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What Does Hearing Loss Sound Like?

woman sitting on the sofa at home.

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 when this happens, you begin to think that you might be starting to develop hearing loss. Understanding the sounds linked to hearing loss can help you recognize potential changes in your own hearing.

Conductive hearing loss makes the world sound softer

For many people, conductive hearing loss manifests as sounds that seem softer than they once did. You may notice that your loved one often asks you to “speak up,” or they fail to recognize that the television volume is excessively loud.

What you might hear:

  • Needing people to talk louder
  • Difficulty hearing in loud settings, where background noise overwhelms softer sounds
  • Sounds that are softer than before

Conductive hearing loss frequently makes everyday sounds seem far off 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 may feel challenging as you struggle to differentiate between similar sounds.

What you might hear:

  • Speech that seems muddled or unclear
  • Being able to hear some sounds but not others
  • Difficulty distinguishing consonants from vowels, causing misunderstandings

This distortion can lead to frustrating communication obstacles, where you think you comprehend what’s being said but misinterpret key details.

Tinnitus symptoms

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

You might hear the following:

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

Each individual’s experience with tinnitus can vary, but these intrusive sounds can significantly affect daily life and the enjoyment of other sounds.

Identifying the sounds of changing hearing

Hearing loss can be a slow process, and identifying the sounds connected with it is essential for early intervention. It’s probably time to schedule an appointment for a hearing consultation if you find yourself having difficulty following along with conversations or needing people to frequently repeat themselves.

When to consult a hearing specialist

It’s essential to schedule an appointment with us for a hearing assessment if you are noticing tinnitus symptoms or any indications of hearing loss. We can help clarify the state of your hearing and supply you with the best course of treatment. Your quality of life can be significantly improved by understanding what hearing loss sounds like. The health of your hearing is important so don’t wait to get the help you need.

Call us today to schedule your hearing test.

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.