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Tinnitus, hearing loss, and Bright Speakers

terfenol-D

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Nov 11, 2020
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I have tinnitus and high frequency hearing loss (basically deaf above 3k hz). I just bought Kef R3 as I really liked the LS50 but wanted more bass. The Erin's Audio Corner review suggests angling the speakers out a bit to avoid sibilance/brightness. So far it feels like the speakers set off my tinnitus a bit even though I can not hear the higher frequencies. My LS50's did not do this.

Has anyone else experienced speakers activating tinnitus? I kind of feel it is attributable to Erin's measurements in the higher frequencies. No medical/scientific proof this is the case it's just what I feel would be the cause. I'm thinking of using DSP/treble control to turn down the higher frequencies a bit to see if this helps.
 

MaxwellsEq

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I have tinnitus and high frequency hearing loss (basically deaf above 3k hz). I just bought Kef R3 as I really liked the LS50 but wanted more bass. The Erin's Audio Corner review suggests angling the speakers out a bit to avoid sibilance/brightness. So far it feels like the speakers set off my tinnitus a bit even though I can not hear the higher frequencies. My LS50's did not do this.

Has anyone else experienced speakers activating tinnitus? I kind of feel it is attributable to Erin's measurements in the higher frequencies. No medical/scientific proof this is the case it's just what I feel would be the cause. I'm thinking of using DSP/treble control to turn down the higher frequencies a bit to see if this helps.
Yes, I have the same experience in one ear. I've never isolated what causes the effect, I think it's certain frequencies at certain levels, but it's not frequencies in the tinnitus range, it's caused by frequencies I can hear!
 

JustJones

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I've never noticed with speakers but headphones can get it going pretty bad. I do try to keep either one at a comfortable listening level certainly much lower than when I was younger.
 
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terfenol-D

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I definitely listen at lower levels than when I was younger! Trying to protect what hearing I have left! Thanks for your responses to know I'm not alone in thinking speakers (maybe specific sounds/frequencies) can activate tinnitus. I will use DSP to turn down the higher frequencies and report back.
 
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