Hearing loss often begins subtly. You may find yourself asking your kids to repeat something, dismissing it as mumbling or background noise. But when this happens, you begin to think that you might be starting to develop hearing loss. Understanding the sounds associated with 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 may notice that your partner frequently asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to realize that the television volume is extremely loud.
What you may hear:
- Trouble hearing in noisy settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
- The need for people to speak louder
- Sounds that are softer than before
This form of hearing loss may feel like a muffled auditory experience, making common sounds seem distant or faint.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds softer, but they can also become distorted. Conversations might feel challenging as you struggle to differentiate between similar sounds.
What you might hear:
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others fade into the background
- Misunderstandings because you’re unable to distinguish vowels from consonants
- Speech that seems muddled or unclear
This distorted speech can cause you to misconstrue important details without even realizing it, which can produce barriers in communication and frustration.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus presents a unique auditory experience that can come with hearing loss. It usually manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, which can cause external sounds to be even harder to hear.
What you may hear:
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in many ways and can substantially impact quality of life.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss normally develops slowly, and being conscious of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. It’s probably time to set up an appointment for a hearing assessment if you find yourself having trouble following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat what they said.
When to see a hearing specialist
If you suspect you are detecting any kind 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 solutions. 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.