After comparing to Rexton and Philips 9050 via Costco (excellent hearing aid centers), a hard decision, I chose Audicus Omni Series 2 hearing aids that work via 'Hearing Remote' app via both apple and android smartphones (verify your specific model, mine Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3). I select which program and can adjust parameters with my Android SmartPhone, some sound bad listening to music. There is one called Music for streaming, another called Live Music which is best for listening to air borne music, maintaining full frequencies without compression or emphasis. Imaging is nicely maintained.
Also, they can be programmed/adjusted remotely by a tele meeting with Audicus's personnel, i.e. soften the highs. Each adjustment remains individually selectable.
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Who else can help you listen, are the bothersome highs there for others, younger ears? After my SPL meter on a tripod, I use three albums I am most familiar with to help me adjust my tweeter’s level controls as my 76 year old ears don’t hear what the meter hears. Andreas Vollenweider, White Winds 3 Guitarists play last 2 tracks, frequencies and l/c/r balance, final anti-skate adjust After that, I listen to Pianists and Violins, both Classical and Jazz then I get my younger friend’s ears over to make sure I didn’t go too far. It’s best to have both CD and LP versions, start with the CD, know what the imaging and frequency content is when correct, then compare the LP, which CAN be preferred, but EVERYTHING has to be ’right’! .......................... I am happy listening with or without my hearing aids, the primary difference is I need less volume when using my hearing aids, and high pitch female vocals like Tori Amos, Lorenna, ...
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I would agree with eric_squires on the room comment. When researching what room dimensions work best for music, the subject of sound waves either cancelling each other out, or conversely, amplifying certain frequencies came up. I'm probably not explaining it correctly but, they used the piano as an example, stating that certain notes could appear much louder than others. Such that it's like a slap on the ear. |
I agree, pianos can vary widely in timbre. Yet there is another factor. Piano recordings typically are made with the microphones very close to the open lid of the piano. (Do you listen that way in person? I don’t.) One result is that recorded piano sound often is very bright. A producer or mastering engineer might adjust that brightness or use a microphone that minimizes it. Still, many recordings are too bright, leaving you to do something about it. |
Your statement, "Ever since I rediscovered my hearing aids as an audio enhancement," suggests it is a hearing aid issue. I don't have hearing aids or know much about them, but as one ages the high frequency hearing is lost first. I wonder if your hearing aids are compensating for that by increasing gain at the higher frequencies. I know some hearing aids can be customized to perform differently at different frequencies. You might investigate yours and make the preferred adjustments. |
The piano is my favorite. I spent a long, long time trying to get my revealing system to reproduce the piano correctly - especially, the high notes - and especially via digital streaming. It finally happened with clean power and quality cabling. YMMV - - - As mentioned earlier, an untreated room can also be a big contributor to harsh HF. |
Changing speaker positioning can reduce and even eliminate this problem. If your speakers are spread too far apart and are close to the side walls it can cause this issue due to how your speakers interact with room acoustics. Try moving the speakers closer together and away from side walls. Toe in direct to the listening chair to minimize the side wall reflections even further. Try it, it’s a free tweak. |
I have Phillips hearing aids, and I like my piano, it has to sound right. If I listen in normal mode, piano sounds just like you describe. If I turn on Hifi mode using the app, it calms down and sounds normal. Maybe post more about your equipment and room, and we could offer some advice on what to try. |
