Normally, the first stages of hearing loss advance slowly. You might find yourself asking your daughter to repeat something, disregarding it as 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 recognize potential changes in your own hearing.
Conductive hearing loss comes with softer sounds
When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, this is a common indication of conductive hearing loss. You might not even realize 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:
- Sounds that are quieter than before
- Needing people to speak up
- In settings where there is a lot of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
This form of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making common sounds seem distant or indistinct.
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 may feel challenging as you struggle to distinguish between similar sounds.
What you may hear:
- Unclear or distorted speech
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others disappear into the background
- Misunderstandings because you’re unable to distinguish vowels from consonants
This distorted speech can cause you to misinterpret important details without even realizing it, which can lead to barriers in communication and frustration.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss often comes with tinnitus symptoms. It normally manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, which can cause external sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
What you may hear:
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss generally develops slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. If you find yourself regularly asking others to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it might be time to think about a hearing evaluation.
When is it time for a hearing test?
If you suspect you are detecting any form 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 substantially 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.