Some of my toughest critics are engineers and musicians. When a patient walks in and tells me something like, “I’m having difficulties hearing in the higher register… somewhere around 3600Hz,” then I know I am dealing with someone who has very specific needs. For instance, I have one patient who brings in her viola and flute so that I can make adjustments to her hearing aids while she is playing. Music is one of the most difficult things to get correct for people with hearing loss.

Hearing aid research mostly focuses on speech and optimizing communication. Algorithms and electroacoustic characteristics are designed to enhance speech and eliminate noise. Music, which is spectrally similar to noise, can often become distorted when various hearing aid features are activated. Now, in an attempt to improve upon listening satisfaction, many manufacturers have developed technologies and strategies to optimize music. It may take some time, but your audiologist may be able to adjust your hearing aids so that you can enjoy music again.

This website provides helpful information on hearing loss and musicians: http://www.musiciansclinics.com/home.asp