Hearing loss Temporary or more permanent?

The most important thing you can do at this point is find both a good ear physician and a good audiologist. In looking for both of the latter, it is important that you find people that know and appreciate your love of music. Find people that work with musicians, the classical kind if possible. Audiologist also need to be selected that can do a broad band hearing test, one that takes you out to 15K, not the 8K that most of them do. So for now, forget the 'gear', find out what the ears are doing. If you are over 65, Medicare entitles you to two ear cleanings done by a physician. You will be surprised the amount of wax and debris build up that can accumulate in your ears. I have been hearing impaired since birth, but that has not stopped me from enjoying music, and at the same time keeping peace with the neighbors. I am always surprised that audiophiles don't take care of their ears, only there gear. Would it be nice if the hi end reviewers in the audio press published their hearing curves, for in fact that is what they are using to review the equipment.