Hearing loss usually starts out subtly. You might dismiss your need for people to repeat themselves as them mumbling or background noise. But as you reflect on this moment, a question emerges: Am I losing my hearing? It will be easier to identify whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that go along with hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss makes the world sound softer
When normal sounds seem softer than they once did, this is a common indication of conductive hearing loss. 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”.
What you may hear:
- The need for others to speak louder
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
- Trouble hearing in noisy settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far away or muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds quieter, but they can also become distorted. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
What you might hear:
- Speech that sounds muddled or distorted
- The sensation of hearing some sounds while others disappear into the background
- Problems distinguishing vowels from consonants, leading to misunderstandings
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you understand what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus presents a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It can present as persistent or periodic sounds that overlap with outside noises.
You might hear the following:
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Buzzing or static noises
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these intrusive sounds can significantly affect day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and recognizing the sounds connected with it is essential for early intervention. If you find yourself frequently asking others to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it could be time to think about a hearing assessment.
When is it time for a hearing test?
If you suspect you are detecting any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and supply you with the best course of treatment. Your quality of life can be substantially improved by knowing what hearing loss sounds like. Don’t hesitate to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Contact us right away for a consultation.