Typically, the first stages of hearing loss develop slowly. You might find yourself asking your daughter to repeat something, disregarding it as mumbling or background noise. But as you reflect on this moment, a question emerges: Am I losing my hearing? It will be easier to recognize whether your own hearing is changing by understanding the sounds that go along with hearing loss.
The soft sounds of conductive hearing loss
When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, this is a common sign 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.
What you might hear:
- In settings where there is a lot of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
- Needing people to talk louder
- Sounds that are softer than before
Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far off or muffled.
Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted
Besides becoming softer, sounds will frequently also be distorted for somebody who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to distinguish between similar sounds making conversations problematic.
How it may sound:
- Problems distinguishing vowels from consonants, causing misunderstandings
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
This distorted speech can cause you to misinterpret important details without even knowing it, which can lead to barriers in communication and frustration.
Tinnitus symptoms
Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It typically manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t really there, which can cause actual sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
You might hear the following:
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Ringing or hissing sounds that appear to come from within
Each individual’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these intrusive sounds can significantly affect day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
Recognizing the sounds of hearing changes
Hearing loss usually progresses slowly, and being aware of sounds that come along with it is essential for early treatment. 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 what they said.
When is it time for a hearing test?
If you think you are experiencing any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is essential. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and supply you with the best course of treatment. Understanding 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.