Usually, the first stages of hearing loss develop slowly. You may find yourself asking your daughter to repeat something, dismissing it as mumbling or background noise. But when this happens, you begin to think that you might be starting to develop hearing loss. Understanding the sounds related 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 once did, this is a common indication 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 extremely loud.
What you may hear:
- The need for people to speak louder
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
- In settings where there is a lot of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
This form of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making common sounds seem distant or indistinct.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming softer, sounds will often also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. Conversations might feel challenging as you struggle to differentiate between similar sounds.
What you may hear:
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Speech that seems muddled or unclear
- Problems distinguishing vowels from consonants, resulting in misunderstandings
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 presents a unique auditory experience that can come with hearing loss. It usually manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, which can cause actual sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
You might hear the following:
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
- Whistling or hissing sounds that seem to come from within
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in many ways and can significantly impact quality of life.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss can be a slow process, and recognizing the sounds connected with it is essential for early intervention. If you find yourself consistently asking people to repeat themselves 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 experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any indications 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 seek help; your hearing health is important.
Contact us right away for a consultation.