Hearing loss usually begins 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 emerges: Am I losing my hearing? Understanding the sounds linked to hearing loss can help you identify potential changes in your own hearing.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, this is a common indication of conductive hearing loss. You might not even recognize that you’ve been cranking the volume of the television up or that your friends and family frequently ask you to “speak up”.
Here are a few things you may hear:
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
- Trouble hearing in noisy settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
- Needing individuals to speak up
Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds softer, but they can also become distorted. Conversations may feel challenging as you struggle to differentiate between similar sounds.
What you might hear:
- Problems distinguishing consonants from vowels, resulting in misunderstandings
- Speech that seems muddled or unclear
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
This distortion can create frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss often comes with tinnitus symptoms. It usually manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t really there, which can cause actual sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
What you may hear:
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
- Buzzing or static sounds
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can substantially impact quality of life.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss usually progresses slowly, and being conscious of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. If you find yourself frequently asking others to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations, it could be time to think about a hearing assessment.
When is it time for a hearing exam?
It’s important to schedule an appointment with us for a hearing test if you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any indications of hearing loss. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and guide you toward correct treatment solutions. Understanding what hearing loss sounds like can make a meaningful 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.