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hearing loss and amp choices

Found out yesterday that I have about 25-30% hearing loss in the right ear. Anything around 4000 hz and I display a sharp drop.

Currently looking for a new integrated such as the Vsi75, Sim Audio 700 series, Pass int 25, Belles Aria Sig and my distributor recommended the Rotel RA 6000 series which they are about to carry this  month.

The speakers are the very neutral and flat Studio 100's by ProAc.

My question revolves around the fact of hearing loss vs. expense for SQ. In other words what am i doing to be looking at a 10 or 16 thousand dollar int if my hearing won't appreciate it?

Do I look for something more articulated like the Rotel? Can I appreciate the nuances of tube gear with their richness?

Had Primare stuff (I-30) prior to this but it blew during a power surge and to tell the truth, thought the sound was a bit sterile with this series with little mid bass weight. Now I wonder if all this doesn't matter and should be looking for something with articulation that previously may have thought as "cold".

Just exploring what some of you may have experienced with any hearing loss in regard to previously perceived perceptions to SQ.

arro222
secretguy
1,772 posts
 

I was going to get hearing aids, but the Dr. said I would be able to hear my wife better.

arro222 OP
142 posts
 

@ secretguy...Lol and wonder how many other "secrets" you may have missed.

2psyop's avatar
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2psyop
1,674 posts
 

Critical listening to music (or what us audiophiles enjoy with our audio gear) and having a known hearing loss in one ear is like driving a Ferrari with 1 flat tire. Yeah you can change the suspension on one side or pick flatter roads to drive the car on...but in the end the tire is the real problem and you will not realize the full potential of the Ferrari. I bought Resound GN hearing aids and it was the best improvement to my audio system in years

My two cents.

bigtwin's avatar
bigtwin
1,279 posts
 

@arro222 

I've lived all my adult life with about 50% hearing loss in my right ear.  Scar tissue from chronic ear aches as a child.  My brain doesn't recognize the loss.  I hear perfect stereo image and enjoy my sytem fully.  I only notice the loss if I plug my left ear.  If you hear the music, just enjoy it.  Did you feel you were missing anything before they told you there was a hearing loss?  The brain is a wonderful thing and will compensate for so many issues.

arro222 OP
142 posts
 

@bigtwin

I dunno. My amp tanked months before that.

You do raise a point. I thought the highly articulated amp sterile even then and I’m sure my hearing didn’t go south just now. The only reason I had the hearing test in the first place is to have ruled out why i was feeling dizzy w no blood pressure issues. So they gave me the mri to rule out tumor and then the subsequent hearing test. They think it was a residual of covid I had back in Nov. calling it some kind of nerve edema. Still haven’t gotten full taste and smell as yet.

Coming to conclusion sometimes takes the plethora of contributors for the op to come to meaning.

Of course the brain is the "it" of hearing. My tinnitus is not an ear issue as much as a brain short circuit.

I will go forth and assimilate to the directions and suggestions this thread has provided.

Thank you

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