Typically, the first stages of hearing loss develop slowly. You might find yourself asking your kids to repeat something, dismissing it as mumbling or background noise. But when this occurs, you begin to think that you may be starting to develop hearing loss. It will be easier to recognize whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that go along with hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss comes with softer sounds
When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, this is a common indication of conductive hearing loss. You might notice that your loved one often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to realize that the television volume is extremely loud.
Here are some things you may hear:
- Sounds that are quieter than before
- In environments where there is lots of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
- The need for individuals to raise their voices
Conductive hearing loss frequently 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 may feel challenging as you struggle to differentiate between similar sounds.
What you might hear:
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Misunderstandings because you’re unable to distinguish vowels from consonants
- Speech that sounds muddled or distorted
This distorted speech can cause you to misconstrue important details without even knowing it, which can lead to barriers in communication and frustration.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can come with hearing loss. It can manifest as persistent or intermittent sounds that overlap with external noises.
You might hear the following:
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
Each individual’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these intrusive sounds can substantially impact day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss generally progresses slowly, and being conscious of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. It’s probably time to make 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 think you are detecting any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and provide you with the best course of treatment. Your quality of life can be significantly 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.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.