Anyone else with a hearing sensitivity?

Chopped Liver

Chopped Liver

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 21, 2012
Messages
7,649
Reaction score
9
I have a 50% hearing loss and wear hearing aids. I also have a sensitivity to sound. Because of that, my ears actually hurt if I play a ukulele that is loud, bright and has lots of sustain. I bought a laminate maple with a solid spruce top and had to return it due to the pain.

It is very frustrating and I rarely listen to or play music anymore. My audiologist is a guitar player, so I am hoping a visit to him will allow some adjustments to my aids and allow me to enjoy music again.

Anyone else dealing with this? Any solutions?
 
I too wear hearing aids, but I don’t like them much. I think I can hear well enough without them, but there is a decided difference when I have them in. I also dislike loud noises, but I either wait ‘til they stop or I go away. They don’t cause me pain.

Anyway, I can turn the volume down on mine, or, if my music is still too loud, I can just take them out.

Maybe you’re just having trouble gettin’ usta ‘em. That’s mostly why I don’t like mine. :eek:ld:
 
Last edited:
Down Up Dick said:
I too wear hearing aids, but I don’t like them much. I think I can hear well enough without them, but there is a decided difference when I have them in. I also dislike loud noises, but I either wait ‘til they stop or I go away. They don’t cause me pain.

Anyway, I can turn the volume down on mine, or, if my music is still too loud, I can just take them out.

Maybe you’re just having trouble gettin’ usta ‘em. That’s mostly why I don’t like mine.
Click to expand...

I've had them for 7 years so I am used to them. They are a necessary evil. However, I usually take them out as soon as I get home.

I play my uke without the aids because it is loud enough. But after awhile, my ears hurt.

Supposedly, they can protect your ear from damage due to loud noises. I wonder if I played my uke with the aids in but turned way down if my ears would still hurt?
 
ricdoug said:
Some strings are brighter and louder than others, Jan. My Epiphone Les Paul concert is neither bright, or loud, unless plugged into an amplifier.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I know. I have warmer strings on my Pono, but it is still too loud. I may be resigned to either giving up playing or just playing my Eleuke unplugged.

Wonder what the Eleuke would sound like with nylon strings? Hm . . .
 
I wholeheartedly suggest a visit to the audiologist for a check up and adjustment if needed. I took a month or so to adjust to my hearing aid in my left ear when I first got it Nov of 2017. I am overdue for my annual check up and adjustment. When I first got my hearing aid I had 30% loss in my left ear and 20 in the right. I think those amounts have gone up.

Some evenings I will take out my aid because the TV volume fluctuates too much and I get tired of remembering to mute and unmute.
 
Yes, I agree with CloudKitty (and you) that you should see your audiologist. My doctor can adjust my hearing aides’ volume to make them more comfortable.

My hearing is about the same as CloudKitty’s. I mostly got hearing aides because I was having trouble understanding TV programs, which is ironic because I don’t care for TV very much anyway, but I watch it with my wife. I also thought they might have an affect on my playing which they actually have..

I’m only playing my baritone uke now, and I don’t notice much difference between how it sounds now and before. However, my banjos and mandolin are quite a bit louder, and they have a different sound. I think that my hearing level was bad, but I was used to it being that way so now sometimes the sounds seem wrong.

I wear glasses too and dealing with them and the hearing aids on my ears at the same time is the pits. Just wearing the glasses all the time was bad enough.

So that’s why I’m less than 100% happy with the darned things. I guess things just wear out . . . :eek:ld:
 
Last edited:
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention it, but I have a jaw problem too and sometimes, when it’s acting up, it makes my ear hurt — just a thought. :eek:ld:
 
About 10 years ago my hearing test showed a 30% loss in the high range, I'm sure it's worse now. I also have Tinnitus, background noise all the time. I don't have a problem playing bass uke or ukulele, and I never have pain. I have trouble in restaurants and crowded places, but watching TV is not too bad, though last night I watched "Crazy Rich Asians" and had trouble understanding some of the dialogue, I'm sure partly due to the accents the actors had. I had to turn on Closed Captioning to keep up.

