Hearing loss usually begins subtly. 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 arises: Am I losing my hearing? Understanding the sounds linked to 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 used to. You might notice that your partner often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to recognize that the television volume is excessively loud.
Here are some things you might hear:
- In settings where there is lots of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
- Sounds that are softer than before
- The need for people to speak louder
This form of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making familiar sounds seem distant or faint.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will often also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to distinguish between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
How it might sound:
- Misunderstandings because you’re unable to distinguish vowels from consonants
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Unclear or distorted speech
This distorted speech can cause you to misconstrue important details without even realizing it, which can produce barriers in communication and frustration.
Tinnitus symptoms
Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It typically manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t really there, which can cause external sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
What you might hear:
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in many ways and can substantially impact quality of life.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss usually develops slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. It’s probably time to make an appointment for a hearing assessment if you find yourself having difficulty following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat themselves.
When is it time for a hearing exam?
It’s important to schedule an appointment with us for a hearing assessment if you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any indications of hearing loss. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and supply you with the best course of treatment. Understanding what hearing loss sounds like can make a substantial difference in your quality of life. Don’t wait to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Contact us right away for a consultation.
