Normally, 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
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 regularly ask you to “speak up”.
Here are some things you may hear:
- Trouble hearing in noisy settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
- The need for people to speak louder
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far away or muffled.
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 differentiate between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
What you might hear:
- Difficulty distinguishing consonants from vowels, leading to misunderstandings
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others disappear into the background
- Unclear or distorted speech
This distortion can create frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus presents a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It usually 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:
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
Each individual’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these intrusive sounds can significantly impact daily life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss generally develops slowly, and being conscious of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. If you find yourself frequently asking others to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations, it might be time to think about a hearing evaluation.
When to consult a hearing specialist
If you suspect you are detecting any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and direct you toward correct treatment options. Knowing what hearing loss sounds like can make a substantial difference in your quality of life. The health of your hearing is important so don’t wait to get the help you need.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.
