Normally, the first stages of hearing loss advance slowly. You might 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? It will be easier to identify whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that go along with hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss comes with softer sounds
When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, this is a common sign of conductive hearing loss. You may not even realize 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 might hear:
- In settings where there is lots of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
- Needing people to speak up
Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds quieter, but they can also become distorted. Conversations could feel challenging as you struggle to distinguish between similar sounds.
How it might sound:
- Problems distinguishing consonants from vowels, resulting in misunderstandings
- Speech that sounds muddled or distorted
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
This distorted speech can cause you to misinterpret important details without even realizing it, which can produce barriers in communication and frustration.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss often comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can present as persistent or periodic sounds that overlap with outside noises.
What you may hear:
- Buzzing or static noises
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
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.
Distinguishing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss usually progresses slowly, and being aware 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 might be time to consider a hearing evaluation.
When to consult a hearing specialist
It’s important to schedule an appointment with us for a hearing test 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 appropriate treatment solutions. Knowing what hearing loss sounds like can make a substantial difference in your quality of life. The health of your hearing is important so don’t wait to get the help you need.
Contact us right away for a consultation.