Hearing loss usually starts out subtly. You might dismiss your need for people to repeat themselves as them mumbling or background noise. But as you think about this moment, a question arises: Am I losing my hearing? It will be easier to identify whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that accompany 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 partner frequently asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to recognize that the television volume is excessively loud.
What you might hear:
- Needing people to speak up
- In environments where there is a lot of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
Besides becoming softer, sounds will often also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations could feel challenging as you struggle to differentiate between similar sounds.
What you may hear:
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Misunderstandings because you can’t distinguish vowels from consonants
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication barriers, where you think you understand what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss often comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can present as persistent or periodic sounds that overlap with external noises.
What you may hear:
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
Each individual’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these intrusive sounds can substantially affect day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and recognizing the sounds associated with it is essential for early intervention. It’s probably time to set up an appointment for a hearing assessment if you find yourself having difficulty following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat themselves.
When is it time for a hearing exam?
It’s essential to schedule an appointment with us for a hearing test if you are noticing tinnitus symptoms or any symptoms of hearing loss. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and supply you with the best course of treatment. Knowing what hearing loss sounds like can make a substantial difference in your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.