Hearing loss often begins subtly. You might dismiss your need for people to repeat what they said as them mumbling or background noise. But when this occurs, you begin to think that you might be starting to develop hearing loss. Understanding the sounds related to hearing loss can help you recognize potential changes in your own hearing.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
When normal sounds seem softer than they once did, this is a common sign of conductive hearing loss. You might notice that your partner often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to realize that the television volume is extremely loud.
Here are some things you might hear:
- Difficulty hearing in noisy settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
- The need for others to speak louder
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
This type of hearing loss may feel like a muffled auditory experience, making familiar sounds seem distant or faint.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will frequently also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
How it might sound:
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Misunderstandings because you’re unable to distinguish vowels from consonants
This distorted speech can cause you to misinterpret important details without even knowing it, which can lead to barriers in communication and frustration.
Tinnitus symptoms
Hearing loss often comes with tinnitus symptoms. It typically manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t really there, which can cause actual sounds to be even harder to hear.
You may hear the following:
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Whistling or hissing sounds that seem to come from within
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
Each individual’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these intrusive sounds can substantially affect day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Distinguishing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss generally progresses slowly, and being conscious of sounds that come along with it is essential for early treatment. It’s probably time to schedule an appointment for a hearing assessment if you find yourself having difficulty following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat what they said.
When is it time for a hearing exam?
If you suspect you are experiencing any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. Consulting with us can offer clarity on your condition and direct you toward appropriate treatment options. Your quality of life can be significantly improved by knowing what hearing loss sounds like. The health of your hearing is important so don’t wait to get the help you need.
Contact us right away for a consultation.