I’m 54 and I just got hearing aids for the first time. I’ve always had crappy hearing in the higher frequencies…even as a child. I can recall being in the 5th grade and the other kids would turn up the bass, but I’d turn up the treble…
Anyways, normal aging brings with it some hearing loss that has made the situation severe enough to warrant hearing aids. Nothing wrong with my ears; they’re healthy, they just don’t have a flat frequency curve.
I’ve had the hearing aids for 3 days; it’s quite an experience. My hearing aids are programmed to boost the frequencies that I have trouble with. If they are loud enough, I can hear them still. The effect of the hearing aids was unexpected. I get a sense of…“Bass Loss?” I can only guess that my hearing is now colored by noticing the high end so much all the time, plus with these things jammed in my ears I think it blocks some of the normal bass. One the flip side, over ear headphones are awesome!
I know some of you are older. What is your experience with playing bass with hearing aids? I tend to want to take mine out to play my bass.
I just the EQ on my amplifier (like I would on my hearing aids) and then just turn up the volume of the Amp. In addition I use headphones for BazzBuzz mp3 files when I practice. So the hearing aids go in the drawer when it bass and drum practice time! BeachBumDrums (and Basses?)
Hi @kwt7667,
I’m 58 and am lucky my hearing is not to bad?
I have difficulty hearing high hat when playing along with songs, as this is normally the best time keeping guide when playing.
I just try and lock in on bass drum or snare to stay in time.
I have a constant ringing in my ears?
I always practice with over ear headphones on,Playing the song, but keep one cup half of so I can hear myself playing, I don’t use an amp as I practice in the house with other people around, don’t want to annoy anyone.
I have done this for a long time and am used to it.
Cheers Brian
Certainly does and what’s worse I sort of blame myself for it in part.
In the later part of my career using firearms daily I knew it was damaging my hearing but did little or nothing to rectify it. Arrogance of youth ( well not just youth) I suppose. Sooner or later we all have to recognise we’re not invincible
The nice thing about the bass is that, at least in my case, it doesn’t trigger tinnitus for me. My doctor has led me to believe the my hearing loss is what has lead to my tinnitus, and I suppose that’s why when I hear high frequency stuff, that’s then it starts.
Interesting @kwt7667
Not hearing related but nevertheless bass/medical.The guy I bought my amp from was a brain injury specialist who expressed concern for my health if I was to used headphones whilst playing with the volume up too high as I had suffered a TBI !
It’s strange how low frequency and high frequency sounds affect the body so differently.
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