Usually, the first stages of hearing loss advance slowly. You might find yourself asking your kids to repeat something, dismissing it as 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.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
When normal sounds seem softer than they once did, this is a common sign of conductive hearing loss. You might notice that your loved one often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to realize that the television volume is extremely loud.
What you might hear:
- The need for people to speak louder
- 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
Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will frequently also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
What you may hear:
- Problems distinguishing vowels from consonants, resulting in misunderstandings
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
This distortion can create frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you understand what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus presents a unique auditory experience that can come with hearing loss. It can present as persistent or periodic sounds that overlap with external noises.
What you may hear:
- Whistling or hissing sounds that appear to come from within
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
Each individual’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these intrusive sounds can substantially impact daily life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Distinguishing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss normally progresses slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is essential for early treatment. It’s probably time to make an appointment for a hearing consultation if you find yourself having difficulty following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat what they said.
When is it time for a hearing test?
It’s important to make an appointment with us for a hearing assessment 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. Understanding what hearing loss sounds like can make a substantial difference in your quality of life. Don’t wait to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.