Normally, the first stages of hearing loss advance slowly. You might dismiss your need for people to repeat themselves as them 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 makes the world sound softer
When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, this is a common sign of conductive hearing loss. You may notice that your loved one often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to realize that the television volume is extremely loud.
Here are a few things you might hear:
- Needing people to talk louder
- In environments where there is lots of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
This type of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making common sounds seem distant or faint.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds quieter, but they can also become distorted. It’s challenging to distinguish between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
What you might hear:
- Speech that seems muddled or unclear
- Problems distinguishing consonants from vowels, leading to misunderstandings
- 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.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss often comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can present as consistent or intermittent sounds that overlap with external noises.
What you might hear:
- Buzzing or static sounds
- Whistling or hissing sounds that seem to come from within
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss usually develops slowly, and being conscious of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. If you find yourself consistently asking others 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?
If you suspect you are detecting any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. Consulting with us can offer clarity on your condition and guide you toward appropriate treatment solutions. Your quality of life can be substantially improved by knowing what hearing loss sounds like. Don’t hesitate to get help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.