Usually, the first stages of hearing loss advance slowly. You might dismiss your need for people to repeat themselves as them mumbling or background noise. But when this happens, you begin to think that you may be starting to develop hearing loss. Understanding the sounds linked to hearing loss can help you identify potential changes in your own hearing.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, this is a common sign 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 excessively loud.
Here are a few things you might hear:
- Sounds that are quieter than before
- In environments where there is lots of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
- The need for others to speak louder
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far away or muffled.
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. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations difficult.
How it may sound:
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others fade into the background
- Speech that sounds muddled or unclear
- Misunderstandings because you can’t distinguish vowels from consonants
This distorted speech can cause you to misinterpret important details without even realizing it, which can lead to barriers in communication and frustration.
Tinnitus symptoms
Hearing loss often comes with tinnitus symptoms. It typically manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t really there, which can cause external sounds to be even harder to hear.
You might hear the following:
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can substantially impact quality of life.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss normally develops slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is essential for early treatment. If you find yourself consistently asking others to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it may be time to consider a hearing assessment.
When is it time for a hearing test?
It’s essential to make an appointment with us for a hearing assessment if you are noticing tinnitus symptoms or any indications of hearing loss. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and provide you with the best course of treatment. Your quality of life can be substantially 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.