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 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.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
For many, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they used to. You may 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 may hear:
- Difficulty hearing in noisy settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
- Needing people to talk louder
Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
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.
What you may hear:
- Misunderstandings because you’re unable to differentiate vowels from consonants
- Speech that seems muddled or unclear
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
This distorted speech can cause you to misconstrue important details without even realizing it, which can produce barriers in communication and frustration.
Tinnitus symptoms
Hearing loss often comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can manifest as persistent or intermittent sounds that overlap with outside noises.
You might hear the following:
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Internal hissing or ringing 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 can be a slow process, and recognizing the sounds associated with it is essential for early intervention. It’s probably time to schedule an appointment for a hearing assessment if you find yourself having difficulty following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat what they said.
When to see 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 appropriate treatment options. 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.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.