Usually, the first stages of hearing loss develop slowly. You may 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 may be starting to develop hearing loss. Understanding the sounds associated with hearing loss can help you identify potential changes in your own hearing.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
When normal sounds seem softer than they once did, this is a common indication of conductive hearing loss. You may not even recognize that you’ve been cranking the volume of the television up or that your friends and family frequently ask you to “speak up”.
Here are a few things you might hear:
- Difficulty hearing in loud settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
- Needing people to talk louder
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
Conductive hearing loss often 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 may feel challenging as you struggle to differentiate between similar sounds.
How it may sound:
- Misunderstandings because you can’t distinguish vowels from consonants
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Unclear or distorted speech
This distorted speech can cause you to misconstrue important details without even realizing it, which can lead to barriers in communication and frustration.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus presents a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It can present as consistent or intermittent sounds that overlap with outside noises.
What you might hear:
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
- Buzzing or static sounds
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and identifying the sounds associated with it is essential for early intervention. It’s probably time to make an appointment for a hearing assessment if you find yourself having trouble following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat what they said.
When to see a hearing specialist
If you think you are experiencing any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is crucial. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and guide you toward correct treatment solutions. Knowing what hearing loss sounds like can make a substantial difference in your quality of life. Don’t wait to get help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.