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Diminishing hearing ability?

I believe my biggest challenge in pursuing a great listening experience is my diminishing hearing ability. I have assembled a $50k system through Audiogon (for about $30k) that should knock my socks off. Once and a while it does but most of the time is less enjoyable than my first "higher end" $5k system 30 years ago.

Just had to remark because it's rather frustrating at times. Not that my hearing is that bad, it's just not what it had once been.

I suppose we're all challenged by this to varying degrees. Hmmm, anyone ever have an "ear tune-up" (short of a hearing aid)? May be the best tweak of all!!!

rbschauman
zd542
5,339 posts
 
When you were building your system, did you go around with the same 5 or 10 demo CD's and use the same test tracks over and over again? When you do stuff like that, the system you end up with will probably sound good with your test CD's, but not the music you really listen to.
learsfool
1,215 posts
 
Al is correct - I also have had wax removed by a doctor a couple of times over the last three years. One thing you do NOT want to do, though, is try to remove it yourself with a Q-tip. Look up remedies for "swimmer's ear" if you want to find out about some safe home remedies.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
As someone who has been hearing impaired for over fifty years, I strongly suggest you find a experienced audiologist who works with musicians. Yes, wax removal is a must, but you also need to know what you are capable of hearing. An initial full spectrum hearing test will give you a benchmark to actually help you define 'diminishing'. For further remarks check out my recent interview with Jim Smith of 'Better Sound'.
lloydc's avatar
lloydc
737 posts
 
Obviously you need to have your hearing tested, then consider good hearing aids - which run around $6K/pair - just another component in your system. They are equalizers with some digital processing.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,370 posts
 
Loydc...yuk..hearing aids are awful. The beauty of sound is totally gone, replaced by digital sand of the worst kind. I tried a few different brands, and decided to live without them.
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