What Does Hearing Loss Sound Like?

Normally, the first stages of hearing loss advance slowly. You may dismiss your need for people to repeat what they said as them mumbling or background noise. But as you think about this moment, a question emerges: Am I losing my hearing? Understanding the sounds associated with hearing loss can help you recognize potential changes in your own hearing.

Conductive hearing loss comes with softer sounds

When normal sounds seem softer than they used to, this is a common sign of conductive hearing loss. You may not even realize that you’ve been turning the volume of the television up or that your friends and family regularly ask you to “speak up”.

Here are some things you might hear:

• In environments where there is lots of background noise, you have a harder time hearing clearly
• Sounds that are softer than before
• The need for people to speak louder

Conductive hearing loss often makes everyday sounds seem far away or muffled.

Sensorineural hearing loss causes sounds to be distorted

Besides becoming fainter, sounds will often also be distorted for someone who has sensorineural hearing loss. It’s challenging to differentiate between similar sounds making conversations problematic.

What you might hear:

• Unclear or distorted speech
• Misunderstandings because you can’t differentiate vowels from consonants
• Being able to hear some sounds but not others

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

Tinnitus symptoms

Hearing loss frequently comes with tinnitus symptoms. It can manifest as consistent or periodic sounds that overlap with outside noises.

You might hear the following:

• Ringing or hissing sounds that appear to come from within
• Ocean-like waves, crickets chirping, or the whooshing of wind
• Static, buzzing, or even a catchy tune stuck on repeat

Tinnitus symptoms can manifest in lots of ways and can substantially impact quality of life.

Identifying the sounds of changing hearing

Hearing loss can be a gradual process, and recognizing the sounds associated with it is essential for early intervention. It’s probably time to set up 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?

If you suspect you are detecting any kind of hearing loss or tinnitus, scheduling a hearing test is crucial. Consulting with us can offer clarity on your condition and direct you toward appropriate treatment solutions. Knowing 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.