Typically, the first stages of hearing loss develop slowly. You may find yourself asking your kids to repeat something, disregarding it as mumbling or background noise. But when this occurs, you begin to think that you may be starting to develop hearing loss. It will be easier to identify whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that go along with hearing loss.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, this is a common sign of conductive hearing loss. You may not even realize that you’ve been turning the volume of the television up or that your friends and family regularly ask you to “speak up”.
What you might hear:
- In settings where there is a lot of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
- The need for individuals to raise their voices
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will often also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations could feel challenging as you struggle to differentiate between similar sounds.
How it may sound:
- Speech that seems muddled or distorted
- Difficulty distinguishing vowels from consonants, causing misunderstandings
- The sensation of hearing some sounds while others fade into the background
This distorted speech can cause you to misconstrue important details without even realizing it, which can lead to barriers in communication and frustration.
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.
You might hear the following:
- Whistling or hissing sounds that appear to come from within
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Distinguishing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss normally develops slowly, and being conscious of sounds that come along with it is essential for early treatment. It’s probably time to set up an appointment for a hearing assessment 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 test?
If you suspect you are detecting any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and supply you with the best course of treatment. Your quality of life can be substantially improved by understanding what hearing loss sounds like. Don’t wait to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Contact us right away for a consultation.