Losing your hearing and wearing hearing aids doesn’t have to mean that you must give up your music. It is true that most hearing aids make it difficult to listen to and hear music clearly because there are acoustical differences between speech and music; however, recent studies and innovations have brought about some advancements and innovations in hearing aid technology. Here are some tips for musicians with hearing loss.
You Are Not Alone, Hearing Loss Affects Many Musicians
Many well-known musicians have encountered hearing loss or problems with their hearing. Among the most famous was Beethoven; some of his most well-known classic pieces were composed after he became profoundly deaf. Even in modern times, many musicians have announced problems with hearing loss. Stars like Ozzy Osborne, Brian Wilson, Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, and will.i.aim all have come forward to say they are dealing with hearing loss or tinnitus. In response, a collaborative project between the University of Leeds and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is bringing together music psychologist Dr Alinka Greasley and Dr Harriet Crook, Lead Clinical Scientist for Complex Hearing Loss, to investigate how music listening experiences are affected by deafness, hearing impairments and the use of hearing aids.
Ways to Hear the Music Better with Your Hearing Aids
The hearing aid industry is responding to the complaints of musicians with some solutions. There is hope for so many musicians who have not been able to enjoy music or hear it clearly. You can schedule a visit with us and ask to have your hearing aids adjusted for music. There are several different types of adjustments to try in order to find the setting that works just right for you. Some of the possible adjustments include feedback-reduction, noise-reduction, switch to a low frequency range, or using an omnidirectional microphone. There are other, more technical specific types of adjustments we can make too in order to find the right setting for you. Other options include some assistive technology devices that work in conjunction with Bluetooth® compatible hearing aids.
Consult with the Hearing Experts at Kenwood Hearing Center
Your hearing aids are a big investment and vital to your hearing. However, they should work with all aspects of your life including listening to music. If you would like to speak with an experienced audiologist and discuss adjustments or ways to hear music better, contact us today and schedule an appointment.