Usually, the first stages of hearing loss advance 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 identify 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 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 realize that the television volume is extremely loud.
Here are a few things you may hear:
- Trouble hearing in loud settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
- Needing individuals to speak up
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds quieter, but they can also become distorted. Conversations might feel challenging as you struggle to distinguish between similar sounds.
What you may hear:
- The sensation of hearing some sounds while others disappear into the background
- Speech that seems muddled or distorted
- Misunderstandings because you can’t differentiate vowels from consonants
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
Tinnitus symptoms
Tinnitus presents a unique auditory experience that can accompany hearing loss. It normally manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t actually there, which can cause external sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
What you might hear:
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Buzzing or static sounds
- Internal hissing or ringing sounds in your ears
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in many ways and can substantially impact quality of life.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss generally progresses slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is essential for early treatment. If you find yourself consistently asking others to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations, it may be time to think about a hearing evaluation.
When is it time for a hearing exam?
If you think you are experiencing any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and direct you toward appropriate treatment options. Knowing what hearing loss sounds like can make a substantial 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.
