If the rolls are very frayed and soft, there can be a problem.  If
I notice a soft section coming up, I try and keep the pedalling soft
except where loud notes are needed ! In extremis, I'll flick the ear
with my hand to fool it there's some nice strong roll there !

On my machine (a pushup) the tracking only reacts slowly so there
is time to flick the ear one way or the other.

Dan Wilson, London