[DefectiveAudioComponent]

I went on a vaction (without headphones) for a few days.
When I returned, I found the volume on my xcan (that no one had touched) to be far too loud. How come? I did nothing particular to my ears on my vacation. A few beers and a swim in the ocean should not make such a big difference?

 

[i_don't_know]

Your ears got ocean-raped?


I have no idea, actually.

 

[DefectiveAudioComponent]

no idea... that sheds no light on the issue at all I think...

 

[cykosis]

I'm no expert, but I think it's similar to how when you play music at a certain volume, your ears get used to it and your inclination is that you need to turn the volume up.

Well, take the opposite. When you haven't heard something at a volume that loud in days (as in this case), when you're initially exposed to it again, you perceive it as being too loud.

 

[squid_shank]

the brain tends to shut off nerve sensors that have been overstimulated until the stimulus is removed

 

[Wmcmanus]

Try a different CD. Some are much louder than others.

 

[Nicolas2305]

I'd go along with the cykosis and squid_shank explanations. I always listen to my Zune at about 8 but when I start it I always turn the volume down to avoid having this "loud" sensation.

 

[krmathis]

I think 'cykosis' are on to something.
That your hearing probably adapt to the music over time, and when you take a longer time off its sort of "reset". Just give it a day or so, and you may need to turn up the volume again.

 

[nor_spoon]

If it is too loud, it is too loud. You should take it as a good sign that you need to lower the volume in the future... Just a suggestion.

 

[BigTony]

Look after your ears, get used to playing at lower volumes, most of the time we crank the amp up to much, instead try quieter. I like to mix it up, some quiet stuff, then louder for a cd then quiet, lets my hearing enjoy a balance. I'm firmly of the belief that listener fatigue is basically too much loud music.
I used to comeback from Hawkwind concerts deaf for 2 days, even my internal organs were deafened!

 

[arteom]

if you have been listening to your music "loud" and now a lower level seems adequate, keep it at that lower level, don't turn the volume back up!! As long as it sounds loud enough.

 

[milkweg]

Maybe the salt water in the ocean dissolved the wax out of your ears so you can now hear better.

 

[Samjones]

why do you mind? surely this is a good thing for yours ears health at least

 

[gorgak]

Beer? Ocean?

Why wouldn't you listen to music at the beach?

 

[kojebee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by squid_shank /img/forum/go_quote.gif the brain tends to shut off nerve sensors that have been overstimulated until the stimulus is removed

I'm more or less with this theory.