Hearing loss usually starts out subtly. You might dismiss your need for people to repeat what they said as them mumbling or background noise. But when this happens, you begin to think that you may be starting to develop hearing loss. It will be easier to identify whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that accompany hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss makes the world sound softer
For many people, 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.
What you may hear:
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
- Needing individuals to speak up
- In settings where there is lots of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will often also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to distinguish between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
What you may hear:
- Speech that seems muddled or distorted
- The sensation of hearing some sounds while others fade into the background
- Difficulty distinguishing consonants from vowels, resulting in misunderstandings
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication barriers, where you think you understand what’s being said but misinterpret key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can come with hearing loss. It can present as consistent or intermittent sounds that overlap with external noises.
You may hear the following:
- Whistling or hissing sounds that appear to come from within
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Buzzing or static noises
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and identifying the sounds associated with it is crucial for early intervention. If you find yourself regularly asking people to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it might be time to think about a hearing evaluation.
When is it time for a hearing test?
If you think you are detecting any kind of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is crucial. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and supply you with the best course of treatment. Your quality of life can be substantially improved by understanding what hearing loss sounds like. 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.