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Hearing loss and HiFi

I have found a good number of threads in this subject but they are older.  Since hearing technology changes quickly I’ll go ahead with the question.  I am 72 years old and I was recently diagnosed with mild to moderate hearing loss. My loss is across the entire frequency spectrum as opposed to only high frequencies. It’s not just an issue of volume but also of clarity, I don’t hear as much as I used to in the music. If you have experienced hearing loss, how did it impact how you view you audio system. If you can’t hear the detail etc. do you really need a high end system? Should I get an EQ to boost the frequencies I have trouble with? Would I be better off selling my current system and buying a BEST BUY receiver and some speakers and calling it quits.
If you have experienced hearing loss, I would love to hear your thoughts.
128x128pipebro
frogman
7,364 posts
 
It does not make sense to downgrade your equipment. If the problem is a loss of clarity (thankfully, “mild”), it seems to me that what you want to do is, if anything, INCREASE the level of resolution (clarity) that your equipment provides, not reduce it by going for lesser gear.

You are not alone, this is a fairly common problem as we age and many don’t even realize it’s happening. Good luck and good listening.
jderimig
28 posts
 
Your "microphone" may have lost some sensitivity but the brain compensates.  As frogman5 posted, stay with good quality resolving equipment (but don't need to go crazy).  Your brain will train to this.
Later you can experiment with digital equalization (MiniDSP) and apply a gentle hf roll up to compensate.  That may (or may not) bring back the cues for clarity and imaging your brain can use to create the sounds you will perceive.
erik_squires
15,816 posts
 
Hi Pipebro,

Having good room acoustics helps a great deal.  If there's a specific band you need help with then an EQ is the right way to go, but if it is as broad as you say it is then that's not going to help you.

Try this.  Sit close to the speakers, or try headphones.  If you hear a lot more detail, then room acoustics and headphones are going to be your friends.

Best,

E
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Obviously the first thing to do is quantify your hearing loss. Then when you know its say 10% you will know to downgrade your system by 10%. Some may say upgrade 12%, because that is what it takes to correct a 10% loss. But that would lead to spending everything being stone deaf. This makes no sense. So obviously downgrade everything in keeping with your hearing. 

Either that or relax and enjoy it while you can. Your call. I know which way I'm going.


wolf_garcia
6,628 posts
 
Note all of the working mastering geniuses and recording engineers who are older (Bob Ludwig, Elliot Schiner, etc. etc.)...a case can be made that regardless of hearing loss your comprehension and ability to hear into things can improve with the experience that age supplies.
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