Usually, the first stages of hearing loss develop slowly. You may 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 associated with hearing loss can help you identify potential changes in your own hearing.
Conductive hearing loss comes with softer sounds
When normal sounds seem softer than they once did, this is a common sign of conductive hearing loss. You may not even realize 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 may hear:
- Needing people to talk louder
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
- Difficulty hearing in noisy settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
This form of hearing loss may feel like a muffled auditory experience, making familiar sounds seem distant or faint.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds quieter, but they can also become distorted. It’s challenging to distinguish between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
How it might sound:
- Difficulty distinguishing consonants from vowels, causing misunderstandings
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Speech that sounds muddled or unclear
This distortion can create frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you understand what’s being said but misinterpret key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Tinnitus presents a unique auditory experience that can come with hearing loss. It normally manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t really there, which can cause external sounds to be even harder to hear.
What you may hear:
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Ringing or hissing sounds that appear to come from within
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these invasive sounds can substantially affect daily life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss can be a slow process, and recognizing the sounds associated with it is essential for early intervention. If you find yourself consistently asking people to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it may be time to think about a hearing assessment.
When is it time for a hearing exam?
It’s essential to schedule an appointment with us for a hearing assessment if you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any symptoms of hearing loss. Consulting with us can offer clarity on your condition and direct you toward appropriate 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.