Usually, the first stages of hearing loss advance slowly. You may dismiss your need for people to repeat themselves as them mumbling or background noise. But when this happens, you begin to think that you may be starting to develop hearing loss. Understanding the sounds associated with hearing loss can help you recognize potential changes in your own hearing.
Conductive hearing loss comes with softer sounds
For many, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they once did. 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”.
Here are some things you might hear:
- Needing individuals to talk louder
- In settings where there is lots of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
This form of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making familiar sounds seem distant or faint.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds quieter, but they can also become distorted. Conversations could feel challenging as you struggle to differentiate between similar sounds.
How it may sound:
- Misunderstandings because you can’t differentiate vowels from consonants
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Speech that seems muddled or unclear
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misinterpret key details.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It normally manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, which can cause external sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
You might hear the following:
- Whistling or hissing sounds that appear to come from within
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Buzzing or static noises
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these intrusive sounds can substantially impact day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss can be a slow process, and identifying the sounds connected with it is essential for early intervention. If you find yourself consistently asking people to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it could be time to think about a hearing evaluation.
When is it time for a hearing test?
If you suspect you are experiencing any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is crucial. Consulting with us can offer 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. Don’t hesitate to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.
