Hearing loss usually begins subtly. You might find yourself asking your kids to repeat something, dismissing 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 identify whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that go along with hearing loss.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, this is a common sign of conductive hearing loss. You might not even realize that you’ve been cranking the volume of the television up or that your friends and family frequently ask you to “speak up”.
Here are some things you might hear:
- In settings where there is a lot of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
- Sounds that are softer than before
- Needing individuals to speak up
This type of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making familiar sounds seem distant or faint.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming softer, sounds will frequently also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
How it might sound:
- Speech that sounds muddled or distorted
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others disappear into the background
- Misunderstandings because you’re unable to differentiate vowels from consonants
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication barriers, where you think you understand what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can come with hearing loss. It can manifest as consistent or periodic sounds that overlap with external noises.
What you might hear:
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Buzzing or static sounds
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 recognizing the sounds connected 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 difficulty following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat themselves.
When to consult a hearing specialist
If you suspect you are detecting any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and direct you toward correct treatment options. 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.