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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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larsman's avatar
larsman
1,931 posts
 

I've been wearing hearing aids for the past couple of decades. I've been wearing eyeglasses for longer than that.

I would no more listen to music without my hearing aids than I would read a book or watch a movie without my glasses.

I'd suggest giving them a try; most places have a refund policy if you don't like them.... 

audio_guy_uofw
42 posts
 

One point of consideration is that it is apparently harder to adapt to hearing aids the older you are. Best not to leave it too long. I have relatives who waited till their late 70s and could not adapt, even though their hearing was quite bad.

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bythebay
13 posts
 

Sorry about your hearing issue.  My hearing is very compromised, right ear major loss of high frequencies, left ear lower frequencies.  I researched the 7 best top of the line hearing aids plus sought out recommendations from a dozen hearing specialists.  Each had their favorites for various reasons.  The majority agreed that Widex 440 Sheers were best for music given their dedicated program.  After trying several brands, I purchased Widex's top of the line.  I noticed the difference immediately.  I mentioned my hearing issue to a manufacturer friend. He told me about a transaction with an elderly man wearing hearing aids who auditioned a low end, middle, and a very high end piece of equipment, purchasing the latter.  When asked about why that piece, his response was "I heard the difference".  While I notice my hearing deficiency, I can still hear the difference and enjoy the music.  Hearing loss sucks, but it does not have to be the end of enjoying music. 

mbmi's avatar
mbmi
568 posts
 

I have 2 LOKI Mini's @ $149 ea.   FANTASTIC eq's...bought the Loki Max @ $1500....It's already on the way back...The Mini's are more "Musical"  Spend $149 and fix your problem.

akgwhiz
184 posts
 

@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.   

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