Hearing loss often begins subtly. You may find yourself asking your daughter to repeat something, dismissing it as mumbling or background noise. But when this occurs, you begin to think that you might 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 not even realize that you’ve been turning the volume of the television up or that your friends and family frequently ask you to “speak up”.
What you might hear:
- Sounds that are quieter than before
- The need for others to raise their voices
- Difficulty hearing in noisy settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
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.
What you might hear:
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Problems distinguishing consonants from vowels, causing misunderstandings
- Unclear or distorted speech
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication barriers, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misinterpret key details.
Tinnitus symptoms
Hearing loss often comes with tinnitus symptoms. It normally manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, which can cause external sounds to be even harder to hear.
What you might hear:
- Ringing or hissing sounds that appear to come from within
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these invasive sounds can significantly affect day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss generally develops slowly, and being conscious of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. If you find yourself frequently asking people to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations, it might be time to consider a hearing evaluation.
When is it time for a hearing exam?
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 supply 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 wait to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.
