2. amps-preamps
  3. 1417741321

Hearing issues and signal attenuation

In other forums I've discussed my age related hearing issues and how I might compensate using mechanical controls. Since those posts I've tried hearing aids but, because of the discomfort caused by them, I gave them up. My problem in a nutshell is that, although my hearing lost is bilateral starting at about 1500 Hz, the left ear hearing is somewhat more compromised. This, of course, results in my perception that center stage is off center to the right side especially at higher frequencies. I just installed new speakers (Martin Logan Ethos replacing Odysseys) which seems to have worsened this problem.

The last time I brought this up the suggestions included installation of a high quality active or passive equalizer, changing my listening position and using hearing aids. The EQ approach makes the most sense but in reviewing the several equalizers suggested I found them to be a little out of my price range. I have been considering using a good L pad to attenuate the signal to the right speaker but because the problem seems mostly related to the higher frequencies, I'm afraid that simply reducing volume to the right side will result in more heavily weighting lower frequencies to the left.

Anyway, it might be time to bite the bullet and start looking again into purchasing an equalizer. Based on the following setup I would appreciate all suggestions:

Shanling CD100, Nova Audio Nova preamp and Nova 220 amp.
128x128broadstone
rodman99999
3,557 posts
 
It seems that you would want to accentuate the tweeter level, on the weaker hearing side, to compensate for your loss, rather than the opposite. BUT: L-pads are designed to present a constant impedance to the
crossover, so as not to change the crossover point. One
resistor, installed either in parallel or series with a
driver, will change the roll-off point. Here's something that
presents the correct method, should you choose to pursue such
a course:
(http://www.diyaudioandvideo.com/Calculator/LPad/Help.aspx)
broadstone's avatar
broadstone OP
277 posts
 
Those are good thoughts and much appreciated. I tried the speaker angle approach even to the point of exaggerated positioning but the issue of right side upper level detail remained. I tried installing a 2 ohm 100W resistor in series on the right speaker and wasn't able to hear the difference in right weighted upper level frequencies either. I'll try the method discussed in the ditaudio article and still use the L pad to find a resistance value that might work. BTW, my amplification equipment is Peachtree Audio. I don't know what I was thinking when I said it was Nova. .??
mceljo
983 posts
 
Nova is a Peachtree model, right?
lloydc's avatar
lloydc
549 posts
 
Yes, there is some discomfort (mine often itch), but you need to find a way to wear hearing aids. You seem to need the kind that go behind your ear; they just shouldn't be that uncomfortable.
broadstone's avatar
broadstone OP
277 posts
 
Thanks, Lloyd. Both sets of hearing aids I've tried were BTE with in canal receivers. My problem seems related, at least to some degree, on the abnormally small diameter canals. We even worked with the manufacturer re tip size and material. Nothing worked so I gave up trying and sold both pairs on eBay.
More to discover