Is Listening to Music about to Suck?

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Not sure what to expect. In two months, I'll be using hearing aids tailored to my not-the-best hearing. Knowing that the speaker for hearing aid will be the last in line for music listening, is the sound of good quality music going away? Part of me suspects it might. The other part is a wait and see what happens.

I've always appreciated good-sounding music.

Anyway, for those that are already using hearing aids, what should I expect?

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[DesertDweller]

I have been wearing hearing aids for about two years now. I have never used my hearing aids to listen to music because I use my AirPods instead. I live alone, so I do that in the house as well as when I am on the train, bus, etc. Listening via the AirPods has presented no issues.

I generally do not put my aids in until I get to work, so in the truck when I drive to work, I just turn the volume up as needed (I have safety concerns about wearing AirPods while driving). Sounds good to me but then I never had the ear for music that others seem to have so I might be missing something and not even know it!

 

[superj]

Its sounds fine tk me and i have had hearing aids for about 5 years

 

[fordgt]

I have had HA’s for about 8 years now. I wonder if your loss is attributable at all to listening to music. I attribute mine to 55 years of working in my woodworking shop, auto shop, yard work etc. without hearing protection.
It depends how bad your loss is, AIR PODS 2 or 3 have a hearing aid function. It’s pretty cool because you can voice control them. The noise cancellation feature and obviously music are awesome. Problem is they only last 6 hours or so. So you need 2 pairs to get you through the day. They improved my hearing, but not nearly enough.
So I tried OTC hearing aids, read reviews and bought JABRA enhance 700’s for $1800. Quality product and great customer service and 100 day return policy. Still was reading closed captions while watching tv.
So went to my audiologist and I am my “try before you buy period”. I am trying my second pair. Last week I tried a pair and the improvement was significant. Unfortunately, the price is also. Around $3800. But I could hear!
So yesterday, I was fitted with the next level, $4800 but I am typing this and listening to the tv. There is one more level but I think I am going to stay here.
You control them with an app and can set up a “complication” on the Apple Watch face so you can change the program or volume.
The biggest things about hearing aids to me are the studies linking hearing loss to early dementia and I believe them. You find yourself missing out on conversations and withdrawing in social situations. The other is having to ask people to repeat themselves or guessing what they are saying.

 

[NM Mike]

If you wear your hearing aids while listening to music, you’ll probably turning the volume down. And you might find yourself adjusting your EQ. I can’t do heavy bass either with or without my aids.
Just a tip for when you start wearing them; avoid wearing them in loud places and places with multiple conversations happening like resteraunts. It’ll drive you bonkers at first till you get used to them.

 

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Some encouraging replies from you guys.

My hear loss clearly from life events. A few concerts, left window down in non-ac vans, car/van audio, motorcycles, firearms and mini-guns, and 20+ years in Army helicopters and noisy flight lines.

Left ear has always been noticably worse, but the hearing exam this past Wednesday indicated loss in both ears. Here's the chart:

 

[fordgt]

It seems the more expensive you go the better the background level is controlled. The WIDEX brand I am wearing now has directional focus. I can focus in front of me at a restaurant or left focus when my wife is driving. The acoustics in her Edge is horrible. Now I can hear her without turning my head.

 

[fordgt]

Some encouraging replies from you guys.

My hear loss clearly from life events. A few concerts, left window down in non-ac vans, car/van audio, motorcycles, firearms and mini-guns, and 20+ years in Army helicopters and noisy flight lines.

Left ear has always been noticably worse, but the hearing exam this past Wednesday indicated loss in both ears. Here's the chart:

significantly worse than mine. I bet you wind up with the high dollar ones. They will take some time getting used to. Now I put them in first thing and wear them until I showered, then put them back in until bed. A well fitted pair and actually using them can be life changing.
Your audiologist should let you try several pairs before you buy. Also, check your state laws, Florida has a mandatory 30 return policy.

 

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Was just thinking it doesn't seem like my hearing is as bad as the chart reflects. A little more volume above 3k hz could help.

 

[NM Mike]

My loss is similar to yours in the high pitch ranges. Chemotherapy, concerts, auto racing and shooting have all contributed. Tinnitus is always there, but how bad varies. Good hearing aids help, but as you know; once the hearing is gone, its gone forever. Protect what you have left.

 

[superj]

On my chart, the 3k range drops to the bottom. I have non stop tinitus so that blocks a bunch of sound. I wear my hearing aids from 0500 till bed time.



Thay is almost exactly what i hear anytime i am awake, and probably while sleeping. They say its the cause of my sleep apnea, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Because of the range its at, they said its probably from shooting but i also think years of the car windows being down, running a big air jackhammer when i did plumbing for commercial reroutes, time in the balancing booth for building turbine engines, and having very loud stereo systems when young probably didnt help.

But i know ear plugs do not help on an m60 or a m249 saw so that is for sure part the cause. Those were my main weapons back in my army years. The 60 until they replaced it with the 249

 

[superj]

Oh yeah, i have phonak audeo i-90 hearing aids

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