Hearing loss often starts out subtly. You might find yourself asking your kids to repeat something, dismissing it as mumbling or background noise. But when this happens, you begin to think that you may be starting to develop hearing loss. Understanding the sounds linked to hearing loss can help you recognize potential changes in your own hearing.
Conductive hearing loss makes the world sound softer
For many, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they once did. You may notice that your partner frequently asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to recognize that the television volume is extremely loud.
What you might hear:
- Difficulty hearing in noisy settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
- The need for individuals to raise their voices
- Sounds that are softer than before
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far away or muffled.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
Besides becoming softer, sounds will often also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
How it may sound:
- Speech that sounds muddled or unclear
- Difficulty distinguishing consonants from vowels, resulting in misunderstandings
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you understand what’s being said but misinterpret key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It normally manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, which can cause actual sounds to be even harder to hear.
What you may hear:
- Buzzing or static noises
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these intrusive sounds can substantially affect day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss can be a slow process, and recognizing the sounds associated with it is crucial for early intervention. If you find yourself consistently asking others to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations, it could be time to consider a hearing assessment.
When to consult a hearing specialist
If you think you are detecting any kind of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and supply you with the best course of treatment. Your quality of life can be substantially improved by knowing what hearing loss sounds like. Don’t wait to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.