Usually, the first stages of hearing loss advance slowly. You might dismiss your need for people to repeat themselves as them mumbling or background noise. But when this happens, you begin to think that you might 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.
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 realize that you’ve been turning the volume of the television up or that your friends and family frequently ask you to “speak up”.
Here are a few things you might hear:
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
- The need for individuals to speak louder
- Trouble hearing in noisy 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 indistinct.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds softer, but they can also become distorted. It’s challenging to distinguish between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
What you may hear:
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others disappear into the background
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Problems distinguishing vowels from consonants, leading to misunderstandings
This distorted speech can cause you to misinterpret important details without even realizing it, which can produce barriers in communication and frustration.
Tinnitus symptoms
Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It normally manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t really there, which can cause actual sounds to be even harder to hear.
You might hear the following:
- Ringing or hissing sounds that seem to come from within
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
Each individual’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these intrusive sounds can significantly affect day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and identifying the sounds connected with it is crucial for early intervention. If you find yourself regularly asking people to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it may be time to think about a hearing assessment.
When is it time for a hearing exam?
If you think you are detecting any kind of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and direct you toward appropriate treatment options. Understanding what hearing loss sounds like can make a substantial difference in your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.