Typically, the first stages of hearing loss advance slowly. 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 go along with 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 might notice that your partner frequently asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to realize that the television volume is extremely loud.
What you might hear:
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
- Difficulty hearing in loud settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
- Needing individuals to talk louder
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
Besides becoming softer, sounds will often 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:
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Problems distinguishing vowels from consonants, causing misunderstandings
This distorted speech can cause you to misconstrue important details without even knowing it, which can produce barriers in communication and frustration.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It can present as consistent or periodic sounds that overlap with outside noises.
You may hear the following:
- Buzzing or static sounds
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Whistling or hissing sounds that seem to come from within
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these intrusive sounds can substantially impact daily life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and recognizing the sounds associated with it is crucial for early intervention. If you find yourself frequently asking people to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations, it could be time to consider a hearing assessment.
When is it time for a hearing test?
It’s important to schedule an appointment with us for a hearing assessment if you are noticing tinnitus symptoms or any symptoms 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 substantial difference in your quality of life. The health of your hearing is important so don’t wait to get the help you need.
Contact us right away for a consultation.