Normally, the first stages of hearing loss develop slowly. You may dismiss your need for people to repeat themselves as them mumbling or background noise. But when this happens, you begin to think that you might be starting to develop hearing loss. It will be easier to identify whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that accompany hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss comes with softer sounds
For many people, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they once did. You may notice that your loved one frequently asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to realize that the television volume is extremely loud.
Here are some things you may hear:
- Sounds that are softer than before
- In environments where there is a lot of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
- Needing individuals to speak up
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far away or muffled.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will frequently also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations might feel challenging as you struggle to differentiate between similar sounds.
How it might sound:
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Speech that seems muddled or unclear
- Difficulty distinguishing vowels from consonants, resulting in misunderstandings
This distorted speech can cause you to misconstrue important details without even realizing it, which can lead to barriers in communication and frustration.
Tinnitus symptoms
Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can manifest as consistent or intermittent sounds that overlap with external noises.
What you may hear:
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Buzzing or static sounds
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in many ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss usually progresses slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. It’s probably time to make 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 to see a hearing specialist
It’s important to make an appointment with us for a hearing test if you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any indications of hearing loss. Consulting with us can offer clarity on your condition and guide you toward correct treatment options. Your quality of life can be substantially improved by understanding what hearing loss sounds like. Don’t hesitate to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Contact us right away for a consultation.
