Typically, 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 think about this moment, a question arises: Am I losing my hearing? Understanding the sounds linked to hearing loss can help you recognize potential changes in your own hearing.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
For many, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they used to. You might not even recognize that you’ve been turning the volume of the television up or that your friends and family frequently ask you to “speak up”.
Here are some things you might hear:
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
- The need for others to speak louder
- In settings where there is lots of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
This type 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
Besides becoming softer, sounds will frequently also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
What you may hear:
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Problems distinguishing vowels from consonants, resulting in misunderstandings
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others disappear into the background
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication barriers, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
Tinnitus symptoms
Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can present as consistent or intermittent sounds that overlap with external noises.
You might hear the following:
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Buzzing or static sounds
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these invasive sounds can significantly affect day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and recognizing the sounds associated with it is essential for early intervention. It’s probably time to set up an appointment for a hearing consultation 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 experiencing any kind of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. Consulting with us can offer clarity on your condition and guide you toward appropriate treatment solutions. Your quality of life can be significantly improved by knowing what hearing loss sounds like. Don’t wait to get help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.