Usually, the first stages of hearing loss advance slowly. You may 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 associated with hearing loss can help you identify potential changes in your own hearing.
Conductive hearing loss comes with softer sounds
For many, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they once did. You might not even realize that you’ve been turning 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:
- The need for individuals to speak 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 before
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds quieter, 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
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Speech that seems muddled or unclear
This distorted speech can cause you to misinterpret important details without even realizing it, which can produce barriers in communication and frustration.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Tinnitus presents a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It usually manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, which can cause external sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
What you might hear:
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
- Ringing or hissing sounds that seem to come from within
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can substantially impact quality of life.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss normally progresses slowly, and being conscious 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 themselves.
When is it time for a hearing test?
It’s essential to make an appointment with us for a hearing assessment if you are noticing tinnitus symptoms or any indications of hearing loss. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and guide you toward correct treatment solutions. Understanding what hearing loss sounds like can make a substantial 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.