Equalizers-Using to compensate for hearing loss


Several months ago I was active on several forums regarding age related hearing loss and the use of hearing aids. Because it's common for listeners to start having some deficiencies as they get older and because I've had experience dealing with this issue, I thought that I could offer some useful advice. After I was fitted with good quality hearing aids i got back much of the upper mid to high frequency detail that I very much missed but there was still something missing as regards what I'll call continuity(?).

To compensate for the tapering off of hearing acuity which for me begins in the area of 5000Hz and totally drops off at about 7700Hz, I'm considering the addition of an equalizer in the system. My thinking is that, because hearing aids are little more than sophisticated equalizers, I could accomplish the same improvement without having to wear them.

This brings me to my request for your advice; first of all, I would like to know if I'm missing something or if there's a flaw in my logic. Secondly, if it appears that an equalizer might be the answer, which type and manufacturer is recommended. The little research I've done leads me to believe that the addition of an equalizer will have a negative overall affect on sound quality and that the best ones are quite expensive. With this in mind, I would like to try something that won't break my bank to, at least, do a trial before I commit to a higher quality component.

BTW, my present system consists of, among other things, the hybrid 100W Rogue Audio Sphinx, Shanling solid state CD player and Martin Logan Odyssey speakers.
128x128broadstone

Showing 2 responses by buconero117

I am puzzled that what you are trying to achieve cannot be done by your hearing aids themselves. Most high quality aids are programmable to a specific response curve that can be exactly matched to your hearing loss. Also, most high quality aids do not roll off at 7700HZ. I suggest you first go back to your audiologist and seek a solution via your aids. If you don't have one, look for an audiologist that has a large number of clients that are professional musicians. I have tired various equalizers in my rig, none have worked well to the point they sound better with using my aids. Not mentioned in various responses about equalizers is the Technics 9010, a work horse of the pro sound field.
Noromance, like Broadstone, I have been into audio for over fifty years, hearing aids for a like amount of time. I have learned a lot in that time. The progress in the hearing aid field has been unbelievable, especially in work that Mead Killion has done in perfecting hi end hearing aids. Killion gave us the ER line of ear buds.

In my view, the right aids should not be a barrier to hearing the actual sound of the rig. Remember, we all search for the components that produce the best sound to our ears, that is why we all have very different rigs. That quest is needed in searching for hearing aids. The hearing aids of General Hearing are an example of high end products at reasonable prices. My pair cost $3K. The have two different microphones, one especially dedicated to the music program, they also have Killion's DigitK amps. Best to go to General Hearing's web site and learn more about what hi end hearing aids are all about. The search continues.