead. Going to try different cables first.

Glad to hear you're a trombonist. I was a horn player and went to Northwestern during the height of the incredible Chicago brass. Was an amazing time to be there. Nothing like hearing Bruckner live.

symphonicsoul
6 posts
 

@magon ah, ok thanks for the clarification on the resonance issue even with the N100. I've decided to keep my N150 as well because of it's strengths. I was able to reduce some resonance by switching power cords. Might be something to consider.

In regards to the dac issue, when I heard the N150 with the Merason dac 1 mkii at a dealer, I didn't recall any resonance. And I have the same equipment they had, literally, as I bought their demos when the store closed due to the owner passing away. I'm taking the plunge and ordering the Merason. You might want to consider finding a used Merason Dac 1 (first version), as it can be much more affordable. It's known to be less harsh than other dacs and deliver clarity. Kind of an in between a NOS and Sigma.

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