Recommendations for Small Speakers with Built-In Balance Adjustment for Zoom Meetings?

[AfroSnowman]

I'm experiencing really bad hyperacusis and reactive tinnitus from my cheap Amazon Basics computer speakers during conference calls. The sound has a weird, low-quality, high-pitched distortion that is difficult for me to tolerate.

Does anyone have recommendations for small speakers to use for Zoom meetings, especially ones with built-in balance adjustment?

 

[ploughna]

I use a small, disc-shaped Jabra speaker with USB and Bluetooth. It sounds much better than the computer's built-in speakers, providing a more mellow sound.

 

[Jupiterman]

The sound has a weird, low-quality, high-pitched distortion that is difficult for me to tolerate.

Is that the speakers or the tinnitus you're talking about?

 

[AfroSnowman]

Is that the speakers or the tinnitus you're talking about?

First one, then the other. However, the speakers mostly produce a poor high-pitched distortion, especially with women's voices.

 

[Michael Leigh]

I'm experiencing really bad hyperacusis and reactive tinnitus from my cheap Amazon Basics computer speakers during conference calls. The sound has a weird, low-quality, high-pitched distortion that is difficult for me to tolerate.

Does anyone have recommendations for small speakers to use for Zoom meetings, especially ones with built-in balance adjustment?

I am unable to recommend specific desktop speakers for you, @AfroSnowman, but I do have a few suggestions to consider. I think it would be better to purchase a pair of speakers from a store for a home trial rather than buying them online. When you visit the store, explain to the manager the difficulties you're experiencing with tinnitus and hyperacusis, which were triggered by the Amazon Basics speakers.

High-quality speakers should improve the sound and, hopefully, reduce or eliminate any distortion and sibilance you're currently hearing. You haven't mentioned whether you're using a laptop or a desktop computer. The computer's internal sound card is also important. I mean no disrespect, but connecting high-quality speakers to a lower-quality sound card usually results in subpar sound. That's why I suggest testing the speakers at home first to avoid disappointment.

How long do your conference calls typically last? Do you make multiple calls throughout the day? I ask because prolonged exposure to sound could be affecting your ears. Another factor to consider is the size of the room or office where you take these calls. If the space is small, sound may reflect off the walls and ceiling, which could worsen your tinnitus. Acoustic sound-absorbing panels can help if reflected sound is causing a problem.

Do you watch TV or movies at home using a surround sound system with a subwoofer? If so, this could be making your ears more sensitive to sound without you realizing it.

All the best,
Michael

 

[AfroSnowman]

I am unable to recommend specific desktop speakers for you, @AfroSnowman, but I do have a few suggestions to consider. I think it would be better to purchase a pair of speakers from a store for a home trial rather than buying them online. When you visit the store, explain to the manager the difficulties you're experiencing with tinnitus and hyperacusis, which were triggered by the Amazon Basics speakers.

High-quality speakers should improve the sound and, hopefully, reduce or eliminate any distortion and sibilance you're currently hearing. You haven't mentioned whether you're using a laptop or a desktop computer. The computer's internal sound card is also important. I mean no disrespect, but connecting high-quality speakers to a lower-quality sound card usually results in subpar sound. That's why I suggest testing the speakers at home first to avoid disappointment.

How long do your conference calls typically last? Do you make multiple calls throughout the day? I ask because prolonged exposure to sound could be affecting your ears. Another factor to consider is the size of the room or office where you take these calls. If the space is small, sound may reflect off the walls and ceiling, which could worsen your tinnitus. Acoustic sound-absorbing panels can help if reflected sound is causing a problem.

Do you watch TV or movies at home using a surround sound system with a subwoofer? If so, this could be making your ears more sensitive to sound without you realizing it.

All the best,
Michael

Thanks for your thoughtful answer, but I'm quite sure it's just a particular pitch from the small speakers that causes me pain.

I'm not into avoiding sounds in general. That is no way for me to live. I'm just looking for recommendations for small desktop speakers that do not distort or peak at high vocal pitches.

 

[Michael Leigh]

Thanks for your thoughtful answer, but I'm quite sure it's just a particular pitch from the small speakers that causes me pain.

I'm not into avoiding sounds in general. That is no way for me to live. I'm just looking for recommendations for small desktop speakers that do not distort or peak at high vocal pitches.

I am not into avoiding sounds either, and I agree with you that's not the way to live. I am an audiophile and regularly listen to my Hi-Fi at 50 to 70 decibels without any problems. I only use hearing protection when using my petrol lawn mower and electric drills. If you're sure the desktop speakers are causing you problems, then I still suggest you purchase a pair of high-quality desktop speakers on a home trial.

You have noise-induced tinnitus, as do I and many others in this forum. Our ears and auditory systems are more sensitive to sound. Just be careful; the increase in your tinnitus and hyperacusis is not also caused by other things I have mentioned.

I wish you well,
Michael

 

[AfroSnowman]

I am not into avoiding sounds either, and I agree with you that's not the way to live. I am an audiophile and regularly listen to my Hi-Fi at 50 to 70 decibels without any problems. I only use hearing protection when using my petrol lawn mower and electric drills. If you're sure the desktop speakers are causing you problems, then I still suggest you purchase a pair of high-quality desktop speakers on a home trial.

You have noise-induced tinnitus, as do I and many others in this forum. Our ears and auditory systems are more sensitive to sound. Just be careful; the increase in your tinnitus and hyperacusis is not also caused by other things I have mentioned.

I wish you well,
Michael

To be clear, I do not have noise-induced tinnitus. I am not particularly interested in your uninformed opinion on the matter.

 

[Michael Leigh]

To be clear, I do not have noise-induced tinnitus. I am not particularly interested in your uninformed opinion on the matte

Of course you don't have noise-induced tinnitus. How silly of me to suggest such a thing.

Michael

 

[Jupiterman]

Your ears are damaged (the cause is less important), and as a result, they're more vulnerable to further damage from noise exposure.

Simple as that.

Have you tried using a software graphic equalizer on your computer? Many are available for free. You can manually adjust the volume of specific frequency ranges played through your speakers. It might be worth experimenting to reduce the frequencies that seem to worsen your reactivity, hyperacusis, or distortion.

 

[Nes]

If you find something, could you let us know what you buy? I'm interested too!