Hearing loss often begins subtly. You might 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.
Conductive hearing loss comes with softer sounds
For many, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they used to. You may 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:
- In environments where there is lots of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
- Needing people to speak up
- Sounds that are quieter than before
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far away or muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming softer, sounds will often also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations could feel challenging as you struggle to distinguish between similar sounds.
How it might sound:
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Difficulty distinguishing vowels from consonants, leading to misunderstandings
- Speech that seems muddled or distorted
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication barriers, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can come with hearing loss. It can present as persistent or periodic sounds that overlap with external noises.
You might hear the following:
- Buzzing or static sounds
- Whistling or hissing sounds that seem to come from within
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in many ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss normally develops slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is essential for early treatment. It’s probably time to set up an appointment for a hearing consultation 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 experiencing any form 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 options. 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.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.