Usually, the first stages of hearing loss develop slowly. You might find yourself asking your daughter to repeat something, dismissing it as mumbling or background noise. But when this happens, you begin to think that you may be starting to develop hearing loss. Understanding the sounds related to hearing loss can help you identify potential changes in your own hearing.
Conductive hearing loss comes with softer sounds
When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, this is a common indication of conductive hearing loss. You might notice that your loved one often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to recognize that the television volume is excessively loud.
What you might hear:
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
- In settings where there is a lot of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
- Needing people to talk louder
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
Besides becoming softer, sounds will frequently also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations may feel challenging as you struggle to differentiate between similar sounds.
What you may hear:
- Speech that sounds muddled or distorted
- The sensation of hearing some sounds while others disappear into the background
- Misunderstandings because you can’t distinguish vowels from consonants
This distortion can create frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misinterpret key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Tinnitus presents a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It can present as persistent or intermittent sounds that overlap with external noises.
You may hear the following:
- Buzzing or static sounds
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can substantially 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 schedule an appointment for a hearing assessment 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 exam?
If you suspect you are detecting any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is crucial. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and supply 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 hesitate to get help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.
