Hearing loss usually starts out subtly. You might dismiss your need for people to repeat themselves as them mumbling or background noise. But when this occurs, you begin to think that you might be starting to develop hearing loss. Understanding the sounds related to hearing loss can help you identify potential changes in your own hearing.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
For many people, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they once did. You may not even recognize 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:
- The need for others to raise their voices
- In environments where there is lots of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
- Sounds that are quieter than before
Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will often also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations could feel challenging as you struggle to differentiate between similar sounds.
What you might hear:
- Unclear or distorted speech
- The sensation of hearing some sounds while others fade into the background
- Problems 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 periodic sounds that overlap with outside noises.
What you might hear:
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
Each individual’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these intrusive sounds can substantially impact daily life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss normally develops slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. It’s probably time to schedule an appointment for a hearing consultation if you find yourself having difficulty following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat what they said.
When to see a hearing specialist
It’s important to schedule an appointment with us for a hearing assessment if you are noticing tinnitus symptoms or any indications of hearing loss. Consulting with us can offer clarity on your condition and direct you toward correct treatment options. Your quality of life can be substantially improved by understanding what hearing loss sounds like. Don’t wait to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.