---
title: What Does Hearing Loss Sound Like?
description: Explore the different types and degrees of hearing loss and how they affect a person's ability to hear and communicate.
image: https://relaysd.com/hubfs/RelaySD_June_2022/Images/18_Jan_RelaySD_BlogPosts_HearingLossSoundLIke.jpg
---

 

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# What Does Hearing Loss Sound Like?

![What Does Hearing Loss Sound Like?](https://relaysd.com/hubfs/RelaySD_June_2022/Images/18_Jan_RelaySD_BlogPosts_HearingLossSoundLIke.jpg)

Do you have a family member, friend or colleague with hearing loss? If so, you know how important it is to be supportive and understanding – especially if their hearing loss is age-related or work-related, and you’re all adjusting to new communication needs.

**Here are some ways you can gain perspective by experiencing what hearing loss sounds like. **

People with **mild hearing loss** have difficulty hearing soft consonant sounds, making words seem incomplete. Noisy environments make hearing more challenging.  

For people with **moderate hearing loss**, hard and soft consonant sounds become inaudible and speech becomes difficult to understand – particularly with background noise.

For people with **severe hearing loss**, some loud sounds are audible, but communication without a hearing instrument is impossible.

Ready to learn more? Hearing loss simulators can be an effective way to understand what your loved one, friend or coworker is experiencing.  

[Starkey hearing loss simulator](https://www.starkey.com/hearing-loss-simulator) – click the wheel to experience mild, moderate and severe hearing loss levels.

[Hear-it.org](https://www.hear-it.org/Impressions-of-hearing-loss-and-Tinnitus-) – play sound impressions of hearing loss and tinnitus.  

[CDC hearing loss simulator](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/content/hlsoundslike.html) – developed to help explain how loud noises can permanently damage hearing on the job, this page has good examples to share for all of us. You can also [download the software here](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/works/coversheet1820.html). 

In addition to hearing loss simulators, you can also learn more about [common communication mistakes](https://relaysd.com/news/5-common-mistakes-made-when-communicating-with-the-hard-of-hearing/) and how to avoid them. 

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