Increase gain and lower noise floor

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g8lce
Posts: 419
Joined: Sun Dec 06, 2015 10:26 am

Increase gain and lower noise floor

Post by g8lce » Sat Aug 09, 2025 3:37 pm

Just recently I have been having problems with my hearing. I am 74 and it got suddenly worse. After a month of trying decongestants and ear wax removing drops I booked to see a consultant at large cost! This was because I was desperate. Then the consultant's secretary phoned and said I must get a hearing test first. Booked online a 15 minute one the next day. Went for test and he looked in my ears and said he would not bother to test them as he could see they were blocked and recommended a place which happened to be where my car was parked. Called in and the lady said she had a few minutes and would look at my ears. She then used a water jet type of gentle treatment and what a result!!!!!
I now have better hearing than I have had for literally years. Everything is so loud! And the treatment was painless and less than 10 minutes.
The reason I am writing this here is that most of us are old and even atv requires the need to hear if possible. I was getting low and closed in and my wife was getting annoyed. The fact that my hearing is actually better than before I thought it was getting bad is amazing too. Hearing tests can be free and take little time
Don't be like me and suffer in silence. It could transform your hobby and life.

Martin G8LCE

PS I cancelled the consultation with a specialist!

radiogareth
Posts: 1382
Joined: Wed Jan 06, 2016 9:46 am

Re: Increase gain and lower noise floor

Post by radiogareth » Sat Aug 09, 2025 3:44 pm

Great to 'hear' (groan...) Martin. I think Boots will do a quick free basic test and it includes a 'camera down the ear canal' to check for just that. Worth bearing in mind before you spend lots of money.
Whats odd is that none of the high-tech offerings seem to offer any noise-cancelling like the BHI speakers have been offering for 20+ years. It's not so much I can't hear stuff as I can't hear speech in a noisy environment....
Gareth

Basil
Posts: 398
Joined: Tue Sep 10, 2013 7:28 pm

Re: Increase gain and lower noise floor

Post by Basil » Sat Aug 09, 2025 6:24 pm

So glad to read that you have enjoyed a big improvement in your hearing for little cost, no intrusive surgery and no pain or delay.

I must get my ears examined, my hearing is also pretty naff these days, I will use your post as an incentive to make time to have them checked out.
Best regards,

Chris, 2E0ILY in rural Shropshire.

g8lce
Posts: 419
Joined: Sun Dec 06, 2015 10:26 am

Re: Increase gain and lower noise floor

Post by g8lce » Sun Aug 10, 2025 7:46 am

In my case the clue might have been that I could hear my top teeth really well when cleaning with an electric toothbrush but not the bottom teeth. This indicates that my conductive hearing was working (an online doctors appointment gave me that answer). Also I was hearing 'jungle bird noises' and when I moved my head around there was alot of clicking.
All better now!
( it is the engineer in me )

Martin G8LCE

radiogareth
Posts: 1382
Joined: Wed Jan 06, 2016 9:46 am

Re: Increase gain and lower noise floor

Post by radiogareth » Mon Aug 11, 2025 6:31 am

Advert endured last night promoting free hearing assessments at your local Boots....
Gareth

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