Hearing loss usually begins subtly. You might find yourself asking your daughter 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. It will be easier to identify whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that accompany hearing loss.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
For many, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they used to. You might not even recognize that you’ve been turning the volume of the television up or that your friends and family regularly ask you to “speak up”.
Here are some things you may hear:
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
- Trouble hearing in loud settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
- The need for people to speak louder
This form of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making common sounds seem distant or faint.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming softer, sounds will often also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
What you might hear:
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Difficulty distinguishing consonants from vowels, leading to misunderstandings
- Unclear or distorted speech
This distortion can create frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you understand what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It normally manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t really there, which can cause external sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
What you may hear:
- Ringing or hissing sounds that appear to come from within
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Buzzing or static noises
Each individual’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these intrusive sounds can substantially affect day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss normally develops slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. If you find yourself frequently asking others to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it could be time to consider a hearing evaluation.
When is it time for a hearing test?
If you suspect 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. The health of your hearing is important so don’t wait to get the help you need.
Contact us right away for a consultation.
