Hearing loss usually begins subtly. You might dismiss your need for people to repeat what they said as them 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 go along with hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss comes with softer sounds
When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, this is a common indication of conductive hearing loss. You may not even realize that you’ve been cranking the volume of the television up or that your friends and family frequently ask you to “speak up”.
Here are some things you may hear:
- In environments where there is lots of background noise, you have a more difficult time hearing clearly
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
- Needing people to talk louder
Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far away 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 might hear:
- Unclear or distorted speech
- Difficulty distinguishing vowels from consonants, causing misunderstandings
- The experience of hearing some sounds while others fade into the background
This distorted speech can cause you to misinterpret important details without even knowing it, which can produce barriers in communication and frustration.
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 actually there, which can cause external sounds to be even more difficult to hear.
What you may hear:
- Buzzing or static noises
- Whistling or hissing sounds that appear to come from within
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
Each individual’s experience with tinnitus can differ, but these intrusive sounds can substantially affect day-to-day life and the enjoyment of other sounds.
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. If you find yourself consistently asking others to repeat themselves or struggling to follow conversations, it might be time to think about a hearing evaluation.
When is it time for a hearing test?
If you think you are detecting any form of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is crucial. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and provide you with the best course of treatment. Understanding what hearing loss sounds like can make a meaningful difference in your quality of life. Don’t wait to get help; your hearing health is important.
Contact us right away for a consultation.