Hearing loss often starts out subtly. You might find yourself asking your daughter to repeat something, disregarding it as mumbling or background noise. But as you think about this moment, a question arises: Am I losing my hearing? It will be easier to identify whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that go along with hearing loss.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
When normal sounds seem softer than they once did, this is a common indication of conductive hearing loss. You may not even recognize that you’ve been turning the volume of the television up or that your friends and family regularly ask you to “speak up”.
What you may hear:
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
- In settings where there is lots of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
- Needing individuals to talk louder
This form of hearing loss may feel like a muffled auditory experience, making familiar sounds seem distant or indistinct.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming softer, sounds will frequently also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations could 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
- Misunderstandings because you can’t distinguish vowels from consonants
This distorted speech can cause you to misinterpret important details without even realizing it, which can produce barriers in communication and frustration.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It can manifest as persistent or periodic sounds that overlap with outside noises.
What you might hear:
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Ringing or hissing sounds that seem to come from within
- Buzzing or static sounds
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can substantially impact quality of life.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss can be a slow process, and identifying the sounds associated with it is crucial for early intervention. If you find yourself regularly asking people to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it may be time to consider a hearing evaluation.
When to consult a hearing specialist
It’s essential to make an appointment with us for a hearing assessment if you are noticing tinnitus symptoms or any symptoms of hearing loss. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and provide you with the best course of treatment. Your quality of life can be substantially improved by knowing 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.