Overwhelming tinnitus when using IEMs

Submitted by floatingsphere t3_ya4qm1 in headphones

I have a bit of a strange problem that I would like some input on. When I use my Arias, the isolation causes me to focus on my very mild tinnitus, to the point where it sometimes becomes unbearable. I can partially avoid this by only using one ear at a time, but it's still annoying. I use open back headphones at my desk and I do not have this issue when using them. Has anyone else experienced this?

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AOneMan t1_it96c1v wrote

This sometimes happens to me with IEMs and closed back headphones. I've learned to mostly tune it out though. Probably helps(?) that I've had like 12 years of practice at this point.

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floatingsphere OP t1_it9z0wq wrote

That makes sense. Maybe I could try to actively get over the overwhelming feeling of the isolation

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Fine_Land t1_ita2szj wrote

I also have tinnitus and the Aria was terrible for it. The IEM I found to be the least offensive with my tinnitus is the Raptgo Hook which is also an open back so that may have something to do with it.

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customds t1_ita5vdr wrote

If you’re at your desk I assume you’re using a pc. Download an equalizer and lower 1-3.5k by 2+ db. This should help a ton.

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floatingsphere OP t1_itbr9u9 wrote

Thanks for the tip. I pretty much only use the arias with my phone, but I’m sure there is some sort of system-wide eq for the iPhone

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customds t1_itcislb wrote

Unfortunately the only iPhone EQ apps I know of require you to play music in the app. So if you’re using tidal or Spotify it gets a little tougher.

If you store your music locally then it’s easier.

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floatingsphere OP t1_itcmr6r wrote

That’s unfortunate. I mainly just listen to YouTube videos on my phone and use my desk setup for music. I do store all my music files on iTunes though so I could use eq for that

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2ndGenSaltDispenser t1_itafv9h wrote

Sounds like IEMs just make your tinnitus more noticeable because of the isolation. If that bothers you just stick to open-back headphones/earphones. It also could be a sign to start watching your volume on open-backs.

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floatingsphere OP t1_itbrl9i wrote

The problem is that I use my arias on-the-go with my phone, so open back headphones are out of the question. I do see your concern though. I’d say I’m pretty vigilant with volume, so I’m not sure that excess volume is the problem. Maybe I’ll try bone conduction “headphones” next

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