Hearing loss often begins subtly. You may find yourself asking your kids to repeat something, disregarding it as 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 identify whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that go along with hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss makes the world sound softer
When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, this is a common sign of conductive hearing loss. You may notice that your partner frequently asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to realize that the television volume is extremely loud.
What you may hear:
- The need for people to raise their voices
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
- In settings where there is lots of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far away or muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming softer, sounds will often also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations difficult.
What you might hear:
- Unclear or distorted speech
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others disappear into the background
- Misunderstandings because you’re unable to differentiate vowels from consonants
This distorted speech can cause you to misconstrue important details without even realizing 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 can manifest as persistent or intermittent sounds that overlap with outside noises.
You may hear the following:
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can substantially impact quality of life.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss generally develops slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is essential for early treatment. It’s probably time to schedule an appointment for a hearing assessment if you find yourself having trouble following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat themselves.
When is it time for a hearing exam?
If you suspect you are detecting any kind of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is crucial. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and direct you toward appropriate treatment options. Understanding what hearing loss sounds like can make a meaningful difference in your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Contact us right away for a consultation.