AKG K 240 MK II Headphones good choice for someone with Tinnitus?

[hunter4lyf]

Hello,

I would like to know if the AKG K 240 MK II Stereo Studio Headphones are a good choice for someone with noise induced Tinnitus? I understand that they are considered “semi-open” headphones.

I want the sound stage of open headphones but if I were in a noisy environment, having to turn up the sound in order to compete with the environmental sound, might not be good for tinnitus? This is where the benifit of closed cans would be, but arent they more fatiguing than open cans? I wonder if the “semi-open” nature of the AKG's would be a good middle ground?

If there happens to be a better choice than the AKG's within the same price range, let me know. Thanks!

 

[serman005]

I also have tinnitus and what the doctors told me is that anything that requires volume levels to be increased is potentially aggravating to my tinnitus. So, if you think you would be attempting to compete with your external environment were you wearing a semi-open can outside, for example, then that is not good. Generally speaking here on head-fi, people do not often wear open headphones outdoors for that very reason--the external environment interferes with the listening experience.
 
The AKG K240 Mk II is a very good headphone that would serve you well should you choose semi-open. If you want closed, I would steer you to the Takstar Pro 80 (also known as the Gemini HSR-1000). It is really a very good closed can in its price range and in many cases, better than cans costing significantly more.
 
Tinnitus is a bummer--I'm sorry you are having to deal with it. Just be cautious with volume--that seems to be the most important thing. Good luck.

 

[hunter4lyf]

I also have tinnitus and what the doctors told me is that anything that requires volume levels to be increased is potentially aggravating to my tinnitus. So, if you think you would be attempting to compete with your external environment were you wearing a semi-open can outside, for example, then that is not good. Generally speaking here on head-fi, people do not often wear open headphones outdoors for that very reason--the external environment interferes with the listening experience.

The AKG K240 Mk II is a very good headphone that would serve you well should you choose semi-open. If you want closed, I would steer you to the Takstar Pro 80 (also known as the Gemini HSR-1000). It is really a very good closed can in its price range and in many cases, better than cans costing significantly more.

Tinnitus is a bummer--I'm sorry you are having to deal with it. Just be cautious with volume--that seems to be the most important thing. Good luck.

I really appreciate your reply and tinnitus really does suck. I should of mentioned that my primary use for a pair of headphones would be for Virtual Reality. I've heard that the soundstage open cans provide, really add to the feeling of being present in a virtual world.

I would be inside during use, and the only external sound that I would be competing with would be a TV. If it wasn't loud enouph for truly open cans to be an issue, could you suggest a pair within the same price range? I was thinking about the Grado SR80e's but perhaps there is a better option? Thanks again!

 

[hunter4lyf]

I thought I would let everyone know that I decided to go with some Philips SHP9500s open backs and have found them to be very comfortable. Also, I've found that with closed cans, my Tinnitus reacts horribly. I don't have that issue with open cans at all. The only issue with the Philips SHP9500s cans are that they don't stay put very well during movement. Can someone recommend an open can that will stay put during head movement? For example, the Phillips completely loose their position on my head when I look down. Thanks for everyone's assistance!