Normally, the first stages of hearing loss advance slowly. You may dismiss your need for people to repeat what they said as them mumbling or background noise. But when this occurs, you begin to think that you may be starting to develop hearing loss. It will be easier to recognize whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that go along with hearing loss.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
For many, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they once did. You might notice that your loved one often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to realize that the television volume is extremely loud.
Here are a few things you might hear:
- Sounds that are quieter than before
- Needing people to talk louder
- Trouble hearing in loud settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
This type of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making common sounds seem distant or indistinct.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will frequently also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to distinguish between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
What you may hear:
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others fade into the background
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Difficulty distinguishing vowels from consonants, resulting in misunderstandings
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 can manifest as consistent or periodic sounds that overlap with outside noises.
What you may hear:
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in many ways and can substantially impact quality of life.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and recognizing the sounds connected with it is crucial for early intervention. 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 what they said.
When to see a hearing specialist
If you think you are detecting 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. Understanding what hearing loss sounds like can make a meaningful difference in your quality of life. Don’t wait to get help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.
