Usually, the first stages of hearing loss advance slowly. You may find yourself asking your daughter 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 sign of conductive hearing loss. You may notice that your partner often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to recognize that the television volume is excessively loud.
What you may hear:
- Difficulty hearing in noisy settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
- The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to
- Needing individuals to speak up
This form of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making familiar sounds seem distant or faint.
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. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations difficult.
How it might sound:
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others fade into the background
- Speech that seems muddled or unclear
- Misunderstandings because you’re unable to distinguish vowels from consonants
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication barriers, 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 external sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
What you might hear:
- Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
- Static, buzzing, or even a catchy melody stuck on repeat
- Internal hissing or screeching sounds in your ears
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in many ways and can substantially impact quality of life.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss normally progresses slowly, and being conscious of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. It’s probably time to schedule 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 exam?
It’s important to make an appointment with us for a hearing test if you are noticing tinnitus symptoms or any indications of hearing loss. Consulting with us can provide clarity on your condition and direct 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.
Contact us right away for a consultation.
