Typically, the first stages of hearing loss advance slowly. You might find yourself asking your daughter to repeat something, dismissing it as mumbling or background noise. But when this occurs, you begin to think that you might be starting to develop hearing loss. Understanding the sounds related to hearing loss can help you recognize potential changes in your own hearing.
Conductive hearing loss comes with softer sounds
When normal sounds seem softer than they once did, this is a common sign of conductive hearing loss. You may not even recognize that you’ve been turning the volume of the television up or that your friends and family regularly ask you to “speak up”.
Here are some things you might hear:
- In settings where there is lots of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
- The need for people to raise their voices
This form of hearing loss may 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 often also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations could feel challenging as you struggle to differentiate between similar sounds.
How it may sound:
- Difficulty distinguishing consonants from vowels, causing misunderstandings
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Unclear or distorted speech
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Tinnitus presents a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It typically manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t really there, which can cause external sounds to be even harder to hear.
What you might hear:
- Whistling or hissing sounds that seem to come from within
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in many ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Distinguishing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and identifying the sounds associated with it is crucial for early intervention. If you find yourself consistently asking others to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations, it could be time to think about a hearing assessment.
When is it time for a hearing test?
If you think you are experiencing any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. Consulting with us can offer clarity on your condition and direct you toward correct treatment options. Understanding what hearing loss sounds like can make a substantial difference in your quality of life. Don’t wait to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.