Hearing loss usually begins subtly. You might find yourself asking your kids to repeat something, dismissing it as mumbling or background noise. But as you think about this moment, a question emerges: Am I losing my hearing? Understanding the sounds linked to hearing loss can help you recognize potential changes in your own hearing.
Conductive hearing loss makes the world sound softer
For many people, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they once did. You may notice that your partner frequently 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 individuals to speak up
- Sounds that are quieter than before
- Difficulty hearing in loud settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
This type of hearing loss may feel like a muffled auditory experience, making common sounds seem distant or faint.
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 problematic.
What you may hear:
- Misunderstandings because you’re unable to differentiate vowels from consonants
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Unclear or distorted speech
This distorted speech can cause you to misinterpret important details without even realizing it, which can lead to barriers in communication and frustration.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It typically manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, which can cause external sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
What you might hear:
- Whistling or hissing sounds that seem to come from within
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Buzzing or static noises
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these invasive sounds can significantly impact daily life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Distinguishing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and identifying the sounds connected with it is essential for early intervention. If you find yourself consistently asking people to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations, it could be time to consider a hearing assessment.
When is it time for a hearing exam?
It’s essential to make an appointment with us for a hearing test if you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any symptoms 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 substantially improved by understanding 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.