Hearing loss often begins subtly. You might dismiss your need for people to repeat what they said as them mumbling or background noise. But when this happens, you begin to think that you may be starting to develop hearing loss. Understanding the sounds linked to hearing loss can help you identify potential changes in your own hearing.
Conductive hearing loss comes with softer sounds
When normal sounds seem softer than they once did, this is a common sign 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 might hear:
- Trouble hearing in noisy settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
- The need for others to raise their voices
Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
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.
How it might sound:
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Misunderstandings because you’re unable to differentiate vowels from consonants
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
This distorted speech can cause you to misconstrue important details without even knowing it, which can produce barriers in communication and frustration.
Tinnitus symptoms
Hearing loss often comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can present as persistent or periodic sounds that overlap with external noises.
You might hear the following:
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss generally develops slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. If you find yourself frequently asking people to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations, it might be time to think about a hearing assessment.
When to consult a hearing specialist
It’s important to schedule an appointment with us for a hearing test 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 knowing what hearing loss sounds like. Don’t wait to get help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.