2. misc-audio
  3. 159213-88750

Hearing loss and HiFi

I have found a good number of threads in this subject but they are older.  Since hearing technology changes quickly I’ll go ahead with the question.  I am 72 years old and I was recently diagnosed with mild to moderate hearing loss. My loss is across the entire frequency spectrum as opposed to only high frequencies. It’s not just an issue of volume but also of clarity, I don’t hear as much as I used to in the music. If you have experienced hearing loss, how did it impact how you view you audio system. If you can’t hear the detail etc. do you really need a high end system? Should I get an EQ to boost the frequencies I have trouble with? Would I be better off selling my current system and buying a BEST BUY receiver and some speakers and calling it quits.
If you have experienced hearing loss, I would love to hear your thoughts.
128x128pipebro
pipebro's avatar
pipebro OP
32 posts
 
Table jockey,  Hearing aids are coming 9/12 and I didn’t plan to do anything until I get them and get used to them. And the ENT did say it would get worse, unfortunately.
tablejockey
3,799 posts
 
"Hearing aids are coming 9/12 and I didn’t plan to do anything until I get them and get used to them."

Good for you, pipebro. There are a few here mentioning certain brands that seem to bode well for us audiophools.

I'm getting a new evaluation next week. Sized up for some aids next month.
At least you don't have tinnitus. It can be quite distracting in all situations
tgrisham
1,291 posts
 
Wolf_Garcia is correct. Some of the finest conductors ever had hearing loss and still produced superb recordings. My advice is to not worry about it. If you notice a significant loss of enjoyment in your system consider new speakers, not EQ which will sound worse. Careful with headphones and volume in general. Enjoy the music!  And I have moderate hearing loss and tinnitus. 
tonyzvault51
6 posts
 
Here in Sydney,Australia,I developed worsening hearing loss and bought Hearing Aids about 8 years ago.Where previously,my hearing of music was a bit muffled,I now hear all the detail and it is fantastic.Why not get an Audiology test and get hearing aids? Best Tony
fbgbill's avatar
fbgbill
294 posts
 
I am 71 and I have worn hearing aids for over 15 years and am on my third pair which are so much better than my first. I still have issues with understanding what others say unless I am looking directly at them. Hearing aids cannot fix everything. My hearing loss did not stop me from getting back into my audiophile hobby after 30 years away. I had kept all my cd collection. I did spend a lot on my system and do not regret it. My only problem is that some old cd's are really crappy. They are either deteriorating or were bad original recordings. 
More to discover