[sporky]

I was listening to my headphones (closed A900s) for a very extended period of time a couple days ago (like, several hours while at the computer). The volume wasn't that much different that what I usually listen to, but when I retired for that night I noticed that my hearing was sort of muffled.

In the past few days its gotten a little better, but it still feels a tad strange. I guess I'd say its like having a slight a cold or something. Does it sound like I should get my ears cleaned? I tried using an over the counter ear-drop today, but it didn't make much of a difference. Has anyone else here had a similar experience?

thanks

 

[Reck45]

Yes it's the price you pay for using headphones too much... usually if you go a few days without using them it'll go back.

 

[sporky]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reck45 Yes it's the price you pay for using headphones too much... usually if you go a few days without using them it'll go back.

That's kind of what I'm doing right now. Its going to be pretty tough once my new soundcard gets here tomorrow, though.

 

[toaster]

http://www5.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=64166

hold off on any listening for a few days.

my hearing did eventually return to normal.

 

[sporky]

Quote:

Originally Posted by toaster22 http://www5.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=64166 hold off on any listening for a few days. my hearing did eventually return to normal.

Thanks. It actually has gotten a lot better since yesterday. I'll definately use headphones in moderation from now on.

How often should I take breaks while listening to be safe? Every hour? Two hours?

 

[terrymx]

it would be better to listen to moderate level for 3 hours straight than to listen to super loud for 30minutes, you can damage the hearing more in that 30minutes. just try your best to keep the volume at a safe level.

this is what i like about most about high impedance headphones, i can turn the volume knob on my amp further.

 

[Bob Pepin]

I don't believe the danger is in listening too long but in listening too loud. I have some hearing loss and mild tinnitus and was a little reluctant to get in-the-canal phones. An audiologist and my otolaryngologist each advised that it was decibels that jeopardizes hearing.

On the strength of that, I bought a pair of E-4Ps and have been using them nearly every day for about a year without exacerbating either the hearing loss or the tinnitus (I get a hearing test regularly). In fact, the Etys may be better than most headphones because the isolation they provide allows you to listen at much lower volume - in my case about 2/3rds the levels I used to listen at.

A visit to an ENT person and/or audiologist might be prudent if you've had some trouble. Professional advice might help stave off more serious touble.