Hearing loss usually starts out subtly. You might find yourself asking your daughter to repeat something, disregarding it as mumbling or background noise. But when this happens, you begin to think that you may be starting to develop hearing loss. It will be easier to recognize whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that go along with hearing loss.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
For many, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they used to. 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”.
What you may hear:
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
- Needing people to talk louder
- Trouble hearing in loud settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far away or muffled.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
Besides becoming softer, sounds will frequently also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations could feel challenging as you struggle to distinguish between similar sounds.
What you might hear:
- Difficulty distinguishing consonants from vowels, causing misunderstandings
- Speech that sounds muddled or distorted
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can come with hearing loss. It typically manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t really there, which can cause actual sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
You may hear the following:
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Buzzing or static sounds
- Ringing or hissing sounds that appear to come from within
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these invasive sounds can significantly affect day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss usually progresses slowly, and being conscious of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. If you find yourself consistently asking people to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it may be time to think about a hearing assessment.
When to consult a hearing specialist
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 offer clarity on your condition and guide you toward correct treatment solutions. Your quality of life can be substantially 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.
Contact us right away for a consultation.
