Hearing loss usually begins subtly. You might find yourself asking your daughter to repeat something, disregarding it as mumbling or background noise. But as you reflect on this moment, a question emerges: Am I losing my hearing? Understanding the sounds associated with 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 once did, this is a common sign of conductive hearing loss. You might not even recognize that you’ve been turning the volume of the television up or that your friends and family frequently ask you to “speak up”.
Here are a few things you may hear:
- The need for others to raise their voices
- Difficulty hearing in loud settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
- Sounds that are softer than before
Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far away or muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds quieter, but they can also become distorted. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
How it might sound:
- Speech that sounds muddled or distorted
- Difficulty distinguishing vowels from consonants, causing misunderstandings
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
This distorted speech can cause you to misinterpret important details without even knowing it, which can lead to barriers in communication and frustration.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss often comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can manifest as persistent or periodic sounds that overlap with outside noises.
You may 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
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these intrusive sounds can significantly impact day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss normally develops slowly, and being conscious of sounds that come along with it is essential for early treatment. If you find yourself frequently asking others to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations, it might be time to think about a hearing evaluation.
When is it time for a hearing test?
If you suspect you are experiencing any form 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 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.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.