Hearing loss often starts out subtly. You may find yourself asking your daughter 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. It will be easier to recognize whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that go along with hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss comes with softer sounds
When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, this is a common indication of conductive hearing loss. You may not even realize that you’ve been cranking the volume of the television up or that your friends and family regularly ask you to “speak up”.
Here are a few things you may hear:
- Difficulty hearing in noisy settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
- Sounds that are quieter than before
- The need for people to raise their voices
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
In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds softer, but they can also become distorted. It’s challenging to distinguish between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
How it may sound:
- Problems distinguishing consonants from vowels, leading to misunderstandings
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others disappear into the background
- Unclear or distorted speech
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
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 external sounds to be even harder to hear.
You may hear the following:
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
Each individual’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these invasive sounds can substantially impact day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Distinguishing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss usually progresses slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is essential for early treatment. If you find yourself regularly asking others to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it might be time to think about a hearing evaluation.
When to see a hearing specialist
It’s essential to make an appointment with us for a hearing test if you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any indications of hearing loss. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and guide you toward correct treatment options. Your quality of life can be substantially improved by understanding what hearing loss sounds like. Don’t hesitate to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.
