Usually, the first stages of hearing loss develop slowly. 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 may be starting to develop hearing loss. It will be easier to identify whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that go along with hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss comes with softer sounds
When normal sounds seem softer than they once did, this is a common sign of conductive hearing loss. You may not even recognize 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 may hear:
- Needing people to talk louder
- Difficulty hearing in noisy settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
- Sounds that are quieter than before
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 quieter, but they can also become distorted. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations difficult.
What you might hear:
- The sensation of hearing some sounds while others fade into the background
- Misunderstandings because you can’t distinguish vowels from consonants
- Unclear or distorted speech
This distorted speech can cause you to misinterpret important details without even knowing it, which can lead to barriers in communication and frustration.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can come with hearing loss. It typically manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, which can cause actual sounds to be even harder to hear.
You might hear the following:
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
- Whistling or hissing sounds that appear to come from within
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
Each individual’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these invasive sounds can substantially affect daily life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Distinguishing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss generally develops slowly, and being conscious of sounds that come along with it is essential for early treatment. It’s probably time to set up an appointment for a hearing assessment if you find yourself having difficulty 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. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and direct you toward appropriate treatment solutions. Your quality of life can be substantially improved by understanding what hearing loss sounds like. Don’t wait to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Contact us right away for a consultation.