Pianotech

  • 1.  Hearing Aids

    Posted 10-13-2021 12:04
    Another post on this topic that I thought might be of interest.  I have been wearing (digital) hearing aids for several years, and they have been great.  But I have some experiences that I thought I should pass on.  
    
    Overall, I suggest that you investigate differences among brands and models, including increasingly their cell phone control apps, before you buy – and work closely with an audiologist with regard to the types of integrated functionality that can be important in our line of work.  Today the integrated controllable algorithms at least include speech focus, dynamics, noise control, frequency spectrum, and of course volume/gain.    
    
    In my case I need to use an app to turn down a "noise reduction" algorithm before beginning a (aural) tuning.  This gives me excellent/best clarity, particularly in the very lowest and highest octaves on the keyboard. (No, A0 or C8 is not noise!)  On occasion I have also slightly adjusted the gain.
    
    As I said, talk to an audiologist.  Regards, Norman
    


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    Norman Brickman
    Potomac Piano Service
    Potomac, Maryland
    potomacpiano@verizon.net
    https://potomacpiano.com
    (301) 983.9321
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  • 2.  RE: Hearing Aids

    Posted 10-14-2021 12:42
    Thanks for the good advice! I definitely don't want to start a heated discussion about electronic vs. aural, but this may be a situation where another tool in your kit could be an app, even on your phone, that would be there to help with the higher notes and maybe low ones too. There's a local person here that tunes aurally, actually he's blind, and he's done wonderful work over the years. I have high regard for him. But I've followed behind him many times now and the highest octave is always super sharp. We're talkin' 50-100 cents sharp! It's obvious he's lost his hearing up there. Unfortunately, in his case there wasn't even a option to tune with an app (although TuneLab now offers Montal Tuner for blind people).

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    "That Tuning Guy"
    Scott Kerns
    www.thattuningguy.com
    PianoMeter, TuneLab & OnlyPure user
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  • 3.  RE: Hearing Aids

    Posted 10-14-2021 19:05

    Scott, I certainly agree with you about electronic tuning aids. Whether on an app or a separate ETD, their functionality is impressive. Such as analyzing the piano's inharmonicity, assisting with a pitch raise, historic temperaments, and more. I think I'll be able to tell if/when it is time for me to supplement my tunings with use of an ETD.  Norman



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    Norman Brickman
    Potomac Piano Service
    Potomac, Maryland
    potomacpiano@verizon.net
    https://potomacpiano.com
    (301) 983.9321
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