Hearing loss usually begins subtly. You may find yourself asking your kids to repeat something, dismissing it as 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 recognize whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that accompany hearing loss.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
For many, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they used to. You may notice that your partner often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to realize that the television volume is excessively loud.
What you may hear:
- In environments where there is lots of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
- Sounds that are softer than before
- Needing individuals to speak up
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
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:
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Misunderstandings because you can’t differentiate vowels from consonants
- Speech that sounds muddled or distorted
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication barriers, where you think you understand what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It can manifest as persistent or periodic sounds that overlap with outside noises.
What you may hear:
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
- Buzzing or static sounds
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can substantially impact quality of life.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and identifying the sounds associated with it is essential for early intervention. If you find yourself consistently asking others to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it may be time to think about a hearing assessment.
When to consult a hearing specialist
If you think you are detecting any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. Consulting with us can offer clarity on your condition and guide you toward correct treatment options. Your quality of life can be substantially 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.