Hearing loss usually starts out subtly. You may find yourself asking your daughter to repeat something, dismissing it as mumbling or background noise. But when this occurs, 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 comes with softer sounds
For many, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they once did. You may not even realize that you’ve been turning the volume of the television up or that your friends and family frequently ask you to “speak up”.
Here are a few things you may hear:
- The need for others to raise their voices
- Sounds that are softer than before
- In settings where there is a lot of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
This form of hearing loss may feel like a muffled auditory experience, making common sounds seem distant or indistinct.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
Besides becoming softer, sounds will frequently also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations may feel challenging as you struggle to distinguish between similar sounds.
What you may hear:
- The sensation of hearing some sounds while others fade into the background
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Misunderstandings because you’re unable to differentiate vowels from consonants
This distortion can create frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Tinnitus presents a unique auditory experience that can come with hearing loss. It can manifest as consistent or periodic sounds that overlap with outside noises.
You may hear the following:
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these invasive 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 identifying the sounds associated with it is crucial for early intervention. It’s probably time to set up an appointment for a hearing consultation if you find yourself having trouble following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat what they said.
When to see a hearing specialist
It’s essential to schedule an appointment with us for a hearing test if you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any symptoms of hearing loss. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and guide you toward appropriate treatment options. Your quality of life can be substantially improved by understanding what hearing loss sounds like. The health of your hearing is important so don’t wait to get the help you need.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.