Usually, the first stages of hearing loss develop slowly. 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 arises: Am I losing my hearing? It will be easier to recognize whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that accompany hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss makes the world sound softer
When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, this is a common sign of conductive hearing loss. You may not even recognize that you’ve been cranking the volume of the television up or that your friends and family frequently ask you to “speak up”.
Here are some things you may hear:
- Needing individuals to speak up
- Sounds that are softer than before
- Difficulty hearing in loud settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far off 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 differentiate between similar sounds.
How it may sound:
- Speech that sounds muddled or unclear
- The sensation of hearing some sounds while others fade into the background
- Problems distinguishing consonants from vowels, resulting in misunderstandings
This distorted speech can cause you to misinterpret important details without even realizing it, which can produce barriers in communication and frustration.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can present as consistent or periodic sounds that overlap with outside noises.
You might hear the following:
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Whistling or hissing sounds that seem to come from within
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can substantially impact quality of life.
Distinguishing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss normally develops slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. It’s probably time to set up an appointment for a hearing assessment if you find yourself having difficulty following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat what they said.
When to see a hearing specialist
If you think you are experiencing any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is crucial. 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 understanding 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.