Hearing loss often begins subtly. You might find yourself asking your kids to repeat something, disregarding it as mumbling or background noise. But when this happens, you begin to think that you might be starting to develop hearing loss. Understanding the sounds linked to hearing loss can help you identify potential changes in your own hearing.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
For many, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they once did. 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”.
What you may hear:
- Sounds that are quieter than before
- The need for individuals to raise their voices
- Trouble hearing in noisy settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will frequently also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations could feel challenging as you struggle to distinguish between similar sounds.
What you might hear:
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Problems distinguishing vowels from consonants, causing misunderstandings
This distorted speech can cause you to misconstrue important details without even knowing it, which can lead to barriers in communication and frustration.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. 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 might hear:
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
- Whistling or hissing sounds that seem to come from within
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Distinguishing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and recognizing the sounds connected with it is essential for early intervention. If you find yourself regularly asking people to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations, it could be time to think about a hearing assessment.
When to consult a hearing specialist
It’s important to make an appointment with us for a hearing assessment if you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any symptoms of hearing loss. 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.