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Anyone with tinnitus or hearing loss who is into "high-end" audio?

Over the last few years I have developed tinnitus and also have some hearing issues.  I am a long time music and audio fanatic.  Years ago I built my own Hafler amp.  Before that I had a great AR system.  Presently, I have, what I believe, is a pretty nice system in a dedicated listening room (about 60,000.00).  My question is if there are others of you out there in similar situations concerning your hearing issues as they relate to your love and reproduction of great sounding music?  What are your experiences? Have you found anything that helps and do you have any advice? I would venture to say that we all experience some degree of hearing loss, or hearing anomalies as we age...whether we realize it or not.  Thanks, Jim 
pfeiffer

Showing 4 responses by ericsch

ericsch
751 posts
 
I’ve had moderate tinnitus for 20 years due to acoustic trauma (loud machinery and concerts). It came on suddenly and I stopped listening to music for about 3 years. I also have some high frequency hearing loss. Over time I habituated to the tinnitus and most of the time I am not aware of it. I enjoy my system very much and listen almost every day. I have custom molded earplugs that I use in loud environments. I will probably need hearing aids at some point in the future. When the tinnitus is bothersome I use a masking device like this:
https://generalhearing.com/consumer/tinnitus-products/tranquil-i/tranquil-i-ric/
ericsch
751 posts
 
@falconquest
"The current thinking is that tinnitus is a result of hearing loss at a specific frequency and the brain's attempt to restore that frequency manifesting itself as an audible sound."   

Exactly right.
ericsch
751 posts
 
@zm 
Good advice. The initial phase can be crushing, but habituation is possible.

For those in the US, consider joining the American Tinnitus Association (ATA). They raise money through contributions from many sources to fund research. For about $40 you can join and get their quarterly magazine which describes the latest research and coping strategies. The UK has a similar organization, the BTA.   
ericsch
751 posts
 
@scott22
In layman’s terms, the reason it seems louder when you are playing music is because the tinnitus is "competing" with the music. Sadly, there is no cure, but sound enrichment (maskers) can help with coping. Also, benzodiazepines can help with tinnitus induced anxiety.

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