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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.
pipebro
erik_squires
16,838 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
6,794 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.
tablejockey
4,075 posts
 
And your not considering hearing aids? I wouldn't do anything further until then. 
Didn't the ENT mention it will only get worse as time goes by? 

My hearing drops after 7Khz and tinnitus. 
pipebro's avatar
pipebro OP
32 posts
 
Table jockey,  Hearing aids are coming 9/12 and I didn’t plan to do anything until I get them and get used to them. And the ENT did say it would get worse, unfortunately.
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