woman sitting on the sofa at home.

Hearing loss usually starts out subtly. You might dismiss your need for people to repeat what they said as them mumbling or background noise. But when this happens, you begin to think that you might be starting to develop hearing loss. 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

For many, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they once did. You may not even recognize that you’ve been cranking the volume of the television up or that your friends and family frequently ask you to “speak up”.

What you might hear:

  • The need for people to speak louder
  • Difficulty hearing in noisy settings, where background noise drowns out softer sounds
  • The volume of sounds seem lower than they used to

This form of hearing loss might feel like a muffled auditory experience, making familiar sounds seem distant or faint.

The distorted sounds of sensorineural hearing loss

In cases of sensorineural hearing loss, not only are sounds softer, but they can also become distorted. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations problematic.

What you may hear:

  • Problems distinguishing consonants from vowels, resulting in misunderstandings
  • Speech that sounds muddled or distorted
  • Being able to hear some sounds but not others

This distorted speech can cause you to misinterpret important details without even realizing it, which can produce barriers in communication and frustration.

Tinnitus symptoms

Tinnitus exhibits a unique auditory experience that can come with hearing loss. It usually manifests as phantom sounds that aren’t really there, which can cause actual sounds to be even more difficult to hear.

What you may hear:

  • Sounds like ocean waves, chirping crickets, or whooshing wind
  • Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat
  • Whistling or hissing sounds that appear to come from within

Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in many ways and can significantly impact quality of life.

Distinguishing the sounds of hearing changes

Hearing loss can be a slow process, and identifying the sounds associated with it is crucial for early intervention. If you find yourself regularly asking people to repeat what they said or struggling to follow conversations, it may be time to consider a hearing evaluation.

When is it time for a hearing test?

It’s essential to schedule an appointment with us for a hearing assessment if you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms or any indications of hearing loss. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and provide you with the best course of treatment. Knowing 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.

Contact us right away for a consultation.

Call Today to Set Up an Appointment

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.
Why wait? You don't have to live with hearing loss. Call Us Today