Hearing loss often starts out subtly. You may find yourself asking your daughter 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 identify whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that accompany hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss comes with softer sounds
When normal sounds seem softer than they once did, this is a common indication of conductive hearing loss. You may 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 they used to
- Needing individuals to speak up
- In environments where there is a lot of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
This type of hearing loss may feel like a muffled auditory experience, making familiar 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 difficult.
How it may sound:
- Problems distinguishing vowels from consonants, causing misunderstandings
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Speech that seems muddled or distorted
This distortion can create frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you understand what’s being said but misinterpret key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Tinnitus presents a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It typically manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, which can cause actual sounds to be even harder to hear.
You might hear the following:
- Buzzing or static sounds
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in many ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss generally progresses slowly, and being conscious of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. It’s probably time to make an appointment for a hearing consultation if you find yourself having trouble following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat themselves.
When is it time for a hearing test?
It’s important to make an appointment with us for a hearing test if you are noticing tinnitus symptoms or any indications of hearing loss. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and provide you with the best course of treatment. Understanding what hearing loss sounds like can make a meaningful difference in your quality of life. 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.
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The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive a personalized free hearing test and hearing loss consultation, call today to set up an appointment.
