Hi James,
James Corrigan:
From my readings, the point about trying to hear with the right ear is to make you focus your attention on that side in order to occupy the left brain hemisphere where 95% of us have our speech and language center. By focusing strongly on that side, we shut down or reduce the normal internal chatter, making our concentration that much more absorbed in what is going on. We're not really hearing with the right ear, because the Nada is internal and not an external sound. The increased audibility of the new tone may have more to do with your increasingly focused attention and absorption in the Nada tone your are hearing.
This is all new territory for me to explore, but I am inclined to agree. The new tone seemed to become known as concentration improved over time.
James Corrigan:
I've never heard of "meditative tinnitus." Is that a common occurrence? I wonder if it is just the Nada becoming apparent as concentration and absorption skills increase? I'd welcome any information about this!
I can't speak to how common it is, but I did find some resources describing it on the good 'ol Interwebs. If it is indeed related to what we are talking about, it is said to be a manifestation of the 'divine ear, (Pali: dibba-sota). There are a few yogic practices that focus on it.
This is an interesting article about it by a (former?) DhO participant.
James Corrigan:
It would be great if you could report back on what your experience is with this as your practice continues. (if you don't mind me requesting that)
I will definitely report back with any new developments. A cheeky thought arises every now and then that I should really give this a thorough investigation and see if there's any measurable clairaudience to be cultivated. Perhaps if I can get a reliable, stable absorption, I'll ask some friends to humor me in an experiment or three