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?

 

 

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I got tired of asking my customers to repeat themselves, same for my son. 6 months ago I got a pair of Oticon’s top of the line hearing aids and haven’t regretted it one second.  When listening to my hifi the only thing I notice is slightly improved hearing in my left (worse) ear at about 9k hz and up. But in daily life they are invaluable. 

I ordered the Phillips from Costco.  They arrive in 2 weeks.  Apparently you can stream from an i device directly to the phones via Bluetooth, although not using the conventional BT pairing settings.  The tech said that his customers hated streaming with Jabbra hearing aids, complaining that music sounds screechy, which is kind of surprising because Jabbra makes conventional audio Bluetooth buds.  However I mainly plan to keep listening to my system and just stream for convenience 

I will not test ... Why ? I tuned my own room by ears for one year , even if it is  imperfect with my unknown possible impaired hearing , it was tuned for me by me .

I like this. I don't have much trust in the relevance of hearing tests. I have hearing loss and tinnitus, but I mess around with my audio system until it sounds great, just like anyone else.

@mahler123 Congrats on retirement! I did it in 2015 and it has been challenging. You've got to look for ways to stay busy.