Hearing loss often starts out subtly. You may find yourself asking your daughter to repeat something, disregarding it as mumbling or background noise. But as you reflect on this moment, a question emerges: Am I losing my hearing? It will be easier to identify whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that accompany hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss makes the world sound softer
For many people, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they once did. You might notice that your partner frequently asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to recognize that the television volume is excessively loud.
Here are some things you might hear:
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
- In settings where there is lots of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
- Needing individuals to speak up
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 someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
How it might sound:
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Speech that seems muddled or unclear
- Misunderstandings because you can’t differentiate vowels from consonants
This distorted speech can cause you to misinterpret important details without even knowing it, which can lead to barriers in communication and frustration.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It typically manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t really there, which can cause actual sounds to be even harder to hear.
You may hear the following:
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in many ways and can substantially 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. It’s probably time to schedule an appointment for a hearing assessment if you find yourself having difficulty following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat themselves.
When is it time for a hearing exam?
If you suspect you are experiencing any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is crucial. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and guide you toward appropriate treatment options. Understanding what hearing loss sounds like can make a meaningful difference in your quality of life. Don’t wait to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.