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 as you reflect on this moment, a question emerges: Am I losing my hearing? It will be easier to identify whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that accompany hearing loss.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
For many people, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they used to. You may not even realize that you’ve been cranking the volume of the television up or that your friends and family frequently ask you to “speak up”.
Here are a few things you might hear:
- Needing individuals to talk louder
- In settings where there is a lot of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
This type of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making common 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 differentiate between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
What you may hear:
- The sensation of hearing some sounds while others fade into the background
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Misunderstandings because you can’t distinguish vowels from consonants
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication barriers, where you think you understand what’s being said but misinterpret key details.
Tinnitus symptoms
Hearing loss often comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can manifest as consistent or periodic sounds that overlap with external noises.
What you might hear:
- Ringing or hissing sounds that appear to come from within
- Buzzing or static noises
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
Each individual’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 usually develops slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is essential for early treatment. If you find yourself regularly asking people to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations, it could be time to consider a hearing assessment.
When to see a hearing specialist
It’s important 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. Understanding what hearing loss sounds like can make a meaningful difference in your quality of life. The health of your hearing is important so don’t wait to get the help you need.
Contact us right away for a consultation.
