Hearing loss usually starts out subtly. You might 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.
Conductive hearing loss makes the world sound softer
For many people, 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 frequently ask you to “speak up”.
Here are some things you might hear:
- In settings where there is a lot of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
- The need for individuals to raise their voices
This type of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making common sounds seem distant or indistinct.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will frequently also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations could feel challenging as you struggle to distinguish between similar sounds.
How it may sound:
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Problems distinguishing vowels from consonants, causing misunderstandings
- Speech that seems muddled or unclear
This distorted speech can cause you to misconstrue important details without even knowing it, which can produce barriers in communication and frustration.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can present as consistent or periodic sounds that overlap with outside noises.
What you might hear:
- 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 individual’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these intrusive sounds can significantly impact daily life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss generally progresses slowly, and being conscious of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. It’s probably time to schedule an appointment for a hearing consultation if you find yourself having difficulty following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat what they said.
When is it time for a hearing exam?
It’s important to schedule an appointment with us for a hearing assessment if you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any indications 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 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.