Hearing loss often begins subtly. You may find yourself asking your kids to repeat something, disregarding it as 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.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
For many, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they once did. You may notice that your partner often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to realize that the television volume is extremely loud.
What you may hear:
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
- The need for others to speak louder
- Difficulty hearing in noisy settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far away or muffled.
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. Conversations might feel challenging as you struggle to distinguish between similar sounds.
What you might hear:
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Misunderstandings because you can’t distinguish vowels from consonants
- Unclear or distorted speech
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It normally manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, which can cause external sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
You might hear the following:
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Buzzing or static sounds
- Whistling or hissing sounds that seem to come from within
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in many ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss normally develops slowly, and being conscious of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. It’s probably time to schedule an appointment for a hearing assessment if you find yourself having trouble following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat themselves.
When is it time for a hearing exam?
If you think you are experiencing any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. Consulting with us can offer clarity on your condition and direct you toward appropriate treatment solutions. Your quality of life can be substantially improved by understanding what hearing loss sounds like. 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.