Thread: Is my hearing getting better as I get older

Not too long ago I used to blast the stereo, and one night I broke two Magico S5 speakers while playing the stereo in excess of 110 dB. I was trying to find out when the speakers would start distorting. Now when I play the stereo loud it is only in the 80-90 dB range, sounds great, and is more than loud enough. I thought as one gets older their hearing deteriorates, but enjoying music at a lower volume seems to be a hearing improvement. Not complaining. Just curious. At least the lower volume saves money on speaker repair.

I used to listen louder, too. I think that it's easy to impress someone (including yourself) that knows nothing about hi-end audio by playing it really really loud. Eventually you learn that's not what it's all about and you learn to listen for the beauty of the reproduction and the emotional engagement, not the cheap thrills.

For me, my hearing is FAR worse than it used to be, yet I can hear so much better because I know what I am listening for.

Kind of an interesting topic, for sure!

No. you are scared you will blow the speakers again, so unconsciously you are playing with lower volume

or you are sober

Music doesn’t have to be “blasted” to be enjoyed. Enjoy the music and save your hearing. You just retired and hopefully have many years ahead of musical bliss.

Thru both testing and listening I am aware of my high frequency loss. I struggle to identify some of the upper frequency sounds on recordings.
Yes, I do not play music at rock concert levels as in the past. Plus my choice in music has changed over the years which also leads to not playing as loud.
I find that I constantly have to adjust the volume due to the varying levels at which the engineers recorded and processed individual songs/albums.
In my system I find it "comes to life" at a certain volume level (somewhat moderate) and adjust to that.

NO the overall majority of people as they age will start to lose their ability to hear clearly. Once you get to the mid 60's ( 1/3 of the adults 65-75 ) things start to change for some people or sooner depending how badly you treated your hearing as a youth. Loud music, loud noises, shooting guns without hearing protection, head trauma, disease,hereditary and military service when your hearing protection was not available degrades your hearing and in time where one might experience ringing in the ears ( no cure) and maybe the lose of clarity in one or both ears. It amazes me the youth that use headphones that have the sound turned up so darn loud and "they don't listen" to what could occur as they age. Just my opinion and speaking from experience.

Originally Posted by BlueFox

I thought as one gets older their hearing deteriorates,

it does !

Bud, get back on your meds ............

Originally Posted by stereogeek

I am 66 and I know for sure I don't hear as well as I used to, especially high frequencies. Luckily my speakers are designed to allow the user to change the resistors on the midrange and tweeter separately. I left the tweeters just a little "hot" and they sound great.

Hmmm I have Wilson alexx. I never thought about trying this. Maybe when I'm due for a resistor change I will ask about it!

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Originally Posted by stereogeek

I don't have DSP or anything like that. I have a very simple system of CD player, pre amp, power amp and speakers. BTW, 2fastdriving, I read through the Wilson manual and there are all kinds of options and instructions on changing the resistors.

Yes, I've had many Wilson's, and I've changed the resistors a few times. But I've never changed the values from stock. I might try that.

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Mid 80's db with peaks hitting 90 db at the upper limit for me. Had a younger guy what me to show him how loud it would go playing Metallica. I told him no.