Hearing loss usually starts out subtly. You might find yourself asking your kids to repeat something, dismissing it as 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 identify whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that accompany hearing loss.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
For many people, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they once did. You might not even recognize that you’ve been cranking the volume of the television up or that your friends and family frequently ask you to “speak up”.
What you may hear:
- Needing individuals to talk louder
- Sounds that are quieter than before
- Trouble hearing in loud settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
This type of hearing loss might 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 quieter, but they can also become distorted. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
What you might hear:
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Speech that seems muddled or distorted
- Difficulty distinguishing vowels from consonants, resulting in misunderstandings
This distorted speech can cause you to misinterpret important details without even realizing it, which can lead to barriers in communication and frustration.
Tinnitus symptoms
Hearing loss often comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can present as persistent or intermittent sounds that overlap with external noises.
What you may hear:
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
Each individual’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these intrusive sounds can significantly impact day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Distinguishing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss generally progresses slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. 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 themselves.
When is it time for a hearing test?
If you think you are experiencing 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. Don’t wait to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Contact us right away for a consultation.
