Hearing loss usually begins subtly. You may dismiss your need for people to repeat what they said as them mumbling or background noise. But as you think about this moment, a question emerges: Am I losing my hearing? It will be easier to recognize whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that accompany hearing loss.
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 recognize that you’ve been cranking the volume of the television up or that your friends and family regularly ask you to “speak up”.
What you may hear:
- Difficulty hearing in noisy settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
- Sounds that are softer than before
- The need for others to speak louder
Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
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 distinguish between similar sounds making conversations difficult.
What you may hear:
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others disappear into the background
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Difficulty distinguishing vowels from consonants, leading to misunderstandings
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 frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can present as persistent or intermittent sounds that overlap with external noises.
What you may hear:
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and identifying the sounds connected with it is essential for early intervention. If you find yourself regularly asking others to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it might be time to consider a hearing assessment.
When is it time for a hearing exam?
It’s important to make an appointment with us for a hearing assessment if you are noticing tinnitus symptoms or any symptoms of hearing loss. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and direct you toward appropriate treatment solutions. Your quality of life can be substantially improved by understanding what hearing loss sounds like. Don’t wait to get help; your hearing health is important.
Contact us right away for a consultation.