Hearing loss often starts out subtly. You might find yourself asking your daughter to repeat something, disregarding it as mumbling or background noise. But as you reflect on this moment, a question arises: Am I losing my hearing? Understanding the sounds associated with hearing loss can help you recognize potential changes in your own hearing.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
For many people, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they used to. You might notice that your partner often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to recognize that the television volume is excessively loud.
What you might hear:
- The need for individuals to raise their voices
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
- Trouble hearing in noisy settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds softer, but they can also become distorted. Conversations might feel challenging as you struggle to distinguish between similar sounds.
How it may sound:
- Problems distinguishing consonants from vowels, causing misunderstandings
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others disappear into the background
- Speech that seems muddled or distorted
This distorted speech can cause you to misconstrue important details without even realizing it, which can lead to barriers in communication and frustration.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Tinnitus presents a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It usually manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, which can cause external sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
What you might hear:
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Whistling or hissing sounds that appear to come from within
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these invasive sounds can substantially impact daily life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss can be a slow process, and recognizing the sounds connected with it is essential for early intervention. If you find yourself consistently asking others to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it may be time to consider a hearing evaluation.
When to see a hearing specialist
It’s essential to schedule an appointment with us for a hearing test if you are noticing tinnitus symptoms or any symptoms of hearing loss. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and supply you with the best course of treatment. Your quality of life can be substantially improved by knowing what hearing loss sounds like. Don’t wait to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Contact us right away for a consultation.