Typically, the first stages of hearing loss advance slowly. You might dismiss your need for people to repeat what they said as them mumbling or background noise. But when this occurs, you begin to think that you might be starting to develop hearing loss. Understanding the sounds associated with 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 used to. You might notice that your partner often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to realize that the television volume is excessively loud.
What you might hear:
- In settings where there is a lot of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
- The need for people to raise their voices
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
This form of hearing loss may feel like a muffled auditory experience, making familiar sounds seem distant or faint.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will frequently also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations might feel challenging as you struggle to distinguish between similar sounds.
How it might sound:
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Misunderstandings because you can’t distinguish vowels from consonants
This distortion can create frustrating communication barriers, where you think you understand what’s being said but misinterpret key details.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus presents a unique auditory experience that can come with hearing loss. It normally manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, which can cause actual sounds to be even harder to hear.
What you might hear:
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune 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.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss generally progresses slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is essential for early treatment. 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 exam?
If you think you are experiencing any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and provide you with the best course of treatment. Understanding what hearing loss sounds like can make a substantial difference in your quality of life. The health of your hearing is important so don’t wait to get the help you need.
Contact us right away for a consultation.