Normally, the first stages of hearing loss advance slowly. You may find yourself asking your daughter to repeat something, disregarding it as 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 identify whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that accompany hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss makes the world sound softer
When normal sounds seem softer than they once did, this is a common sign of conductive hearing loss. You might notice that your partner often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to realize that the television volume is excessively loud.
Here are some things you may hear:
- Trouble hearing in noisy settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
- Needing people to talk louder
- Sounds that are quieter than before
This form of hearing loss may feel like a muffled auditory experience, making familiar sounds seem distant or faint.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming softer, sounds will often also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations difficult.
How it might sound:
- 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 create frustrating communication barriers, where you think you understand what’s being said but misinterpret key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss often comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can manifest as persistent or periodic sounds that overlap with external noises.
What you might hear:
- Whistling or hissing sounds that seem to come from within
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Buzzing or static sounds
Each individual’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these intrusive sounds can significantly impact day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss generally progresses slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. It’s probably time to schedule an appointment for a hearing assessment if you find yourself having difficulty following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat what they said.
When to see a hearing specialist
It’s essential to schedule an appointment with us for a hearing test if you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any symptoms of hearing loss. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and supply you with the best course of treatment. Your quality of life can be significantly 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.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.