When your hearing is not very good......


I recently acquired a nice hifi system for free which I detailed in another thread in the amps forum. I was not an audiophile prior to this and I'm not sure I am one now. However, I'm enjoying learning about all this and can tell a definite and significant improvement in sound quality compared to my basic old consumer level system.

However, I'm 55 years old and I have definite hearing loss in my left ear from guns, rock concerts and heavy equipment. I also have tinnitus in both ears that I can hear 24/7. So these are limitations that cannot be overcome medically (I am certain of that) nor with audio equipment tweaking I'd assume.

I can live with that. 

But it begs the question about what to do going forward. There are some additions to the system that I'd already like to make in regard to things like a DAC and phono preamp. I am already disinclined to spend a bunch of money on such items and they range from $50 to thousands and there is always the assurance that every dollar spent will result in tangible improvements. And I believe that is true to a certain extent. But with my limitations and my tendency towards being tight with my money, it is hard to know where to draw the line.

So I'm curious how others handle issues with their hearing in regard to the cost vs reward ratio. Or when the hearing tanks is it just time to find another hobby?

Finally, given the dangers of sound exposure that I am a perfect example of, what level of decibels do you hard core folks expose yourselves to with regard to your music? Do you measure it? What is your cutoff?
n80
As someone that, in my youth, frequented live rock venues as often as possible at the time, worked as an aircraft assembler (shooting and bucking rivets and Huck bolts, very loud when the stem breaks off), and for the last 35-40 years was a heavy equipment operator, and I am also cursed with 24/7 tinnitus. 


I spent a lot of time, and quite a few dollars, getting my system to where it is now, (which is the best it's ever been in 40 years). Contrary to my (and your) fears, my hearing did not keep me from hearing even subtle improvements in the system. Music listening is the most satisfying and enjoyable it's ever been for me, my hearing not withstanding. Don't worry too much, if your hearing isn't too much different than mine, you most likely will be fine. 
Me too. Loud music was the cause. As Dan said, don't assume your hearing (and you) does not deserve the best sound. You will be able to discern the improvements. Spend well. YOLO!
Most of what you hear is your mind interpreting sound. Even aged classical conductors with hearing loss can tell if one violin is out of tune. The better your equipment, the more you hear and the more you will appreciate. Good luck. 
Agree with the perspective of the above posts. Aging men seem to lose predominantly upper frequency level hearing ability. Thankfully the vast majority of musical information is found in the midrange region. So I believe that the sheer joy of  listening to music is preserved for the most part. I don't believe there is much loss of hearing bass region frequencies either. n80 I strongly suspect youll be able to hear differences in the sound quality of various audio components. Listening to music is truly one of life’s wonderful treasures.
Charles