Normally, 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 as you reflect on this moment, a question arises: Am I losing my hearing? It will be easier to recognize whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that accompany hearing loss.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
When normal sounds seem softer than they once did, this is a common sign of conductive hearing loss. You might 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:
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
- Trouble hearing in loud settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
- Needing people to talk louder
This type of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making familiar sounds seem distant or faint.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming softer, sounds will frequently also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations might feel challenging as you struggle to distinguish between similar sounds.
What you may hear:
- Misunderstandings because you’re unable to distinguish vowels from consonants
- Speech that seems muddled or distorted
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
This distorted speech can cause you to misconstrue important details without even realizing it, which can produce barriers in communication and frustration.
Tinnitus symptoms
Hearing loss often comes with tinnitus symptoms. It normally manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, which can cause external sounds to be even harder to hear.
What you may hear:
- Buzzing or static sounds
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Distinguishing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and identifying the sounds connected with it is essential for early intervention. It’s probably time to make an appointment for a hearing assessment if you find yourself having difficulty following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat what they said.
When is it time for a hearing exam?
If you suspect you are detecting any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and guide you toward correct treatment solutions. Knowing what hearing loss sounds like can make a substantial difference in your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to get help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.