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? Understanding the sounds associated with hearing loss can help you identify potential changes in your own hearing.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
For many people, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they used to. You might not even realize 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 a few things you might hear:
- The need for others to raise their voices
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
- In settings where there is lots of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will often also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to distinguish between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
What you may hear:
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Problems distinguishing vowels from consonants, resulting in misunderstandings
This distortion can create 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 normally manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, which can cause actual sounds to be even harder to hear.
What you might hear:
- Ringing or hissing sounds that seem to come from within
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these invasive sounds can significantly affect daily life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss can be a slow process, and recognizing the sounds associated with it is crucial for early intervention. If you find yourself consistently asking people to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it could be time to consider a hearing evaluation.
When to see a hearing specialist
It’s important to make an appointment with us for a hearing assessment if you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any indications of hearing loss. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and guide you toward appropriate treatment solutions. Knowing what hearing loss sounds like can make a meaningful difference in your quality of life. Don’t wait to get help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.