This is Michael Kohan in Los Angeles, Beverly West near the Beverly Center
9 tenor cutaway ukes, 5 acoustic bass ukes, 11 solid body bass ukes, 9 mini electric bass guitars (Total: 34)

• Donate to The Ukulele Kids Club, they provide ukuleles to children in hospital music therapy programs. www.theukc.org
• Member The CC Strummers: YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/CCStrummers/video, Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheCCStrummers
 
Hi Jan, sorry you're having trouble with the sound-sensitivity factor. I am deaf in my left ear, as the result of something called a "cholesteotoma" that developed inside that ear when I was twelve years old; so I had to have a mastoidectomy, which involved removing some of the structural components in there. I've managed to work around it without too much trouble, as it seems that my "good ear" is REALLY good and gets me by... I'm lucky that I've not really had the noise-sensitivity issue; mine has been more along the lines of having trouble navigating social functions like wedding receptions, loud restaurants, etc., as everything seems to kinda "blurb" into one incomprehensible spectrum of "white noise" when I'm in those situations, and I have to concentrate so hard to understand what others are saying, that it almost becomes physically wearying. I hope you'll find a decent solution to your dilemma. For what it's worth, I recently acquired an Enya brand EUS-X1 soprano, on Amazon, for right around $70.00 new. It's a high-pressure-laminate uke, very pretty to look at, very well put together, very nice action and accurate intonation, and most notably (as Barry said in his review)-- a very mellow, understated volume, although oh-so-sweet in its tone. I have grown to love mine, and I can hardly believe the quality and tone could be so good at this price level. So, in my view, it's a uke that sounds wonderful but won't overwhelm the ear. Everyone have a great week!
 
Fortunately for me, I haven't had to deal with this, (at least yet.)

But, others have told me that they've been able to get hearing aids that work OK for music, after getting things adjusted appropriately. You might bring your ukulele with you when you go in next, so you can recreate the problem situation.

There are some very adjustable hearing aids these days, involving apps on smart phones, and all kinds of technology. I don't know anything other than what others have mentioned to me, (and I know that hearing aids are expensive, so replacing yours might not be an option), but people I've talked with seem happier with the high tech ones.

I haven't heard anyone mention pain, though. That's definitely something to have checked with the appropriate medical professional, especially if this is a newer problem.

Edited to add:
A lot of people have suggested that Costco is one of the best options for hearing aids and getting them adjusted well. You don't need to be a member, apparently. It sounds like you already have someone working with you, but just thought I'd mention that, in case it's of any use. Again, it's all 2nd hand, since I have no experience with it anyway.
 
Last edited:
Down Up Dick said:
Yes, I agree with CloudKitty (and you) that you should see your audiologist. My doctor can adjust my hearing aides’ volume to make them more comfortable.

My hearing is about the same as CloudKitty’s. I mostly got hearing aides because I was having trouble understanding TV programs, which is ironic because I don’t care for TV very much anyway, but I watch it with my wife. I also thought they might have an affect on my playing which they actually have..

I’m only playing my baritone uke now, and I don’t notice much difference between how it sounds now and before. However, my banjos and mandolin are quite a bit louder, and they have a different sound. I think that my hearing level was bad, but I was used to it being that way so now sometimes the sounds seem wrong.

I wear glasses too and dealing with them and the hearing aids on my ears at the same time is the pits. Just wearing the glasses all the time was bad enough.

So that’s why I’m less than 100% happy with the darned things. I guess things just wear out . . . :eek:ld:
Click to expand...

Yeah, I wear glasses, too . . . have since 3rd grade.
 
kohanmike said:
About 10 years ago my hearing test showed a 30% loss in the high range, I'm sure it's worse now. I also have Tinnitus, background noise all the time. I don't have a problem playing bass uke or ukulele, and I never have pain. I have trouble in restaurants and crowded places, but watching TV is not too bad, though last night I watched "Crazy Rich Asians" and had trouble understanding some of the dialogue, I'm sure partly due to the accents the actors had. I had to turn on Closed Captioning to keep up.

This is Michael Kohan in Los Angeles, Beverly West near the Beverly Center
9 tenor cutaway ukes, 5 acoustic bass ukes, 11 solid body bass ukes, 9 mini electric bass guitars (Total: 34)

• Donate to The Ukulele Kids Club, they provide ukuleles to children in hospital music therapy programs. www.theukc.org
• Member The CC Strummers: YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/CCStrummers/video, Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheCCStrummers
Click to expand...

Yep, I have tinnitus, too. So much fun . . .
 
