Hearing loss usually begins subtly. You may find yourself asking your kids 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.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
For many people, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they used to. You may not even recognize that you’ve been cranking the volume of the television up or that your friends and family frequently ask you to “speak up”.
What you might hear:
- Trouble hearing in loud settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
- The need for individuals to speak louder
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
This type of hearing loss may feel like a muffled auditory experience, making common sounds seem distant or indistinct.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming softer, sounds will frequently also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations could feel challenging as you struggle to differentiate between similar sounds.
What you may hear:
- Unclear or distorted speech
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others fade into the background
- Misunderstandings because you can’t differentiate vowels from consonants
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication barriers, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It usually manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t really there, which can cause actual sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
You might hear the following:
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
- Buzzing or static sounds
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
Each individual’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these invasive sounds can significantly affect daily life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Distinguishing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and identifying the sounds connected with it is crucial for early intervention. If you find yourself regularly asking others to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it could be time to think about a hearing assessment.
When is it time for a hearing test?
If you suspect you are experiencing any kind of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is crucial. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and direct you toward correct treatment options. Your quality of life can be significantly improved by knowing what hearing loss sounds like. The health of your hearing is important so don’t wait to get the help you need.
Contact us right away for a consultation.