2. tech-talk
  3. 193663-1541

Hearing aids for audiophiles or musicians?

Got diagnosed with hearing loss and tinnitus a few years back due to a medical condition. Given options of surgery to removed the calcifying bone and replace it with a titanium "bone" (50/50) or hearing aids. Told at time that the loss would be gradual at a undefined rate of decline. Held off due to perception it "wasnt that bad"and fear of surgery as well as being told that no hearing aids existed that would help in listening to music. Now due to a couple of recent events and my wife's "urging/nagging" as she has grown tired of repeating things, I have decided I should try the hearing aid approach. I recalled reading some threads on others in the late 60s having similar issues and references to better quality aids that were used by audiophiles and musicians. However, search of the threads hasnt surfaced those responses. So, since most of us are apparently older does anyone have similar issues and have found successful solutions? Realized that buying some new gear maybe was not going to solve some of my hearing as it was more a problem with the "user" and I might be better off putting the dollars into the final link in the chain. ENTs out here in Hawaii dont seem to be up on the latest so I am open to travel to see a Dr too.

joekapahulu

Showing 3 responses by joekapahulu

joekapahulu OP
265 posts
 

Thanks all for feedback. Found a site that is all about HAs and there is a long string on "audiophile hearing aids" that is very interesting and offers some more input. Have another ENT appointment coming up and one of my questions is can he project how much more loss I can anticipate with this condition as well as probability it will move to my other ear. It is supposedly a more common condition with women but I guess I got "lucky" :-(   I also need to get more info on the surgical approach even though it gives me the willies to think about it.

joekapahulu OP
265 posts
 

@Celtic66  Yeah, I spoke to the folks at Costco. Because my issue is driven by an actual disorder medically and not "normal age related loss", they were leary about discussing anything. They recommended I work with the ENT Dr and see what he tells me and if he recommends HAs then they will see what they can help with. They said point blank that I would be more likely to need something much higher end than they sold to get real quality sound in the case of Music. Got the same response at Sams Club. I am just going to wait and see what comes out of the Drs visit. It has been 3 years since the initial diagnosis and only recently that it has become clear that my loss has accelerated and the frequency of tinnitus occurring is more often.  Appreciate your response and everyone elses.

joekapahulu OP
265 posts
 

Thanks to all for input. Saw ENT and had new test and surprisingly the deterioration was very minimal (maybe just the frequencies my wife's voice uses?). Anyway, the audiologist suggested that there has been lots of improvement in HAs ability to address music in the last few years with sw apps. So that was encouraging. I also spoke to the another person at Costco and got a more detailed explanation of things there. Interestingly they sell some major brands but under different names...e.g. Sennheiser is Phonak, other names are well known too. Suggested I come in and do the test with them, which is required, and see what they can offer. They do have a return policy which helps. Also spoke to a friend who is a musician and wears one and he got his from Costco, a Jabra which he likes. Now have to see where this all goes. Mahalo.

More to discover