Hearing loss usually starts out subtly. You may dismiss your need for people to repeat themselves as them mumbling or background noise. But when this occurs, you begin to think that you might be starting to develop hearing loss. Understanding the sounds linked to hearing loss can help you recognize potential changes in your own hearing.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
For many people, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they once did. You may 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 might hear:
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
- Difficulty hearing in noisy settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
- Needing people to speak up
This form of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making familiar sounds seem distant or faint.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming softer, sounds will frequently also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations difficult.
What you may hear:
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Difficulty distinguishing consonants from vowels, resulting in misunderstandings
- Speech that sounds muddled or distorted
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 frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It typically manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t really there, which can cause external sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
What you might hear:
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these invasive sounds can substantially affect daily life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss normally develops slowly, and being conscious of sounds that come along with it is essential for early treatment. If you find yourself frequently asking others to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations, it could be time to consider a hearing evaluation.
When is it time for a hearing test?
It’s essential to make an appointment with us for a hearing test if you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any indications of hearing loss. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and direct you toward correct treatment options. 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.