Hearing loss often starts out subtly. You might find yourself asking your kids to repeat something, dismissing it as 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 go along with hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss makes the world sound softer
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 recognize that the television volume is excessively loud.
Here are some things you might hear:
- The need for individuals to speak louder
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
- Difficulty hearing in loud settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
This type of hearing loss may feel like a muffled auditory experience, making familiar 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. It’s challenging to distinguish between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
What you may hear:
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Misunderstandings because you can’t distinguish vowels from consonants
This distorted speech can cause you to misconstrue important details without even knowing it, which can produce barriers in communication and frustration.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It usually manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t really there, which can cause external sounds to be even harder to hear.
What you may hear:
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Buzzing or static noises
- Whistling or hissing sounds that seem to come from within
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can substantially 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 essential for early treatment. If you find yourself consistently asking others to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations, it could be time to think about a hearing evaluation.
When to consult a hearing specialist
It’s essential to make an appointment with us for a hearing test if you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any symptoms of hearing loss. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and provide you with the best course of treatment. Knowing what hearing loss sounds like can make a substantial 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.