Typically, 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 when this occurs, you begin to think that you may be starting to develop hearing loss. It will be easier to identify whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that go along with hearing loss.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, this is a common indication of conductive hearing loss. You may notice that your partner often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to recognize that the television volume is excessively loud.
Here are a few things you might hear:
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
- The need for individuals to speak louder
- In settings where there is a lot of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
This form of hearing loss may 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 often also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations might feel challenging as you struggle to distinguish between similar sounds.
What you might hear:
- Misunderstandings because you can’t distinguish vowels from consonants
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Speech that seems muddled or unclear
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication barriers, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus presents a unique auditory experience that can come with 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:
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Ringing or hissing sounds that appear to come from within
- Buzzing or static sounds
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these invasive sounds can significantly impact day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss usually develops slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. It’s probably time to set up an appointment for a hearing assessment if you find yourself having trouble following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat themselves.
When to see a hearing specialist
It’s important to schedule an appointment with us for a hearing test if you are noticing tinnitus symptoms or any indications of hearing loss. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and supply you with the best course of treatment. Knowing what hearing loss sounds like can make a substantial difference in your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to get help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.