Hearing loss usually starts out subtly. You may find yourself asking your kids 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? Understanding the sounds related to 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 used to, this is a common indication of conductive hearing loss. You may notice that your partner often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to recognize that the television volume is extremely loud.
What you may hear:
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
- Needing individuals to talk louder
- Trouble hearing in noisy settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
This form of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making familiar sounds seem distant or faint.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
Besides becoming fainter, sounds will frequently also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
How it might sound:
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others fade into the background
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Problems distinguishing consonants from vowels, causing misunderstandings
This distortion can create frustrating communication barriers, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It typically manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t really there, which can cause external sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
You may hear the following:
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Buzzing or static noises
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these invasive 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 identifying the sounds connected with it is essential for early intervention. It’s probably time to set up an appointment for a hearing assessment if you find yourself having difficulty following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat themselves.
When is it time for a hearing exam?
It’s essential to make an appointment with us for a hearing assessment if you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any indications 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 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.