Hearing loss often begins subtly. You may dismiss your need for people to repeat themselves as them mumbling or background noise. But as you think about 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.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
For many, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they used to. You might notice that your partner frequently asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to realize that the television volume is excessively loud.
What you might hear:
- The need for people to speak louder
- In environments where there is lots of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
- Sounds that are quieter than before
This form of hearing loss may 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. Conversations may feel challenging as you struggle to distinguish between similar sounds.
What you might hear:
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Problems distinguishing vowels from consonants, leading to misunderstandings
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication barriers, where you think you comprehend 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 typically manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, which can cause actual sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
You might hear the following:
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these intrusive sounds can significantly impact day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Distinguishing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss normally progresses slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is essential for early treatment. It’s probably time to make an appointment for a hearing consultation 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?
It’s essential to make an appointment with us for a hearing test if you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any indications 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 significantly improved by understanding what hearing loss sounds like. Don’t wait to get help; your hearing health is important.
Contact us right away for a consultation.