Ear training? (mixing, not music)

[cemark]

Not Reaper specific, but my problem of course manifests itself when I am working with my music in Reaper (which I do a lot).

My ears have always been (and still are) extremely sensitive to music, musical performance such as pitch, timing and feel. Since I was a kid.

But when it comes to mixing, I must be freaking DEAF. It's really frustrating. I'm trying to learn new techniques, new tools, new toys. But I fail, because I am freaking DEAF.

My question is this: How can I train my ears/hearing to better hear the subtilities required for creating great mixes and masters?

I often come across clips on Youtube where they demonstrate some technique or some tool. They talk about the difference and play before/after. And I just don't hear it.

Did I tell you I must be ... DEAF? :-)


Below is just ONE example of what I'm talking about.

He puts the Puigchild compressor in/out and talks about the difference (about 6:30):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39s4Wu4fOpI&t=318s

I hear no difference. I would fail the blindtest miserably.

Sorry for ranting, but I really want to up my skills, but don't know how.

Of course I am not really deaf. I am almost 60, but I still hear MUSIC extremely well. But nuances and subtilities in the mix? No, Sir!

Am I just too old, too far gone? Or is there a way to train my hearing?

Any of you come across this problem?