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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Showing 2 responses by akgwhiz

I've posted on this before as I am in similar position.   If audiologist told you that it's all fine in frequency  but simply lowered, for music you'd simply use the volume control.  If you found you had loss in the left, you'd could just use the balance control.  Let's be clear:   I'm not referring to daily living, just music listening.   If you have freq loss why not use an audiophile solution like a quality EQ.  Why on Earth would you pass up on an audiophile solution by having your $$$ audio go thru a miniaturized device that is small enough to well, fit in your ear.  For TV, family, socializing,  public,  by all means use aids.  In your audio room, why not use your system.  But like Mahgester says, if it seems fine to you it's because you've adapted.  So simply start adding back as you like.  FYI, it's my understanding that the audiology dB scale isn't the same as spl dB.  

@mbmi that's exactly what I did since left and right ears differ in frequency/overall  response.  Curious as to why you also have 2.  The OP using Treble controls while likely not exactly centered at his needed points is likely getting 90% of the correction he could possibly need.  It's a hi-fi solution using some very nice gear.  Most "audiophile" pre and amps don't have tone.  As this is demographically a, shall we say, older persons pursuit,  maybe more designers could include them.  With bypass for the rest or who don't need them.  Without monitor or a process loop its hard to execute.   Again, outside the listening chair, pop those aids in if needed.