Hearing loss often begins subtly. You might 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 may be starting to develop hearing loss. Understanding the sounds related to hearing loss can help you identify potential changes in your own hearing.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
When normal sounds seem softer than they once did, this is a common sign of conductive hearing loss. You might not even realize that you’ve been turning the volume of the television up or that your friends and family regularly ask you to “speak up”.
Here are some things you may hear:
- Sounds that are softer than before
- The need for others to raise their voices
- In settings where there is a lot of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
Besides becoming softer, sounds will often also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
How it might sound:
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Difficulty distinguishing consonants from vowels, leading to misunderstandings
This distortion can create frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you comprehend 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 external noises.
You may hear the following:
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Buzzing or static noises
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of 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 schedule an appointment for a hearing consultation if you find yourself having trouble following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat themselves.
When to see a hearing specialist
If you suspect you are experiencing any kind of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and provide you with the best course of treatment. Your quality of life can be significantly 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.