Hearing loss often starts out 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 might be starting to develop hearing loss. Understanding the sounds related to hearing loss can help you recognize 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 indication of conductive hearing loss. You may notice that your loved one often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to recognize that the television volume is extremely loud.
Here are some things you might hear:
- Sounds that are softer than before
- In settings where there is a lot of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
- The need for others to raise their voices
This type of hearing loss may feel like a muffled auditory experience, making familiar sounds seem distant or indistinct.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds softer, but they can also become distorted. Conversations might feel challenging as you struggle to differentiate between similar sounds.
How it may sound:
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Difficulty distinguishing vowels from consonants, leading to misunderstandings
This distortion can create frustrating communication barriers, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss often comes with tinnitus symptoms. It usually manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t really there, which can cause actual sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
You might hear the following:
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Buzzing or static noises
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can substantially impact quality of life.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and identifying the sounds connected with it is crucial for early intervention. If you find yourself frequently asking others to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations, it may be time to consider a hearing assessment.
When to consult a hearing specialist
If you think you are detecting any form 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.