My problem isn't so much with the volume, it is with picking out the voice I am trying to listen to. It is like my sound processing is all screwed up. When you have two normal ears, I think your brain can pick out one voice or sound, and listen specifically to it with one ear, while the other ear listens to the rest of the sounds. For whatever reason, I have lost that ability now. So in restaurants, or if I am in the shower or have a sink running, I really have to concentrate very hard to focus on what my wife is saying to be able to understand her. In some cases it is just impossible and I give up in frustration.

Yes, that makes perfect sense. Thanks, TX.:)

My neuro's nurse told me to go to my pcp first to make sure it isn't structural. It's been going in and out all day, so maybe it's coming back...