Typically, the first stages of hearing loss develop slowly. You might find yourself asking your kids to repeat something, disregarding 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 associated with hearing loss can help you identify 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 might not even recognize that you’ve been cranking the volume of the television up or that your friends and family frequently ask you to “speak up”.
What you might hear:
- Sounds that are quieter than before
- Difficulty hearing in noisy settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
- The need for individuals to raise their voices
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far away or muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will often also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations may feel challenging as you struggle to distinguish between similar sounds.
How it may sound:
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Speech that seems muddled or distorted
- Misunderstandings because you can’t distinguish vowels from consonants
This distortion can create frustrating communication barriers, where you think you understand what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
Tinnitus symptoms
Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It typically manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, which can cause actual sounds to be even harder to hear.
What you may hear:
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Buzzing or static noises
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing 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.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss generally progresses slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is essential for early treatment. If you find yourself consistently asking others to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations, it might be time to think about a hearing evaluation.
When is it time for a hearing exam?
If you think you are detecting any kind of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. Consulting with us can offer clarity on your condition and direct you toward correct treatment solutions. Your quality of life can be substantially improved by understanding what hearing loss sounds like. Don’t hesitate to get help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.