Can Low Quality Speakers Worsen Tinnitus?

Hi so I've had tinnitus for a year and a few months and I'm up to the point where it doesn't bother me anymore. Recently I bought these low quality speakers for my PC, worth £5.99, branded as "Humlin". They also only go up to 600w meaning they aren't good quality at all, but if I continuously use them for music/movies do they have the potential to worsen the hissing? Or does speaker quality not really matter apart from high volume?

 

As long as they are not played loud, I doubt that the sound quality would have any effect on tinnitus.

 

Hi @John3885

Please remember we get what we pay for in life. If you want good sound quality from speakers then you have to be prepared to pay for them. I don't think the speakers that you've bought will make your tinnitus worse but turning the volume up to0 high levels on any speaker/s might cause problems with your ears. Try to keep the volume at a moderate comfortable level so as not to irritate your ears. When funds allow you might want to upgrade and you will realise, that you can still enjoy your music at low to moderate levels and hear good sound quality.

Michael

 

Thanks for the advice, will hopefully upgrade to the near future

 

They absolutely can. Please be very careful with these. Oftentimes these kind of speakers push frequencies out of the range they are suppose to be played , thus distorting them and distorted frequencies cause damage (especially in the high ranges). This is why people often get high-frequency hearing loss at concerts because sound systems are pushed beyond what they can.

You do not want to take any risks with your hearing. So play on very low volume, Not at all or preferably get some better speakers.

 

You are welcome John. Try to keep the volume low to moderate. I do recommend not using headphones even at low volume, but it's your choice.

Best of luck
Michael

 

I dont use headphones. what DB limit should I be going to for my portable bose speaker? when i get home from University i like to play music in my room. what limit should i keep the DB to?

 

The power rating of a speaker has very little correlation with its quality.

 

HI @Potter

I am not one to be measuring decibel levels to be honest, although I occasionally use my meter when listening to music through my HI-FI. I think your ears are the best judge. Keep your music at a comfortable listening level and I think you'll be fine. I would say up to about 7odb is pretty safe. A while ago I went to a venue near where I live and had my db meter with me and earplugs which I didn't use. The music levels there were 100 DB and my ears never hurt in the slightest. I stayed there for 30mins and left. Next day my tinnitus was very quiet and I had no signs of hyperacusis which has been cured for 18 years. I don't suggest you try what I done. All I'm saying, listen to your body/ears and go with what feels comfortable to you.

Good luck
Michael

 

thanks michael! i appreciate all you do for this forum!

i personally like to listen to music UPTO 80db. i never feel uncomfortable even to the slightest, and it helps with my overall mood all the time. is this ok?

 

Thank you for your kind words @Potter....and wish you well.

80db is fine if it feels comfortable to you
Michael

 

Higher quality speakers will help prevent you from turning up the volume beyond what is needed as you will be able to hear more clearly. Not a pressing need but maybe something you could look into upgrading.

 

Speakers can only sound as good as the source and the amplification that come before them. The right match is important, sometimes good powered speakers are fine for the computer sound and they are already calibrated.

 

@Luman are you an Audiophile?

 

Probably...

 

I used to be more into it, still have some pretty good gear from the 90's and before.

 

Okay thanks...