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When your hearing is not very good......

I recently acquired a nice hifi system for free which I detailed in another thread in the amps forum. I was not an audiophile prior to this and I'm not sure I am one now. However, I'm enjoying learning about all this and can tell a definite and significant improvement in sound quality compared to my basic old consumer level system.

However, I'm 55 years old and I have definite hearing loss in my left ear from guns, rock concerts and heavy equipment. I also have tinnitus in both ears that I can hear 24/7. So these are limitations that cannot be overcome medically (I am certain of that) nor with audio equipment tweaking I'd assume.

I can live with that. 

But it begs the question about what to do going forward. There are some additions to the system that I'd already like to make in regard to things like a DAC and phono preamp. I am already disinclined to spend a bunch of money on such items and they range from $50 to thousands and there is always the assurance that every dollar spent will result in tangible improvements. And I believe that is true to a certain extent. But with my limitations and my tendency towards being tight with my money, it is hard to know where to draw the line.

So I'm curious how others handle issues with their hearing in regard to the cost vs reward ratio. Or when the hearing tanks is it just time to find another hobby?

Finally, given the dangers of sound exposure that I am a perfect example of, what level of decibels do you hard core folks expose yourselves to with regard to your music? Do you measure it? What is your cutoff?
n80
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islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
As someone that, in my youth, frequented live rock venues as often as possible at the time, worked as an aircraft assembler (shooting and bucking rivets and Huck bolts, very loud when the stem breaks off), and for the last 35-40 years was a heavy equipment operator, and I am also cursed with 24/7 tinnitus. 


I spent a lot of time, and quite a few dollars, getting my system to where it is now, (which is the best it's ever been in 40 years). Contrary to my (and your) fears, my hearing did not keep me from hearing even subtle improvements in the system. Music listening is the most satisfying and enjoyable it's ever been for me, my hearing not withstanding. Don't worry too much, if your hearing isn't too much different than mine, you most likely will be fine. 
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,538 posts
 
Me too. Loud music was the cause. As Dan said, don't assume your hearing (and you) does not deserve the best sound. You will be able to discern the improvements. Spend well. YOLO!
tgrisham
1,291 posts
 
Most of what you hear is your mind interpreting sound. Even aged classical conductors with hearing loss can tell if one violin is out of tune. The better your equipment, the more you hear and the more you will appreciate. Good luck. 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 
Agree with the perspective of the above posts. Aging men seem to lose predominantly upper frequency level hearing ability. Thankfully the vast majority of musical information is found in the midrange region. So I believe that the sheer joy of  listening to music is preserved for the most part. I don't believe there is much loss of hearing bass region frequencies either. n80 I strongly suspect youll be able to hear differences in the sound quality of various audio components. Listening to music is truly one of life’s wonderful treasures.
Charles
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 
BTW tgrisham makes an interesting observation regarding aging orchestra conductors.
Charles 
drmemory62
37 posts
 
I know it's not a popular device for most audiophiles but I compensate for my upper frequency register loss with an equalizer.  I was using an old harmen-kardon EQ-8 I bought back in the late 80's but it recently died.

I purchased a Schitt Loki about a month or so ago.  However, I'm still playing with the settings to retain the warm tube sound I like but I'm generally pleased with it.
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n80 OP
2,107 posts
 
So, the next question is what max volume will you guys expose yourselves to when listening. I know that my system can easily get to a volume that can damage your hearing in fairly short order. It would seem ironic to damage my hearing listening to high end audio equipment that requires some level of hearing capacity to appreciate.

I measured dB with an iPhone app. I know it is not precise but gives a ballpark figure.

For me, 'loud' is just above 50% volume (on my system) and is in the 70-75 dB range. I will listen at this level for maybe one song or two and then to me it is distractingly loud. I have had the car stereo at 80 dB and above when driving alone.

I am comfortable listening in the 60-65 dB range and enjoy doing that for a whole CD but it is too loud for my wife to enjoy.

50-55 dB is enjoyable to me but still requires talking louder than normal to have a conversation.

Below 50 dB is fine for background listening but not as enjoyable for dedicated listening.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
From my listening position, I keep it at no more than 80 dB SPL on the peaks, and usually around 70-75 dB SPL average, using a Radio Shack digital SPL meter. Above 80 and hearing damage begins.
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