Audiologist Warns Spooky Household Noises May Indicate Hearing Loss
From unexplained knocking to phantom whispers, an expert outlines five auditory anomalies that could signal underlying hearing problems.
Unexplained knocking, phantom whispers, or creaking floorboards that seem to emanate from within the walls could be more than just the stuff of Halloween tales. According to audiologist Ash Shah, head of audiology at The Hearing Care Partnership, these sounds might be early indicators of hearing loss.
Shah suggests that as the nights draw in and houses become quieter, individuals may become more attuned to sounds they previously overlooked. If these noises are persistent or if everyday sounds have begun to sound distorted or louder, it could signal a need for a hearing check.
Unexplained Knocking or Humming
One potential sign is experiencing unexplained knocking or humming sounds, which Shah identifies as a possible manifestation of tinnitus. While often associated with ringing, tinnitus can present as a range of noises, including buzzing, hissing, humming, whistling, or whooshing. It may be constant or intermittent, affect one or both ears, or feel as if it originates within the head. Tinnitus is common, affecting approximately one in seven adults in the UK, and tends to increase with age. While it can often be managed and doesn't directly cause hearing loss, the two conditions can be linked. Shah advises seeking medical attention if tinnitus persists for more than a couple of weeks, or sooner if it occurs in only one ear, pulses in time with the heartbeat, or is accompanied by dizziness, ear pain, or discharge.
Hearing Voices or Music That Isn't There
Another symptom to consider is hearing phantom whispers, laughter, or music when no one is present. Shah explains that this phenomenon, known as auditory deprivation or Musical Ear Syndrome, is often the brain attempting to fill in gaps caused by hearing loss. Music is reported as the most common auditory hallucination, followed by voices, often described as indistinct or repetitive. This is more prevalent in older adults and typically occurs in quiet environments.
Everyday Noises Seem Excessively Loud
Hearing loss does not always manifest as a simple decrease in volume. Hyperacusis, a condition where everyday sounds such as a kettle boiling or a door shutting become uncomfortably loud or even painful, may also be a sign. Shah explains that when the signal from the ear is diminished, the brain may attempt to compensate by amplifying the remaining sound, potentially leading to an oversensitivity to normal noises. Hyperacusis affects a small percentage of the population and is sometimes linked to tinnitus or autism spectrum disorder.
Rapid Increase in Sound Loudness
Similar to hyperacusis, a condition called recruitment can cause sounds to rapidly increase in perceived loudness. An individual with recruitment might ask someone to speak up, only to find the sound becomes uncomfortably loud even with a slight increase in volume. This occurs when the hair cells in the inner ear, which normally amplify quiet sounds more than loud ones, are damaged. This damage reduces the amplification effect, shortening the range between a quiet sound and an uncomfortably loud one.
Muffled or Distorted Sounds
If noises seem muffled or distorted, or if there is a sensation of fullness or blockage in the ear, it could be due to earwax build-up. This condition affects about one in 20 adults and can also cause earache and tinnitus. Minor cases of earwax build-up can often be treated with eardrops, while more significant blockages may require professional removal by an audiologist.
Shah emphasizes that sudden hearing loss, especially when accompanied by tinnitus, should be treated as an urgent medical issue. Conductive hearing loss, caused by issues like infections or ear drum perforations, is often treatable. However, sensorineural hearing loss, resulting from damage to the inner ear, is typically permanent and may require hearing aids and other assistive listening devices. Shah recommends regular hearing checks to monitor for changes and advises seeking professional help for any perceived hearing problems, cautioning against self-treatment for issues like earwax buildup.