Impression of hearing impairment
Below, there is a number of sound files which you can play to get an impression of what it means to be suffering from hearing loss and tinnitus.
By clicking on the sound files, people with normal hearing can get an impression of how music sounds to a hearing-impaired person. The first sound is at 'normal level' and the following sounds have been reduced in relation to the 'normal level'.
The examples show how conductive and sensorineural hearing loss can sound. But again it may also sound differently. The way it sounds to a hearing-impaired person always depends on the type and degree of the hearing loss.
You can also hear some examples of tinnitus. But tinnitus may sound in many different ways, and can be more or less intense. So, remember, these sounds are just examples.
The sounds you hear will always depend on the quality of your computer equipment.
You cannot use these sound files to test your own hearing. And you cannot test your own hearing on the Internet.
To test your hearing, you have to visit your family doctor or a hearing health care professional.
| Sound files: | Size: | |
| 565 Kb | ||
| Conductive hearing loss (10bd) | 566 Kb | |
| Conductive hearing loss (20bd) | 565 Kb | |
| Conductive hearing loss (30bd) | 565 Kb | |
| Sensorineural hearing loss (mild) | 571 Kb | |
| Sensorineural hearing loss (moderate) | 580 Kb | |
| Sensorineural hearing loss (severe) | 580 Kb | |
| Tinnitus (example 1) | 567 Kb | |
| Tinnitus (example 2) | 566 Kb | |
| 125 Hz tone | 15 Kb | |
| 250 Hz tone | 15 Kb | |
| 500 Hz tone | 15 Kb | |
| 1000 Hz tone | 15 Kb | |
| 2000 Hz tone | 15 Kb | |
| 4000 Hz tone | 15 Kb | |
| 8000 Hz tone | 87 Kb |
The examples of hearing loss and tinnitus is provided by the Danish Information Centre for Hearing Impairment and Deafness, Delta Akustik and Vibration.
