Hearing loss usually begins subtly. You may dismiss your need for people to repeat themselves as them mumbling or background noise. But as you reflect on this moment, a question emerges: Am I losing my hearing? It will be easier to recognize whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that accompany hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss makes the world sound softer
For many, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they used to. You may not even recognize that you’ve been cranking the volume of the television up or that your friends and family frequently ask you to “speak up”.
What you might hear:
- Sounds that are softer than before
- Needing people to speak up
- In environments where there is lots of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far away or muffled.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
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 problematic.
How it might sound:
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Speech that sounds muddled or distorted
- Problems distinguishing consonants from vowels, resulting in misunderstandings
This distortion can create frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you understand what’s being said but misinterpret key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Tinnitus presents a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It usually manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t really there, which can cause external sounds to be even harder to hear.
What you may hear:
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Ringing or hissing sounds that appear to come from within
- Buzzing or static sounds
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can substantially impact quality of life.
Distinguishing 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 consistently asking people to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it might be time to think about a hearing evaluation.
When is it time for a hearing exam?
If you think you are detecting any kind of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is crucial. Consulting with us can offer clarity on your condition and direct you toward correct treatment solutions. Understanding what hearing loss sounds like can make a substantial difference in your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to get help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.