Typically, the first stages of hearing loss advance slowly. You may dismiss your need for people to repeat themselves as them mumbling or background noise. But when this occurs, you begin to think that you might be starting to develop hearing loss. It will be easier to recognize whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that go along with hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss comes with softer sounds
When normal sounds seem softer than they once did, this is a common sign of conductive hearing loss. You might notice that your partner frequently asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to recognize that the television volume is extremely loud.
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 speak louder
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
This type of hearing loss may feel like a muffled auditory experience, making common sounds seem distant or indistinct.
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. Conversations may feel challenging as you struggle to differentiate between similar sounds.
What you might hear:
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Misunderstandings because you’re unable to differentiate vowels from consonants
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misinterpret key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can manifest as consistent or periodic sounds that overlap with external noises.
You may hear the following:
- Buzzing or static noises
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in many ways and can substantially impact quality of life.
Distinguishing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss generally progresses slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is essential for early treatment. It’s probably time to make an appointment for a hearing assessment if you find yourself having difficulty following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat what they said.
When to consult a hearing specialist
If you suspect you are detecting any kind of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. Consulting with us can offer clarity on your condition and direct you toward appropriate treatment solutions. Your quality of life can be significantly improved by knowing what hearing loss sounds like. Don’t hesitate to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.
