Hearing loss usually starts out subtly. You might 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 identify potential changes in your own hearing.
Conductive hearing loss comes with softer sounds
When normal sounds seem softer than they once did, this is a common sign of conductive hearing loss. You may not even recognize that you’ve been turning the volume of the television up or that your friends and family regularly ask you to “speak up”.
Here are a few things you may hear:
- Trouble hearing in noisy settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
- Needing individuals to speak up
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
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 distinguish between similar sounds.
How it may sound:
- Speech that seems muddled or unclear
- The sensation of hearing some sounds while others fade into the background
- Difficulty distinguishing consonants from vowels, causing misunderstandings
This distortion can create frustrating communication barriers, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misinterpret key details.
Tinnitus symptoms
Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. 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:
- Ringing or hissing sounds that appear to come from within
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in many ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss can be a gradual 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 trouble following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat what they said.
When to consult a hearing specialist
If you suspect you are detecting any kind of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and provide you with the best course of treatment. Your quality of life can be significantly improved by understanding what hearing loss sounds like. The health of your hearing is important so don’t wait to get the help you need.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.
