Unbalanced hearing

I have dealt with this since 2003, when I suffered sudden loss in my left ear when someone blew a party kazoo in my ear at point blank range (New Year's Eve). The first thing is to accept that stereo imaging will never be the same as what it was prior to the loss. No amount of speaker placement, EQ, volume configurations can replace what correct hearing provides. However, one can correct as much as possible for the imbalance with proper balance adjustments and EQ. I have used a Beringer EQ via a tape loop on my preamp to finely tune balance. I have been able to achieve a correct center image (completely impossible prior), but at the expense of increasing ALL left channel info. The right ear now hears excessive left channel info, thus destroying the overall stereo image. I can easily detect balance shifts as little as .5dB as they affect the center image, thus the Beringer, which has .5dB increments. I wish you luck, as this has been a bear for me.

I got a dual mono int amp. 2 channel volume

I also have the same issues. But artificially correcting it in these ways does not work. You can't fool yourself, ie: your brain. Listening to a correct presentation is still the most pleasing. You need to be able to identify the same sonic placement cues since you are actually able to do so, even if you were totally deaf in one ear. Your perception of space and time depends on it the same as when you are not listening to your rig. It's something you simply have to live with.

Nearly every human being has some imbalance, just do your best.

Thanks for those responses. I've played with the balance control on my preamp, but it doesn't work for me in a satisfying way. I use a Deqx processer, but it doesn't allow for independent channel compensation. Bojack, can the Behringer boost the treble to one channel only? Even if it could, I wonder if that would mess things up for the good ear, as you mention.
Maybe I should stick a little cotton in the good ear.

Psag,

Yes, the Beringer allows independent level and EQ of each channel, and it really does help my situation considerably. I also found that if, for example, you need 3dB of boost for the left ear, you should decrease the right channel by 1.5dB and increase the left channel by 1.5dB. This way, your good ear (in my case, right) is not hearing a 3dB boost in left channel information. I have 4 saved settings to accommodate a 1.5dB, 2dB, 2.5dB, and 3dB balance shift. I find that vocal recordings or anything with a clear center image requires 3dB, while I can get away with one of the other settings for orchestral or jazz. I find that even a slight change can make all the difference between enjoying listening and saying to hell with it. You can get the Beringers for a good price ($225-$250 used or a little more new), and they are very effective and completely transparent in my system.

I have been a hearing impaired person all my life, and an audiophile too. So, the first thing you need to do is find a good audiologist, one who works with musicians. From that person you need to get an expanded hearing test that will show visually exactly what the hearing curve of each of your ears are. From there you will know exactly what curve you would need to program into an EQ, of which there are many good ones in the market. Will it help? Don't know. Only from trying will you be able to tell if it meets your needs. At least from the hearing test you will have a strong point of being able to asses your hearing loss. Most audiophiles have never had a hearing test, even those said to have 'golden ears'. So, find out exactly what your hearing capabilities are.

I agree that an audiogram is important for many of us. I've had two in the past five years.
I'm going to give the Behringer FBQ1502 a try. Seems like a no-brainer at $100. I'll report back with the results.

Psag,

I suggest the Ultracurve. It has a 31-band per channel EQ as well as programmable settings. I think it might suit your needs better than the 1502, though it is a little more expensive.