Normally, the first stages of hearing loss develop slowly. You may find yourself asking your kids 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 recognize 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 loved one often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to recognize that the television volume is excessively loud.
What you might hear:
- In environments where there is lots of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
- The need for individuals to speak louder
This type of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making common sounds seem distant or indistinct.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds softer, but they can also become distorted. It’s challenging to distinguish between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
How it may sound:
- Misunderstandings because you can’t distinguish vowels from consonants
- The sensation of hearing some sounds while others fade into the background
- Unclear or distorted speech
This distorted speech can cause you to misconstrue important details without even knowing it, which can lead to barriers in communication and frustration.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It normally manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t really there, which can cause actual sounds to be even harder to hear.
You may hear the following:
- Whistling or hissing sounds that appear to come from within
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and identifying the sounds associated with it is crucial for early intervention. It’s probably time to set up an appointment for a hearing consultation if you find yourself having trouble following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat themselves.
When to consult a hearing specialist
It’s essential to make an appointment with us for a hearing assessment if you are noticing 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.
