Typically, 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 as you reflect on this moment, a question emerges: Am I losing my hearing? Understanding the sounds related to hearing loss can help you identify potential changes in your own hearing.
Conductive hearing loss makes the world sound softer
For many people, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they used to. You may not even recognize that you’ve been turning the volume of the television up or that your friends and family regularly ask you to “speak up”.
What you may hear:
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
- The need for individuals to raise their voices
- Trouble hearing in noisy settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
This type of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making common sounds seem distant or indistinct.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will often also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations could feel challenging as you struggle to distinguish between similar sounds.
How it might sound:
- Speech that seems muddled or unclear
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others fade into the background
- Difficulty distinguishing consonants from vowels, leading to misunderstandings
This distortion can create frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misinterpret key details.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus presents a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It can present as consistent or intermittent sounds that overlap with external noises.
You might hear the following:
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these intrusive sounds can substantially impact daily life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss usually progresses slowly, and being conscious of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. It’s probably time to schedule an appointment for a hearing assessment if you find yourself having trouble following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat what they said.
When to consult a hearing specialist
It’s essential to make an appointment with us for a hearing assessment if you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any indications of hearing loss. Consulting with us can offer clarity on your condition and direct you toward correct treatment solutions. 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.