Usually, the first stages of hearing loss develop slowly. You might dismiss your need for people to repeat what they said as them mumbling or background noise. But as you think about this moment, a question arises: Am I losing my hearing? Understanding the sounds related to hearing loss can help you identify potential changes in your own hearing.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
For many, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they once did. You might not even realize that you’ve been cranking the volume of the television up or that your friends and family regularly ask you to “speak up”.
What you might hear:
- Sounds that are quieter than before
- In environments where there is lots of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
- Needing people to speak up
This type of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making familiar sounds seem distant or indistinct.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds quieter, but they can also become distorted. It’s challenging to distinguish between similar sounds making conversations difficult.
What you might hear:
- Speech that sounds muddled or distorted
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others fade into the background
- Problems distinguishing consonants from vowels, causing misunderstandings
This distorted speech can cause you to misinterpret important details without even knowing it, which can produce barriers in communication and frustration.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It can present as persistent or periodic sounds that overlap with outside noises.
You might hear the following:
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
Each individual’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these intrusive sounds can significantly affect daily life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
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 assessment if you find yourself having difficulty following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat what they said.
When to see a hearing specialist
If you think you are detecting any kind of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is crucial. Consulting with us can offer clarity on your condition and direct you toward appropriate treatment solutions. Knowing what hearing loss sounds like can make a meaningful difference in your quality of life. The health of your hearing is important so don’t wait to get the help you need.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.