Hearing loss usually begins subtly. You might dismiss your need for people to repeat themselves as them mumbling or background noise. But when this occurs, 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
For many people, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they once did. You may notice that your partner frequently asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to recognize that the television volume is extremely loud.
Here are some things you may hear:
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
- Needing people to speak up
- Difficulty hearing in loud settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far away or muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming softer, sounds will frequently also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to distinguish between similar sounds making conversations difficult.
How it might sound:
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Problems distinguishing vowels from consonants, resulting in misunderstandings
- Unclear or distorted speech
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you understand what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It can manifest as consistent or intermittent sounds that overlap with external noises.
What you might hear:
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
- Buzzing or static noises
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these intrusive sounds can significantly affect day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Distinguishing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss can be a slow process, and identifying the sounds associated with it is crucial for early intervention. If you find yourself consistently asking people to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it might be time to consider a hearing evaluation.
When to consult a hearing specialist
It’s essential to make an appointment with us for a hearing assessment if you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any indications of hearing loss. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and provide you with the best course of treatment. Understanding 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.
Contact us right away for a consultation.