a method of generating a personalized sound system hearing profile for a user . the method begins by selecting an initial profile , based on selected factors of user input . in an embodiment , the initial profile is selected based on demographic factors . then the system identifies one or more alternate profiles , each having a selected relationship with the initial profile . the relationship between alternate profiles and the initial profile can be based on gain as a function of frequency , one alternate profile having a higher sensitivity at given frequencies and the other a lower sensitivity . the next step links at least one audio sample with the initial and alternate profiles and then plays the selected samples for the user . the system then receives identification of the preferred sample from the user ; and selects a final profile based on the user &# 39 ; s preference . an embodiment offers multiple sound samples in different modes , resulting in the selection of multiple final profiles for the different modes . finally , the system may apply the final profile to the sound system .