I have spent 60 years learning and studying classical piano, and have been an audiophile since 1975. Currently I own refurbished and modified Apogee Divas, Velodyne sub, Rosinni cd/streamer/dac with clock, a pr of stereo D'Agostino amps, a ARC SP-20 preamp, and a Walker airbearing turntable fitted with a Sumiko MM cartridge. I designed and treated the room for dedicated listening 30 years ago. I am a patron of the Cleveland and Chicago Orchestras, but enjoy almost anything from classical to jazz to folk and techno. I've protected my hearing because I honestly value that sense over even sight! I am passionate about music and it's performance and reproduction.
On 9/3/22 my musical life abruptly changed permanently in an instant. In retrospect, I was careless inflating an old bicycle tire. At 48 psi the tire blow up, causing a traumatic sudden and nearly complete hearing loss. I did not wear ear protect like I always did when piloting or at the gun range. I treated myself with high dose steroids (I'm an MD), saw the ENT and multiple audiologists. The first time I played the piano 14 days later it destroyed me to hear my Bosedorfer concert grand piano so distorted, out of key or missing notes - I literally cried. 65 dB loss of hearing from 500-5000Hz, with substantial distortion of what I can hear, and tinnitus! It sucks - real bad.
Tinnitus is clearly associated with hearing loss, and it deserves medical evaluation. I auditioned 4 different aides, even the Earlens which has a broader range of frequency amplification. What worked best for me (although still compromised) was Resound aides for voice clarity. I use noise-canceling headphones while practicing piano (still distorted sound). I bought a Roon Nucleus+ for its equalization ability on streaming music. Finally, I traded the tubed SP-20 for a Trinnov Amethyst preamp so I may equalize vinyl and cd's. It's room correction showed a 2 dB emphasis at 20 and 50Hz, but was otherwise flat. It really helps, but it still has limitations. I am learning to listen a different way that is still satisfying, but WITHOUT wearing hearing aides in my lstening room. At a CO concert last week Vikingur Olafsson beautifully interpreted the Ravel Piano Concerto in G. His encore was heavenly - his piano transcription of Bach's 4th Organ Sonata, Andante movement. Music can still bring tears of joy, even with the help of limited aides!! But I wonder what it would have sounded like without my hearing loss. Still, I'm considering what else I can do to improve the timber of voices, violins, piano and choruses at home. Some recordings are better than others, but none are even 6/10's now. Nothing sounds like it did before.
I share this so that I might impress upon even one audiophile to protect your hearing! Avoid excess sound levels - most music has an optimum level to fully appreciate a performance. It might be a loud concert or a bike tire that takes your hearing from you permanently and irreparably. When it happens you might never pray so hard to get it back! Music cannot sound natural with even the best hearing aides, which I might add is the $12k Earlens. One exposure to a loud sound can destroy your hearing, sometimes permanently and suddenly; some persons are genetically predisposed to that traumatic neuro-sensory hearing loss. The movie Sound of Metal should be experienced by anyone valuing their hearing! Do not abuse your ears with loud music and noise.
May your enjoyment of music remain a divine gift!
Classicalpiano