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Hearing issues and signal attenuation

In other forums I've discussed my age related hearing issues and how I might compensate using mechanical controls. Since those posts I've tried hearing aids but, because of the discomfort caused by them, I gave them up. My problem in a nutshell is that, although my hearing lost is bilateral starting at about 1500 Hz, the left ear hearing is somewhat more compromised. This, of course, results in my perception that center stage is off center to the right side especially at higher frequencies. I just installed new speakers (Martin Logan Ethos replacing Odysseys) which seems to have worsened this problem.

The last time I brought this up the suggestions included installation of a high quality active or passive equalizer, changing my listening position and using hearing aids. The EQ approach makes the most sense but in reviewing the several equalizers suggested I found them to be a little out of my price range. I have been considering using a good L pad to attenuate the signal to the right speaker but because the problem seems mostly related to the higher frequencies, I'm afraid that simply reducing volume to the right side will result in more heavily weighting lower frequencies to the left.

Anyway, it might be time to bite the bullet and start looking again into purchasing an equalizer. Based on the following setup I would appreciate all suggestions:

Shanling CD100, Nova Audio Nova preamp and Nova 220 amp.
128x128broadstone
pryso
1,939 posts
 
Obviously you need to do what you are most comfortable with, so I'll just offer this.

The first audiologist I visited seemed intent on selling me the most expensive aids possible. That was over $6K more than a dozen years ago. I think when I tried to explain my needs for best musical accuracy he thought he could over sell me. I really felt like I was visiting a shyster car dealer!

Then a friend suggested I try a local university that has a speech and hearing department. Because they are non-profit they could advise on what best suited my condition rather than highest cost. Now speech perception was improved immediately but it took a few visits and adjustments to fine tune my music setting (with my aids up to 4 EQs are possible) so that brass and strings sounded natural and not edgy and harsh. Patience paid off.
broadstone's avatar
broadstone OP
310 posts
 
Thanks Pryso. I have no doubt that aids are in my future at some point and for more than just listening to music but, as I mentioned, I purchased a graphic EQ today and finished installing it about 2 hours ago. There's no doubt that an equalizer will be a permanent addition for at least until that time that I find a way to use hearing aids.

The frequency control is impressive and the ability to bring the stage to the center where it belongs brings even more enjoyment back into listening than I had anticipated. The only drawback so far is that I think it degraded the overall sound quality which may only be a matter of adjusting to this new balance.

The EQ I bought is an older Soundcraftsmen 12 band per channel unit with sliders that are a bit rough so I'm going to be looking for advice in my search for its replacement that won't break my bank.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"The only drawback so far is that I think it degraded the overall sound quality which may only be a matter of adjusting to this new balance."

If you get a digital EQ you can output to a DAC. Most people feel that you'll get better sound if you EQ a digital signal before it gets converted to analogue.
mceljo
1,357 posts
 
You might consider some pro audio gear for your EQ.
pryso
1,939 posts
 
"with my aids up to 4 EQs are possible"

I just read Broadstone's reply and realized someone might misinterpret what I meant to say just prior to that. My devices have four unique memory settings. Any combination of frequency gain or reduction, noise filtering, and directionality can be programmed (by the audiologist) for each of those four. The range of frequency adjustments is from 500 to 8K Hz.

Many hearing aid manufacturers offer a recommended response for music but I found a custom setting was needed for the most natural musical tones.
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