Ears, audio and allergies

[JohnMichael]

I have known for years that if I need to listen to a component or speakers at an audio shop I needed to avoid diet beverages and any products that used Aspartame as a sweetening agent. What I did not realize was the other side effects. I was having pain in my knees and other issues when I read a post about Aspartame poisoning. Two weeks ago I stopped diet beverages.

Here is a list of side effects for the ears.

Ear
tinnitus - ringing or buzzing sound
severe intolerance of noise
marked hearing impairment

Now I understand my constant tiring of a pair of speakers after a week or so. I also find I am listening at lower volumes judging by the numeric display of the Krell. The good news is my system sounds better than ever.

I was using the Mobile Fidelity OML1's to check different wiring configurations. This was after a few days away from diet pop and sugar free products. I was amazed at how the system sounded single wired as I had described in another post. Since I had bi-wire cables I went back to listening with them. Again things were sounding better in most every aspect of sound.

My hearing is much better and appreciation of music is greater. I did not realize the subtleties I was missing. The OML1's are beautiful sounding. I remember liking them when I first bought them but something faded but now it is like I am hearing them completely for the first time.

The Sony balanced into the Krell and bi-wired to the OML1's is sounding very good. I had not listened to Rickie Lee Jones version of "Show Biz Kids" in a year or more and that song blew me away. It is like a layer of audio congestion has been removed.

It is good to have my ears back.

[Feanor]

Interesting observations, JM, thanks.

I can't say I've ever noticed any effect from Aspartame but then (a) I've never consciously listened for it, and (b) I only drink two or three Aspartame-sweetened beverages per week. I do drink black, unsweetened coffee, 2/day, and sometime wonder if it has any effect.

[TheHills44060]

I'm a water and beer guy. No sodas, flavored drinks or coffee. I should drink more juice but I don't. It always seemed like a good idea to cut out the diet drinks for several various health reasons but it never occurred that it could affect the way i hear. Very interesting.

[JohnMichael]

Interesting observations, JM, thanks.

I can't say I've ever noticed any effect from Aspartame but then (a) I've never consciously listened for it, and (b) I only drink two or three Aspartame-sweetened beverages per week. I do drink black, unsweetened coffee, 2/day, and sometime wonder if it has any effect.

What was strange I did not know it was having a day to day effect until I stopped it. I knew it was worse right after consumption but had no idea it continued to effect how I hear.

What I was hearing I attributed to the system and not my ears. I would put a pair of speakers in the system and think they sounded good and then tire of them quickly. I was making myself crazy and the dog would shake his head when I began to haul speakers back and forth.

My system now sounds consistent day to day. Losing the distortion, slight though it was, I am glad I still appreciate the neutrality of the Krell. Of course I was not aware of how well it does with high frequencies. I am feeling very lucky that as my hearing returned to normal I find there is nothing about my system that I do not like.

[JoeE SP9]

Gee! I always stayed away from artificial sweetener because it leaves a nasty aftertaste. Maybe my taste buds were warning me.

[JohnMichael]

Here is a link to some other side effects. Even some toothpastes now contain Aspartame.

Aspartame Side Effects

[Jack in Wilmington]

I cut out diet sodas about 2 years ago when the reports started to surface about the side effects the studies were showing. I only have soda when I'm out at a restaurant or bar, so I don't indulge that much anyway. When is someone going to come out with a diet soda that is safe?