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 arises: Am I losing my hearing? Understanding the sounds related to hearing loss can help you recognize potential changes in your own hearing.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, this is a common sign of conductive hearing loss. You might notice that your loved one often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to realize that the television volume is excessively loud.
What you may hear:
- Sounds that are softer than before
- Trouble hearing in noisy settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
- The need for others to raise their voices
Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far away or muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will frequently also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations could feel challenging as you struggle to differentiate between similar sounds.
What you may hear:
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Misunderstandings because you can’t distinguish vowels from consonants
This distorted speech can cause you to misconstrue important details without even realizing it, which can lead to barriers in communication and frustration.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It typically manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t really there, which can cause actual sounds to be even harder to hear.
You might hear the following:
- Buzzing or static noises
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
Each individual’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these invasive sounds can significantly affect daily life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss normally progresses slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. If you find yourself consistently asking people to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations, it might be time to consider a hearing evaluation.
When to see a hearing specialist
If you suspect you are experiencing any kind 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. Your quality of life can be significantly 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.
