Hearing loss usually begins subtly. You may 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? Understanding the sounds linked to hearing loss can help you identify potential changes in your own hearing.
Conductive hearing loss makes the world sound softer
When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, this is a common sign of conductive hearing loss. You may notice that your loved one frequently asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to realize that the television volume is excessively loud.
Here are a few things you may hear:
- Needing people to speak up
- Sounds that are softer than before
- In environments where there is lots of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
This type of hearing loss may feel like a muffled auditory experience, making familiar sounds seem distant or indistinct.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds quieter, but they can also become distorted. It’s challenging to distinguish between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
What you might hear:
- Problems distinguishing vowels from consonants, causing misunderstandings
- The sensation of hearing some sounds while others disappear into the background
- Unclear or distorted speech
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you understand 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 might hear the following:
- Whistling or hissing sounds that seem to come from within
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
Each person’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these invasive sounds can significantly impact daily life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
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 set up an appointment for a hearing consultation if you find yourself having trouble following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat themselves.
When is it time for a hearing test?
It’s essential to schedule an appointment with us for a hearing test if you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any symptoms of hearing loss. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and supply you with the best course of treatment. Your quality of life can be substantially improved by understanding what hearing loss sounds like. Don’t hesitate to get help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.
