Hearing loss often starts out subtly. You may find yourself asking your kids to repeat something, dismissing it as mumbling or background noise. But when this happens, 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 makes the world sound softer
When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, 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 excessively loud.
Here are a few things you may hear:
- The need for individuals to raise their voices
- Sounds that are softer than before
- In settings where there is lots of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
Conductive hearing loss often 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 someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations difficult.
What you may hear:
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Speech that seems muddled or unclear
- Problems distinguishing consonants from vowels, leading to misunderstandings
This distorted speech can cause you to misconstrue important details without even realizing it, which can produce barriers in communication and frustration.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus presents a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It can manifest as persistent or periodic sounds that overlap with outside noises.
You may hear the following:
- Ringing or hissing sounds that appear to come from within
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
Each individual’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these invasive sounds can significantly affect daily life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss can be a slow process, and recognizing the sounds connected with it is essential for early intervention. It’s probably time to schedule an appointment for a hearing consultation if you find yourself having trouble following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat what they said.
When is it time for a hearing test?
It’s essential to make an appointment with us for a hearing test if you are noticing tinnitus symptoms or any indications of hearing loss. 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.