Typically, the first stages of hearing loss develop slowly. You may find yourself asking your kids to repeat something, disregarding it as 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 recognize whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that go along with hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss comes with softer sounds
For many people, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they used to. You might notice that your loved one often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to recognize that the television volume is extremely loud.
What you may hear:
- The need for individuals to speak louder
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
- In settings where there is lots of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far away or muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will frequently also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations may feel challenging as you struggle to distinguish between similar sounds.
What you might hear:
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Difficulty distinguishing vowels from consonants, causing misunderstandings
This distortion can create frustrating communication barriers, where you think you understand what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
Tinnitus symptoms
Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can present as persistent or intermittent sounds that overlap with outside noises.
You may hear the following:
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Buzzing or static sounds
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these intrusive sounds can substantially impact daily life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Distinguishing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss normally progresses slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is essential for early treatment. If you find yourself regularly asking people to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations, it might be time to consider a hearing evaluation.
When to see a hearing specialist
It’s important to make an appointment with us for a hearing test if you are noticing tinnitus symptoms or any indications of hearing loss. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and direct you toward correct treatment solutions. Understanding what hearing loss sounds like can make a substantial 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.