Why can I hear some quiet environmental sounds but speech is hard to hear/understand?

Written by:
Written by:
June 18, 2025

Speech is made up of many complex sounds, whereas environmental sounds are usually one or two more simple sounds. The brain has to work harder to process speech sounds. If someone has hearing loss, it makes it a lot harder for the brain to process speech sounds as it’s missing some of the information, and sometimes it has to guess or try and fill in the gaps. If you are finding it difficult to hear or understand speech, book an Ear360 appointment to find out why.

Up Next
How do I know if I have a memory problem?
Written by:
Do I lose hearing each year?
Read article
My father-in-law can’t hear very well and won’t have a hearing test or wear hearing aids. What can we as a family do?
Read article
Aural Fullness and Ear Blockage: When Your Ear Feels “Plugged Up
Read article
I know I have a hearing loss but it’s mild, should I wait till it gets worse before addressing it?
Read article
Do headphones or earbuds increase your risk of hearing loss?
Read article
What should I do if I wake up and my hearing is different?
Read article
How do I know if I've got hearing problems?
Read article
How often should I check my hearing?
Read article
Is it really such a big deal if I don't treat my hearing loss?
Read article
How often should I check my hearing?
Read article
Do headphones or earbuds increase your risk of hearing loss?
Read article
What should I do if I wake up and my hearing is different?
Read article
What is Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL)?
Read article
Barotrauma: Ear Pain from Pressure Changes
Read article
Why does it sound like people are mumbling?
Read article
What is a "free" hearing test vs an Ear360?
Read article
My family member can't hear well. What should I do?
Read article

Why can I hear some quiet environmental sounds but speech is hard to hear/understand?

Written by:
Reviewed by:
Blog length:
 min read
Published:
April 17, 2023
Summary
No items found.
Summary
No items found.
Share this post
Audiologist