Usually, the first stages of hearing loss develop slowly. You may find yourself asking your daughter to repeat something, dismissing it as mumbling or background noise. But as you think about this moment, a question emerges: Am I losing my hearing? Understanding the sounds associated with hearing loss can help you recognize potential changes in your own hearing.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
For many, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they once did. You might notice that your partner often 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 talk louder
- Difficulty hearing in noisy settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
This type of hearing loss might 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 softer, but they can also become distorted. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
How it may sound:
- Difficulty distinguishing consonants from vowels, resulting in misunderstandings
- The sensation of hearing some sounds while others fade into the background
- Unclear or distorted speech
This distorted speech can cause you to misconstrue important details without even realizing it, which can produce 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 outside noises.
What you might hear:
- Buzzing or static sounds
- Ringing or hissing sounds that seem to come from within
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in many ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and recognizing the sounds associated with it is essential for early intervention. It’s probably time to make an appointment for a hearing assessment if you find yourself having trouble following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat what they said.
When to see a hearing specialist
It’s essential to schedule an appointment with us for a hearing test if you are noticing 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. Understanding what hearing loss sounds like can make a substantial difference in your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to get help; your hearing health is important.
Contact us right away for a consultation.