Typically, the first stages of hearing loss advance slowly. You might find yourself asking your kids to repeat something, dismissing it as mumbling or background noise. But as you reflect on this moment, a question arises: Am I losing my hearing? Understanding the sounds related to hearing loss can help you identify potential changes in your own hearing.
Conductive hearing loss comes with softer sounds
For many people, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they once did. You may not even recognize that you’ve been cranking the volume of the television up or that your friends and family frequently ask you to “speak up”.
What you might hear:
- The need for people to speak louder
- Sounds that are softer than before
- Difficulty hearing in noisy settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
This form of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making familiar sounds seem distant or faint.
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 distinguish between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
What you may hear:
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Problems distinguishing consonants from vowels, leading to misunderstandings
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misinterpret key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It usually manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, which can cause external sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
What you might hear:
- Buzzing or static sounds
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these intrusive sounds can substantially impact day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss can be a slow process, and identifying the sounds connected with it is essential for early intervention. It’s probably time to set up an appointment for a hearing assessment if you find yourself having trouble following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat themselves.
When to consult a hearing specialist
If you suspect you are experiencing any kind of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is crucial. 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.