Usually, the first stages of hearing loss develop slowly. You may dismiss your need for people to repeat themselves 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 accompany hearing loss.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
For many, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they used to. You may not even realize 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 may hear:
- In settings where there is lots of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
- Needing people to speak up
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far away or muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will often also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations might feel challenging as you struggle to differentiate between similar sounds.
What you may hear:
- Misunderstandings because you’re unable to differentiate vowels from consonants
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Speech that seems muddled or distorted
This distorted speech can cause you to misinterpret important details without even knowing it, which can produce barriers in communication and frustration.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus presents a unique auditory experience that can come with hearing loss. It usually manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t really there, which can cause external sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
What you may hear:
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Buzzing or static sounds
- Ringing or hissing sounds that seem to come from within
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these intrusive sounds can significantly impact daily life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss usually progresses slowly, and being conscious of sounds that come along with it is essential for early treatment. If you find yourself frequently asking others to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations, it could be time to consider a hearing evaluation.
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 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 significantly improved by knowing what hearing loss sounds like. Don’t hesitate to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Contact us right away for a consultation.