Usually, the first stages of hearing loss develop slowly. You may find yourself asking your kids to repeat something, disregarding it as mumbling or background noise. But when this occurs, you begin to think that you may be starting to develop hearing loss. Understanding the sounds linked to hearing loss can help you recognize potential changes in your own hearing.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
For many, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they used to. You may notice that your partner often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to recognize that the television volume is excessively loud.
Here are some things you might hear:
- Needing people to speak up
- In settings where there is a lot of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
- Sounds that are quieter than before
Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming softer, sounds will often also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations might feel challenging as you struggle to distinguish between similar sounds.
What you may hear:
- Difficulty distinguishing vowels from consonants, leading to misunderstandings
- Unclear or distorted speech
- The sensation of hearing some sounds while others disappear into the background
This distorted speech can cause you to misinterpret important details without even realizing it, which can lead to barriers in communication and frustration.
Tinnitus symptoms
Hearing loss often comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can present as consistent or periodic sounds that overlap with external noises.
You may hear the following:
- Whistling or hissing sounds that appear to come from within
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in many ways and can substantially impact quality of life.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and recognizing the sounds associated with it is essential for early intervention. If you find yourself regularly asking others 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
If you suspect you are detecting any kind of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is crucial. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and provide you with the best course of treatment. Your quality of life can be substantially improved by knowing what hearing loss sounds like. Don’t wait to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.
