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Equalizers-Using to compensate for hearing loss

Several months ago I was active on several forums regarding age related hearing loss and the use of hearing aids. Because it's common for listeners to start having some deficiencies as they get older and because I've had experience dealing with this issue, I thought that I could offer some useful advice. After I was fitted with good quality hearing aids i got back much of the upper mid to high frequency detail that I very much missed but there was still something missing as regards what I'll call continuity(?).

To compensate for the tapering off of hearing acuity which for me begins in the area of 5000Hz and totally drops off at about 7700Hz, I'm considering the addition of an equalizer in the system. My thinking is that, because hearing aids are little more than sophisticated equalizers, I could accomplish the same improvement without having to wear them.

This brings me to my request for your advice; first of all, I would like to know if I'm missing something or if there's a flaw in my logic. Secondly, if it appears that an equalizer might be the answer, which type and manufacturer is recommended. The little research I've done leads me to believe that the addition of an equalizer will have a negative overall affect on sound quality and that the best ones are quite expensive. With this in mind, I would like to try something that won't break my bank to, at least, do a trial before I commit to a higher quality component.

BTW, my present system consists of, among other things, the hybrid 100W Rogue Audio Sphinx, Shanling solid state CD player and Martin Logan Odyssey speakers.
128x128broadstone
bojack
630 posts
 
Broadstone,

I have a ton of experience with the Behringer Ultra-Curve Pro DEQ 24/96 in use with an all Quicksilver/Spendor system and recommend it. I use it extensively to compensate for my hearing loss in my left ear (tragic story). It is undetectable in my signal chain, adding no noise, grain, veiling, or hum. You should be able to boost the frequencies in question, and it allows for .5dB adjustments in each channel. I did have one go belly up (stopped saving presets), but you can get them for $350 new. Yes, the fancy Accuphase models may be better in some way, but it costs a small fortune and may even do less than the Ultracurve. You will need 4 XLR to RCA adapters, however, and a preamp that has a tape loop or processor loop. Best of luck to you.
plato
1,543 posts
 
Broadstone, I think it could work and I have found that some of the dbx model EQ's sound very respectable in a high-end system. My backup for my expensive Lyngdorf preamp/equalizer is a dbx 1231 stereo 31 band graphic EQ with variable gain. I like it a little better than the older dbx 10/20 that is an old model and failed after time.

The dbx 1231 has both TRS connectors (RCA to TRS adapters are easy to find) and XLR balanced Inputs/Outputs. It has a list price of around $500 but can be found on the Internet closer to $350. I believe it has up to 15dB of boost/cut at 1/3 octave intervals.

If you find yourself using a lot of boost (say over 5 or 6dB) you might need to make sure your amp has enough power and stability into low-ohm loads in order to avoid amplifier clipping that can harm your speakers (and possibly your amp too).

Good luck!
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,464 posts
 
There are many on Ebay in the $100 price range. Soundcraftmen,ADC,Audiocontrol are some of the ones you should check out!
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
I am puzzled that what you are trying to achieve cannot be done by your hearing aids themselves. Most high quality aids are programmable to a specific response curve that can be exactly matched to your hearing loss. Also, most high quality aids do not roll off at 7700HZ. I suggest you first go back to your audiologist and seek a solution via your aids. If you don't have one, look for an audiologist that has a large number of clients that are professional musicians. I have tired various equalizers in my rig, none have worked well to the point they sound better with using my aids. Not mentioned in various responses about equalizers is the Technics 9010, a work horse of the pro sound field.
papermill's avatar
papermill
80 posts
 
Broadstone,
I expect your issue will be more and more common as most of us older audiophiles need to address our inevitable hearing loss.
I'm not sure if an equalizer will properly compensate for your hearing issues. However, I use the AudioControl C-101 equalizer in my second system in a very difficult room. It works wonderfully to balance frequencies. I much rather have it in the audio chain than out. It looks like it's available on eBay for a few hundred dollars and can be connected simply with RCAs. And it's a consumer product, not a pro product - easy to install between your preamp and speakers.
Much cheaper than most hearing aids! So it may be a relatively "easy" alternative in which to experiment.
All the best,
Dave
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