Usually, the first stages of hearing loss advance slowly. You might find yourself asking your daughter to repeat something, disregarding it as mumbling or background noise. But when this happens, you begin to think that you might be starting to develop hearing loss. Understanding the sounds related to hearing loss can help you recognize potential changes in your own hearing.
Conductive hearing loss makes the world sound softer
For many, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they used to. You might not even recognize that you’ve been cranking the volume of the television up or that your friends and family regularly ask you to “speak up”.
Here are some things you might hear:
- Difficulty hearing in loud settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
- Sounds that are quieter than before
- Needing individuals to talk louder
Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will frequently also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations might feel challenging as you struggle to differentiate between similar sounds.
How it might sound:
- Misunderstandings because you’re unable to distinguish vowels from consonants
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others fade into the background
- Speech that seems muddled or distorted
This distorted speech can cause you to misinterpret 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 may hear the following:
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Buzzing or static noises
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in many ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss generally progresses slowly, and being conscious of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. If you find yourself frequently asking people to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it might be time to consider a hearing evaluation.
When to see a hearing specialist
If you think you are detecting any kind of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is crucial. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and direct you toward correct treatment options. Knowing what hearing loss sounds like can make a substantial difference in your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to get help; your hearing health is important.
Contact us right away for a consultation.