From: Patent Tactics, George Brock-Nannestad

Hello,

in connection with reduced hearing I think I ought to mention that hearing 
aids may actually damage what hearing you have left. If you have a need for 
40+dB amplification at some frequencies, that may be overloading neighbouring 
and still functioning areas. Also note that just because you cannot hear a 
sound it may still have a level that is damaging. So, with hearing aids, 
basically use them only in situations when you really need them.

That said, modern hearing aids are extremely sophisticated; they are 
programmable to suit both your hearing and the instant listening environment, 
and they have compressor circuits (rather digital filters) for individual 
compression in different frequency ranges. This is to make the most of the 
reduced dynamics that many old ears experience.

The only disco I have ever visited was in Helsinki, Finland, about 25 years 
ago, and they had the good sense only to have a high level on the bass line. 
Very good for rattling your internal organs, but not damaging to your ears. 
By the way, the discotheque was called Brunnshuset (the well house), which 
was quickly observed to be Brunsthuset (the lust house).

Kind regards,


George