Hearing loss often begins 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 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.
Conductive hearing loss makes the world sound softer
When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, this is a common sign of conductive hearing loss. You might not even recognize that you’ve been cranking the volume of the television up or that your friends and family regularly ask you to “speak up”.
What you might hear:
- Needing individuals to talk louder
- Sounds that are quieter than before
- Difficulty hearing in noisy settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
This form of hearing loss may feel like a muffled auditory experience, making common sounds seem distant or faint.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will often also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to distinguish between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
How it may sound:
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Difficulty distinguishing consonants from vowels, causing misunderstandings
This distortion can create frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misinterpret key details.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It usually manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, which can cause external sounds to be even harder to hear.
You might hear the following:
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
- Buzzing or static sounds
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in many ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Distinguishing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss normally develops slowly, and being conscious of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. If you find yourself regularly asking others to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations, it may be time to consider a hearing assessment.
When to see a hearing specialist
It’s essential to schedule an appointment with us for a hearing test if you are noticing tinnitus symptoms or any symptoms of hearing loss. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and direct you toward correct treatment options. Understanding what hearing loss sounds like can make a meaningful difference in your quality of life. The health of your hearing is important so don’t wait to get the help you need.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.