My hearing is quite variable. I have tinnitus that comes and goes, and high frequencies suddenly disappear then reappear. The result of 1- being in bands with guitarists who turn up their amp too damn loud, especially the Fender Twin Reverb, an amp I HATE!; and 2- soundmen who make "mistakes". I was on stage at The Pantages Theater on Hollywood Blvd., about to start a set with some of the guys in the core band that backed Emitt Rhodes at his "comeback" appearance at the Poptopia Festival a couple years earlier (video viewable on You Tube), when suddenly there was EXTREMELY loud feedback. I instinctively covered my ears with my hands, but the damage had already been done. All the high frequencies were gone, everything sounded muffled. I was suppose to sing harmonies that night, but that was now impossible. My hearing eventually returned to normal, but the anxiety about it didn't.
I woke up with cold ears
I've been doing a lot of critical listening, with a new amp (Luxman 507ux) and new DIY power cable. I've been trying to find an audible benefit or difference in either.
Regardless of my findings, I wanted to share something else, coincidental. I woke up, listened to music and it sounded horrible. Very tinny. Very bright. Gave up and decided to run the dishwasher instead... and guess what? The dishwasher too was too bright!
What I mean is, I was being irritated by the sound of it. To my ears that morning the dishwasher sounded like a chalk board.
What do I think I learned? That my ears are not consistent devices. That they too have their own sensitivities and behaviors which I need to take into account when listening.
Regardless of my findings, I wanted to share something else, coincidental. I woke up, listened to music and it sounded horrible. Very tinny. Very bright. Gave up and decided to run the dishwasher instead... and guess what? The dishwasher too was too bright!
What I mean is, I was being irritated by the sound of it. To my ears that morning the dishwasher sounded like a chalk board.
What do I think I learned? That my ears are not consistent devices. That they too have their own sensitivities and behaviors which I need to take into account when listening.