Typically, the first stages of hearing loss develop slowly. You may dismiss your need for people to repeat what they said as them mumbling or background noise. But as you reflect on 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 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 recognize that the television volume is excessively loud.
Here are a few things you may hear:
- Needing people to speak up
- In environments where there is a lot of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
This type of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making familiar sounds seem distant or indistinct.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming softer, sounds will often also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to distinguish between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
How it may sound:
- Misunderstandings because you’re unable to differentiate vowels from consonants
- Unclear or distorted speech
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others disappear into the background
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you understand what’s being said but misinterpret key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss often comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can present as persistent or intermittent sounds that overlap with outside noises.
What you may hear:
- Whistling or hissing sounds that seem to come from within
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in many ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and recognizing the sounds associated with it is crucial for early intervention. If you find yourself consistently asking others to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it may be time to consider a hearing assessment.
When to consult a hearing specialist
It’s important to make an appointment with us for a hearing test if you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any indications of hearing loss. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and supply you with the best course of treatment. Your quality of life can be significantly improved by knowing what hearing loss sounds like. Don’t hesitate to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Contact us right away for a consultation.
