Hearing loss often begins subtly. You might dismiss your need for people to repeat what they said as them 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 go along with hearing loss.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
For many people, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they once did. You might notice that your loved one often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to recognize that the television volume is extremely loud.
What you might hear:
- Sounds that are quieter than before
- In environments where there is a lot of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
- The need for people to raise their voices
This type of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making common sounds seem distant or indistinct.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will often also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to distinguish between similar sounds making conversations difficult.
What you may hear:
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Difficulty distinguishing consonants from vowels, resulting in misunderstandings
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication barriers, where you think you understand what’s being said but misinterpret key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can come with hearing loss. It can manifest as consistent or intermittent sounds that overlap with external noises.
You might hear the following:
- Ringing or hissing sounds that appear to come from within
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
Each individual’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these invasive sounds can significantly impact day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss can be a slow process, and identifying the sounds connected with it is crucial for early intervention. If you find yourself consistently asking people 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 important to make an appointment with us for a hearing assessment if you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any indications of hearing loss. Consulting with us can provide 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. The health of your hearing is important so don’t wait to get the help you need.
Contact us right away for a consultation.
