Why is it more difficult to hear women’s and children’s voices? As proof, perhaps you have noticed that some men say they can’t hear their wives’ voices when they are repeating the “to-do” list. That’s a joke, but it is rather common for people to struggle to hear the voices of women and children. Let’s find out why, and what you can do about it.
Understanding high-frequency hearing loss
Females and young people frequently have voices that are higher in pitch, and this can impact how clearly they are able to communicate for people who have difficulty hearing high frequencies. It is the most common kind of hearing loss.
Somebody may report that they can hear soft sounds, but can’t understand why hearing their children or grandchildren is challenging. Women have 165 to 255 Hz, whereas men have 85 to 180 Hz.
High-frequency hearing loss can make it harder to hear consonants in speech, such as t, th, ch, soft c, s, sh, f, and k, which cause speech to sound muddled.
Here are a few other sounds that may be difficult to detect or hear clearly.
- Chirping birds
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-frequency musical instruments like a flute
What are the intrinsic factors that contribute to hearing loss at higher sound frequencies?
Age-related hearing loss may include this hearing problem. Additionally, the tiny hair-like sensory cells in the inner ear may become damaged, and this makes it harder to hear high-pitched sounds.
If you have attended loud concerts and had substantial noise exposure from work or the environment, it can be a factor. