Typically, the first stages of hearing loss develop slowly. You might find yourself asking your daughter to repeat something, dismissing 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 recognize 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 extremely loud.
What you may hear:
- Trouble hearing in noisy settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
- The volume of sounds seem lower than before
- The need for others to raise their voices
Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far away or muffled.
The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss
In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds softer, but they can also become distorted. Conversations might feel challenging as you struggle to differentiate between similar sounds.
What you might hear:
- Misunderstandings because you can’t distinguish vowels from consonants
- Being able to hear some sounds but not others
- Speech that seems muddled or unclear
This distortion can lead to frustrating communication barriers, where you think you understand what’s being said but misconstrue key details.
The intermittent sounds of tinnitus
Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can manifest as persistent or periodic sounds that overlap with outside noises.
You might hear the following:
- Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
- Whistling or hissing sounds that appear to come from within
- Buzzing or static noises
Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in many ways and can substantially impact quality of life.
Identifying the sounds of changing hearing
Hearing loss normally develops slowly, and being conscious of sounds that come along with it is crucial for early treatment. If you find yourself consistently asking people to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it might be time to think about a hearing assessment.
When to consult a hearing specialist
If you think you are detecting 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 meaningful difference in your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to seek help; your hearing health is important.
Call us today to schedule your hearing test.