Presbycusis?

[Chuck(G)]

Of late, I've noticed that, in addition to a ringing in my ears (tinnitus), my right ear tends to badly distort musical sounds at higher volumes to the point were I can't recognize their pitch. We're not talking rock concert levels here, but back-row-of -the-band and tuba-recital audience levels, maybe 80-90 dB. At lower volume levels I'm fine, except for the tinnitus (which I can cope with, even though it's annoying as heck).

In particular, low-frequency sounds, such as tubas, trombones and horns distort so badly that it's impossible to recognize a musical pitch. An earplug that completely blocks sound from my right ear is helpful in allowing me to hear but is very annoying when playing.

I've been to my own physician and been referred to an audiologist. Overall, my hearing tests normal for a middle-aged adult, with my right ear being somewhat more, rather than less, sensitive my left. Organic problems (e.g. infection, allergy, wax, hypertension) have been ruled out.

The audiologist is at a loss, other than suggesting that I might have had an unnoticed ear infection at some point in the past that did some damage. About the best anyone can suggest is an amplitude-reducing earplug to help me cope with the distortion.

Has anyone had a similar experience and can anyone offer any suggestions? I've figured out the obvious--take myself out of hgih-volume situations, but that's about it.

[Rick Denney]

Has anyone had a similar experience and can anyone offer any suggestions? I've figured out the obvious--take myself out of hgih-volume situations, but that's about it.

I have the same thing in my left ear, but I have no suggestions. It is not as severe as you describe. It is, however, worse when my ears are not fully equalized, usually because I had been on a airplane within the previous day or so. It also seems worse when I'm tired.

But here's an important issue: I only hear my own sound distorting--I never heard ambients sounds distorting. This leads me to believe that the source is the eustachion tube rather than coming from external sound. I have a constant undertow of sinus issues, and that is probably what is causing it.

Are you sure what you are hearing is related to external sound and not internal sound?

Rick "who was told recently that it is a normal part of getting old" Denney

[Chuck(G)]

Are you sure what you are hearing is related to external sound and not internal sound?

Absolutely sure--I'm fine when playing and listening to myself. But put me in a room with another tuba player and I'm miserable.

[WoodSheddin]

Ever try playing while wearing only 1 earplug? Will take some acclimating but it might help with the pitch problem. With one in you will hear your pitch much easier in loud environments and you can still hear the others through the open ear.

[Chuck(G)]

Ever try playing while wearing only 1 earplug? Will take some acclimating but it might help with the pitch problem. With one in you will hear your pitch much easier in loud environments and you can still hear the others through the open ear.

Sean, that's been suggested and the otologist seems to think that one can be made that will attenuate high frequencies less than low ones.

I'll give it a try and get back to the BBS.

Getting old's not much fun--the senior discouints don't make up for it.

[MaryAnn]

Those of you who are willing to investigate alternative medicine, google "NAET." For those with ongoing sinus problems (especially) and anyone with undiagnosed symptoms you'd rather live without, this system is worth a try. We happen to have a wonderful practitioner here in Tucson, and I have heard many first-person testimonials as to the types of problems that can be completely solved.

MA, whose response to "But my doctor said" is "'And your doctor is curing you, right?"