Usually, the first stages of hearing loss develop slowly. You may 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 identify 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 once did, this is a common indication of conductive hearing loss. You may 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 a few things you may hear:
- Needing people to speak up
- In environments where there is a lot of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
- Sounds that are quieter than before
This form 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
In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds quieter, but they can also become distorted. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations difficult.
How it might sound:
- Speech that seems muddled or unclear
- Difficulty distinguishing consonants from vowels, leading to misunderstandings
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
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
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can come with hearing loss. It can present as persistent or periodic sounds that overlap with outside noises.
You may hear the following:
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss can be a slow process, and recognizing the sounds connected with it is crucial for early intervention. It’s probably time to set up an appointment for a hearing consultation if you find yourself having trouble following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat themselves.
When to see a hearing specialist
If you think you are detecting any kind of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. Consulting with us can offer clarity on your condition and direct you toward correct treatment solutions. Your quality of life can be substantially improved by knowing what hearing loss sounds like. Don’t hesitate to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Contact us right away for a consultation.