Hearing loss usually starts out subtly. You might find yourself asking your kids 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 linked to hearing loss can help you identify potential changes in your own hearing.
Conductive hearing loss makes the world sound softer
When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, this is a common indication 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”.
Here are some things you may hear:
- Needing individuals to talk louder
- Difficulty hearing in noisy settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
- Sounds that are softer than before
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far off 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 distinguish between similar sounds making conversations difficult.
What you may hear:
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Problems distinguishing vowels from consonants, resulting in misunderstandings
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
Tinnitus symptoms
Hearing loss often comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can present as persistent or periodic sounds that overlap with outside noises.
What you might hear:
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
Each individual’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these intrusive sounds can substantially impact daily life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and recognizing the sounds connected with it is essential for early intervention. If you find yourself frequently asking others to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it may 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 essential. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and direct you toward correct treatment solutions. Your quality of life can be substantially improved by understanding what hearing loss sounds like. 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.
