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 occurs, you begin to think that you might be starting to develop hearing loss. It will be easier to recognize whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that go along with hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss comes with softer sounds
For many people, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they used to. You may not even recognize that you’ve been turning the volume of the television up or that your friends and family regularly ask you to “speak up”.
What you might hear:
- Needing people to speak up
- Difficulty hearing in loud settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
- Sounds that are softer than before
This type of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making common sounds seem distant or indistinct.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds quieter, but they can also become distorted. Conversations may feel challenging as you struggle to differentiate between similar sounds.
How it may sound:
- Speech that seems muddled or unclear
- Misunderstandings because you can’t distinguish vowels from consonants
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
This distorted speech can cause you to misconstrue important details without even realizing it, which can lead to barriers in communication and frustration.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It can manifest as consistent or periodic sounds that overlap with external noises.
What you might hear:
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these invasive sounds can substantially affect day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss usually develops slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is essential for early treatment. If you find yourself frequently asking people to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations, it may be time to think about a hearing assessment.
When to see a hearing specialist
If you think you are experiencing any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and supply you with the best course of treatment. Your quality of life can be significantly 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.