Hearing loss usually begins subtly. You may find yourself asking your kids to repeat something, disregarding it as 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 go along with hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss makes the world sound softer
For many people, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they used to. 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.
What you may hear:
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
- In environments where there is lots of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
- The need for people to raise their voices
Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far off 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 problematic.
What you might hear:
- Misunderstandings because you can’t differentiate vowels from consonants
- Speech that seems muddled or unclear
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
This distortion can create frustrating communication barriers, where you think you understand what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It normally manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, which can cause actual sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
What you may hear:
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
- Whistling or hissing sounds that seem to come from within
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can substantially impact quality of life.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss can be a slow process, and identifying the sounds associated with it is essential for early intervention. It’s probably time to schedule an appointment for a hearing consultation if you find yourself having difficulty following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat themselves.
When is it time for a hearing test?
If you suspect you are experiencing any kind 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. Knowing what hearing loss sounds like can make a substantial difference in your quality of life. Don’t wait to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Contact us right away for a consultation.