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 go along with hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss makes the world sound softer
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 turning the volume of the television up or that your friends and family frequently ask you to “speak up”.
What you might hear:
- The need for individuals to speak louder
- In environments where there is lots of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far away or muffled.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will frequently also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations difficult.
How it might sound:
- Problems distinguishing consonants from vowels, leading to misunderstandings
- Unclear or distorted speech
- The sensation of hearing some sounds while others fade into the background
This distortion can create frustrating communication barriers, where you think you understand what’s being said but misinterpret key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can manifest as persistent or intermittent sounds that overlap with external noises.
What you might hear:
- Buzzing or static sounds
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these intrusive sounds can substantially affect day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss usually progresses slowly, and being conscious of sounds that come along with it is essential for early treatment. If you find yourself regularly asking people to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it might be time to think about a hearing assessment.
When to see a hearing specialist
It’s essential to schedule an appointment with us for a hearing test if you are noticing tinnitus symptoms or any symptoms of hearing loss. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and guide you toward correct treatment solutions. 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.