Normally, the first stages of hearing loss develop 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 might be starting to develop hearing loss. It will be easier to identify whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that go along with hearing loss.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
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 cranking the volume of the television up or that your friends and family frequently ask you to “speak up”.
What you might hear:
- The need for individuals to speak louder
- In environments where there is lots of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
- Sounds that are quieter than before
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far away or muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming softer, sounds will frequently also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations may feel challenging as you struggle to differentiate between similar sounds.
What you might hear:
- Difficulty distinguishing consonants from vowels, causing misunderstandings
- The sensation of hearing some sounds while others disappear into the background
- Speech that seems muddled or distorted
This distorted speech can cause you to misinterpret important details without even knowing it, which can produce barriers in communication and frustration.
Tinnitus symptoms
Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can manifest as consistent or intermittent sounds that overlap with external noises.
You may hear the following:
- Ringing or hissing sounds that seem to come from within
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
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 recognizing the sounds connected with it is crucial for early intervention. If you find yourself regularly asking people to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it may be time to consider a hearing assessment.
When to see a hearing specialist
If you think you are experiencing any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is crucial. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and provide you with the best course of treatment. Understanding what hearing loss sounds like can make a meaningful difference in your quality of life. Don’t wait to get help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.
