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hearing loss and speaker selection

So being 75 I've got hearing that ranges between 80hz and 9,000hz. So should I give a rat's patoot about a speaker's ability to reproduce frequencies below and above this range since I can't hear them? Obviously, I'm gonna shoot for those that handle the mids the best. Now I know the proof is in the pudding so that why we listen to speakers and pick the ones that we like best. But for the sake of discussion has there been any double-blind test or any test for that matter that supports the notion that unheard sound affects the sound you can hear through your speakers. Or should speaker manufacturers make a senior version of their speaker for us elderly folks. he says tongue in cheek.

  I understand hearing aids can restore some additional high frequencies, but I wonder if they can be tailored to replicate a tube sound over SS equipment or vis versa. Headphones aside is there some other specialized device(s) a hearing impaired person can use beyond a hearing aid that can maximize or enhance the listening pleasure? I know there are many prior posts on hearing loss but I could find none that addressed increasing the listener's frequency range or for that matter clarity. Some older posts did address clarity say go for speakers with the best clarity.

Have fun you can't take it with you.

scott22

Showing 1 response by akg_ca

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akg_ca
2,176 posts
 

Instead of fretting over the possible shortcomings at both frequency extremes, may I suggest that you if you simplify and hone your focus on the VERY BEST midrange reproduction you can get ….. all good will be restored and angst relieved.That’s where 90% of the music spectrum resides.if you get the midrange right: “…all the king’s horses, and all the king’s men….”

ergo .,,, that is why I offloaded my honkin’ floorstanders and upgraded to HARBETH 30.2XD standmount speakers. My Yellow Brick Road to Audio OZ has now been restored without concern for any natural aging warts. In my experience, I love the music experience more now then with any speakers before.

I’m 69 years old and yes…l too endure that I am inescapably not as good as I once was in many ways; including natural aging induced hearing loss , (but I keep telling my wife that I am as good ONCE as I EVER was ….)

IMO, you are over thinking this , so don’t sweat the petty things and don’t pet the sweaty things. Enjoy!

Old Guys Rule ….. old age and treachery will overcome youth and enthusiasm!

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