Usually, the first stages of hearing loss develop slowly. You might dismiss your need for people to repeat themselves as them mumbling or background noise. But as you think about 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 recognize that you’ve been turning the volume of the television up or that your friends and family regularly ask you to “speak up”.
Here are some things you might hear:
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
- Needing people to talk louder
- Trouble hearing in loud settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
This form of hearing loss may feel like a muffled auditory experience, making common sounds seem distant or indistinct.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds quieter, but they can also become distorted. It’s challenging to distinguish between similar sounds making conversations difficult.
How it might sound:
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Difficulty distinguishing vowels from consonants, resulting in misunderstandings
- Unclear or distorted speech
This distorted speech can cause you to misinterpret important details without even knowing it, which can lead to barriers in communication and frustration.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can come with hearing loss. It can present as persistent or intermittent 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
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss usually develops slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. If you find yourself consistently 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 assessment if you are noticing tinnitus symptoms or any indications of hearing loss. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and guide you toward appropriate treatment solutions. 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.
Contact us right away for a consultation.