Normally, the first stages of hearing loss advance slowly. You may dismiss your need for people to repeat what they said as them mumbling or background noise. But when this happens, you begin to think that you might be starting to develop hearing loss. It will be easier to identify 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 realize that you’ve been cranking the volume of the television up or that your friends and family regularly ask you to “speak up”.
Here are a few things you might hear:
- In environments where there is a lot of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
- The need for individuals to raise their voices
- Sounds that are quieter than before
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will often also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to distinguish between similar sounds making conversations difficult.
What you might hear:
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Misunderstandings because you can’t distinguish vowels from consonants
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others disappear into the background
This distorted speech can cause you to misconstrue important details without even knowing it, which can lead to barriers in communication and frustration.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can come with hearing loss. It can manifest as persistent or periodic sounds that overlap with external noises.
You might hear the following:
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can substantially impact quality of life.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss can be a slow process, and identifying the sounds connected with it is essential for early intervention. If you find yourself frequently asking people to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it might be time to consider a hearing assessment.
When to see a hearing specialist
It’s essential to make an appointment with us for a hearing test if you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any indications of hearing loss. Consulting with us can offer clarity on your condition and guide you toward correct treatment options. Understanding what hearing loss sounds like can make a meaningful difference in your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to get help; your hearing health is important.
Contact us right away for a consultation.