Bill Sheehan said:
Hi Jan, sorry you're having trouble with the sound-sensitivity factor. I am deaf in my left ear, as the result of something called a "cholesteotoma" that developed inside that ear when I was twelve years old; so I had to have a mastoidectomy, which involved removing some of the structural components in there. I've managed to work around it without too much trouble, as it seems that my "good ear" is REALLY good and gets me by... I'm lucky that I've not really had the noise-sensitivity issue; mine has been more along the lines of having trouble navigating social functions like wedding receptions, loud restaurants, etc., as everything seems to kinda "blurb" into one incomprehensible spectrum of "white noise" when I'm in those situations, and I have to concentrate so hard to understand what others are saying, that it almost becomes physically wearying. I hope you'll find a decent solution to your dilemma. For what it's worth, I recently acquired an Enya brand EUS-X1 soprano, on Amazon, for right around $70.00 new. It's a high-pressure-laminate uke, very pretty to look at, very well put together, very nice action and accurate intonation, and most notably (as Barry said in his review)-- a very mellow, understated volume, although oh-so-sweet in its tone. I have grown to love mine, and I can hardly believe the quality and tone could be so good at this price level. So, in my view, it's a uke that sounds wonderful but won't overwhelm the ear. Everyone have a great week!
Click to expand...

Hi Bill, I, too, have trouble making out words in noisy environments. I try to read lips while listening.

I have an Enya soprano in acacia wood (I think). I am sure it is laminate even though it is really light. I will get it out and try and see if it helps. I also have a Enya tenor. They are nice ukes!
 
Joyful Uke said:
Fortunately for me, I haven't had to deal with this, (at least yet.)

But, others have told me that they've been able to get hearing aids that work OK for music, after getting things adjusted appropriately. You might bring your ukulele with you when you go in next, so you can recreate the problem situation.

There are some very adjustable hearing aids these days, involving apps on smart phones, and all kinds of technology. I don't know anything other than what others have mentioned to me, (and I know that hearing aids are expensive, so replacing yours might not be an option), but people I've talked with seem happier with the high tech ones.

I haven't heard anyone mention pain, though. That's definitely something to have checked with the appropriate medical professional, especially if this is a newer problem.

Edited to add:
A lot of people have suggested that Costco is one of the best options for hearing aids and getting them adjusted well. You don't need to be a member, apparently. It sounds like you already have someone working with you, but just thought I'd mention that, in case it's of any use. Again, it's all 2nd hand, since I have no experience with it anyway.
Click to expand...

Hi Joyful, thanks. My hearing aids are high tech and expensive! ($4000 for the pair). My audiologist probably have newer models, but yeah - $4000 - and my insurance only covers $500.
 
Thanks, all. I appreciate your input!

I really want a pineapple shaped uke and thought about getting a Makala because it would prob not be loud. But I think I'll check with my audiologist before buying any more ukes - in case I end up selling what I have.
 
Chopped Liver said:
Thanks, all. I appreciate your input!

I really want a pineapple shaped uke and thought about getting a Makala because it would prob not be loud. But I think I'll check with my audiologist before buying any more ukes - in case I end up selling what I have.
Click to expand...

Everybody needs a pineapple!

Hi CL, hope things are good-ish. Just after Christmas I joined the Aid Brigade, trying to tame the tinnitus I develloped in seminary. Three times have I asked the Lord to deliver me . . .
 
PereBourik said:
Everybody needs a pineapple!

Hi CL, hope things are good-ish. Just after Christmas I joined the Aid Brigade, trying to tame the tinnitus I develloped in seminary. Three times have I asked the Lord to deliver me . . .
Click to expand...

Things are good-ish. At a new school teaching 4th grade. Hard work but they appreciate me.

My audiologist said there were things that made the tinnitus worse and, if I remember correctly, they all started with an "s": stress, sodium, (lack of) sleep - and 2 others that I can't remember . . .
 
I’m not sure if anyone suggest this yet, but have you tried to cover the sound hole with tape or a custom sound hole cover? It will lower or suppress the volume and you don’t have to sell or not using your nice ukes for your enjoyment.

aNueNue has such product.
http://www.anuenue-uke.com/en/products/seri/51
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

mikelz777
Would this cause anyone else stress?
2 3
Replies
40
Views
2K
mikelz777
mikelz777
RickRad
Has anyone else put new strings on the SK-30L Tenor neck soprano?
Replies
8
Views
400
UkingViking
UkingViking
B
'Flawed' but beloved. Anyone else got a VK/VKC-70 like this?
Replies
16
Views
609
kissing
kissing
Eggs_n_Ham
Signed up for James Hill course and the videos won't load. Anyone else tried the uketropolis site? It worked fine when I signed up, now nuthin'.
Replies
15
Views
699
Eggs_n_Ham
Eggs_n_Ham
deadpool
Anyone Else With This Issue
Replies
6
Views
618
Nickie
Nickie
Top Bottom