Hearing loss often begins subtly. You may dismiss your need for people to repeat what they said as them mumbling or background noise. But as you reflect on this moment, a question emerges: Am I losing my hearing? It will be easier to identify whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that go along with hearing loss.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, this is a common sign of conductive hearing loss. 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 may hear:
- In settings where there is a lot of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
- Needing individuals to talk louder
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
Besides becoming softer, sounds will often also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to distinguish between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
How it may sound:
- Speech that seems muddled or distorted
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others disappear into the background
- Difficulty distinguishing vowels from consonants, causing misunderstandings
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misinterpret key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss often comes with tinnitus symptoms. It typically manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, which can cause actual sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
You might hear the following:
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Buzzing or static sounds
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in many ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Distinguishing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss can be a slow process, and recognizing the sounds associated with it is crucial for early intervention. It’s probably time to schedule an appointment for a hearing assessment if you find yourself having trouble following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat themselves.
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 crucial. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and direct you toward appropriate treatment solutions. Your quality of life can be significantly improved by knowing what hearing loss sounds like. The health of your hearing is important so don’t wait to get the help you need.
Contact us right away for a consultation.