Hearing loss often starts out subtly. You may dismiss your need for people to repeat what they said as them mumbling or background noise. But when this occurs, you begin to think that you may be starting to develop hearing loss. Understanding the sounds related to hearing loss can help you recognize potential changes in your own hearing.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
When normal sounds seem softer than they once did, this is a common indication of conductive hearing loss. 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:
- In environments where there is lots of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
- Needing people to talk louder
- Sounds that are softer than before
This form of hearing loss may feel like a muffled auditory experience, making common sounds seem distant or indistinct.
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 may feel challenging as you struggle to distinguish between similar sounds.
What you might hear:
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Problems distinguishing vowels from consonants, causing misunderstandings
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
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
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can come with hearing loss. It usually manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t really there, which can cause external sounds to be even harder to hear.
What you might hear:
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Buzzing or static sounds
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can substantially impact quality of life.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss can be a slow process, and recognizing the sounds associated with it is essential for early intervention. It’s probably time to make an appointment for a hearing consultation if you find yourself having trouble following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat themselves.
When to see a hearing specialist
If you think you are experiencing any kind of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is crucial. Consulting with us can offer clarity on your condition and guide you toward appropriate treatment solutions. Understanding what hearing loss sounds like can make a meaningful difference in your quality of life. 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.