Normally, the first stages of hearing loss advance slowly. You may dismiss your need for people to repeat what they said as them mumbling or background noise. But as you reflect on this moment, a question emerges: Am I losing my hearing? Understanding the sounds associated with hearing loss can help you identify potential changes in your own hearing.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, this is a common indication of conductive hearing loss. You might not even realize that you’ve been cranking the volume of the television up or that your friends and family regularly ask you to “speak up”.
What you may hear:
- Sounds that are quieter than before
- In environments where there is lots of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
- The need for people to raise their voices
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming softer, sounds will often also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
How it may sound:
- Speech that sounds muddled or distorted
- Difficulty distinguishing vowels from consonants, causing misunderstandings
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others disappear into the background
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
Tinnitus symptoms
Hearing loss often comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can manifest as persistent or intermittent sounds that overlap with outside noises.
What you may hear:
- Buzzing or static noises
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these invasive sounds can significantly affect daily life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss can be a slow process, and recognizing the sounds connected with it is essential for early intervention. It’s probably time to set up an appointment for a hearing assessment if you find yourself having difficulty following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat themselves.
When to consult a hearing specialist
If you think you are detecting any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and supply you with the best course of treatment. Your quality of life can be significantly improved by knowing what hearing loss sounds like. Don’t hesitate to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.