Overcoming relatively poor hearing in one ear

The only thing I can think of is listening to your music in mono

You need a balance control so you can attenuate the audio loudness from the left to match your right ear, this could be hardware or software.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wuwhere 

You need a balance control so you can attenuate the audio loudness from the left to match your right ear, this could be hardware or software.

if you can resolder/mod the cable, maybe you could add a impedence reducer/increaser into one side of the cable (assuming it is a dual cable phone. though getting the right volume might be tough, or maybe a inline volume control 

Quote:

Originally Posted by buffalowings 

Quote:

Originally Posted by wuwhere 

You need a balance control so you can attenuate the audio loudness from the left to match your right ear, this could be hardware or software.

if you can resolder/mod the cable, maybe you could add a impedence reducer/increaser into one side of the cable (assuming it is a dual cable phone. though getting the right volume might be tough, or maybe a inline volume control 

Its possible to make a small external balance control. Here's one.

How do I add a balance control for headphones?

Balance controls are non-existent on most headphone amplifiers and those minimalist preamps. This circuit is one way to wire a set of balance-volume controls for headphones. The volume control should be a dual pot (audio taper). The balance control is a single pot (linear taper). The pot values shown are the smallest that are commonly available, but the circuit would probably work better if the values were lower. If the volume control is not needed, the headphones can be connected directly to the balance control. As the values of the input resistors are decreased, the balance effect will move towards the extremes of the balance control and the overall volume may be higher.

Is your hearing loss linear throughout the whole frequency range or is your hearing loss more pronounced in some frequencies than others? If the former, a simple balance control might work, if the latter, it may not be the best solution. I have similar issues, the hearing in my left ear isn't as good as thehearing in my right ear, I have tinnitis as well some hearing loss especially between 2kHz and 12kHz or so relative to my right ear.

I've considered several different options over the years, some hardware related, ranging from a 1/3 octave graphic EQ to a simple balance control, to software solutions, like re-recording my music so it matches my hearing deficiencies better, but that would be a very labor intense task, and my hearing problems aren't always exactly the same all the time. For now though I've just been living with it, it does bother me somewhat a lot of the time, but most of the time when I'm really immersed in the music I'm listening to, I don't notice it that much.

I've had an audiogram done by a doctor in the past to check the extent of my hearing damage, but I also have a test CD so I can do an audiogram myself at home, and it is a more complete test (tests more of the full range)  than the one the doctor did. Mine looks a little different, but I think this is the same CD I have to test my hearing, just a newer version. Well worth it IMO for anyone who appreciates music but is suffering from hearing damage or fears they might be. http://www.digital-recordings.com/audiocd/audio.html 

For portable use, at least, pick up a player that is compatible with Rockbox.....balance control is yours, from 0-100% on whichever side you choose.

Also,

http://www.audiocheck.net/

http://freehearingtest.com/

A stereo equalizer could be fine.

Maybe a good VST plugin.