Results of Actual Hearing Test and Next Steps


Like probably many on this forum I’m getting into that post 60 age where hearing may not hear as well as it once was. To baseline where I stand today, I arranged a professional assessment. Results:

  • 10dB loss at 2K Hz
  • 20dB loss at 4K Hz
  • 20dB loss at 8K Hz
  • Word recognition 100% at 70dB
  • Sound tolerance to 110dB (that’s loud)

Summary; mild to moderate loss at higher frequencies; muddled conversations in group settings. No urgent need for hearing aids but higher volume may be required for media.

I listen to music mostly at the 70-85 dB range; most theatrical movies and concerts can go as high as 95-100dB which is too loud for me. My McIntosh MA352 has EQ knobs which I rarely use. I prefer direct sound without boosting and play mostly vinyl. Also have EQ in my car.

I tried enhancing EQ settings at 2K and 10K Hz and found it did add more detail; at least it was an agreeable sound. My hope is to avoid hearing aids for as long as possible and still get maximum music enjoyment.

Anybody else encountering this or have some workarounds to suggest?

 

 

128x128socalml528

@socalml528 - they told you that it could take months to get used to wearing them? I suppose it could, it depends on the person, but in my experience with many hearing aids, days is more like it to decide if they'll work for you or not. 

That said, I am going to investigate CostCo for my next set of aids.... 

 

@larsman since you have the personal experience I'd default to your assessment.  But as is often said, "individual results may vary" 😉.

Since you have extensive experience; I tried some on at Costco and I noticed I could "feel" my voice when speaking like when you have a cold and your ears are plugged.  It was a short demo, but my question is: does this sensation go away or is it non existent once they are tuned?  Or is that what you get used to?

@socalml528 - that ear-blocking sensation can be alleviated with the right dome; you'd want one that would let in some sound from outside as well as the hearing aid's own speakers. I'd suggest going back to CostCo and telling them about this, and they may have domes there that would be of help... 

@mahler123 

The right to bear arms doesn’t mean the right to have them for free. Same for hearing aids. You have the right to own both, you just have to pay for them.