Lizzy and RHaj thanks.  Okay first very interesting article Lizzy.  But I wonder why some neighbors in the same location get the pinhole leaks and others never experience this?  Same copper pipes.  

I know of three houses on this street that had an issue in the past three years or so.  In those cases it seems the pipes were in the wall and they didn't know there was a leak until...mold and moisture started spreading.  When this happens there is a distinct sound and for some reason I can detect despite the tinnitus sounds.  It is sort of like a sssssssss sound.  I think it triggers the hyperacusis a bit and brings it to my attention.  Bob did not hear the sound.  And my brain is noisy.

We have a regular plumber guy who is good but I decided to interview two other local guys.  Still not sure what we will do.  Repair the pipe or replace the entire system. I won't be getting hardwood floors until this is solved.  So many people had much worse damage with buckling floor boards and black mold.  So I feel rather lucky about this damage control so far.

Some people don't want to be public about this because it could lower the value of the house when disclosure is required.