Hearing loss usually starts out subtly. You may dismiss your need for people to repeat themselves as them mumbling or background noise. But when this occurs, you begin to think that you may be starting to develop hearing loss. It will be easier to recognize whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that accompany hearing loss.
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 may notice that your partner often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to realize that the television volume is excessively loud.
What you may hear:
- In settings where there is lots of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
- The need for individuals to raise their voices
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
This form of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making familiar sounds seem distant or faint.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds quieter, but they can also become distorted. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
How it may sound:
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Difficulty distinguishing consonants from vowels, resulting in misunderstandings
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication barriers, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misinterpret key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can manifest as consistent or periodic sounds that overlap with outside noises.
You may hear the following:
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Buzzing or static noises
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
Each individual’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these invasive sounds can significantly affect day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Distinguishing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss can be a slow process, and identifying the sounds associated with it is essential for early intervention. If you find yourself consistently asking others to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it could be time to think about a hearing assessment.
When is it time for a hearing test?
If you suspect you are detecting any kind of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is crucial. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and supply you with the best course of treatment. Knowing what hearing loss sounds like can make a substantial difference in your quality of life. The health of your hearing is important so don’t wait to get the help you need.
Contact us right away for a consultation.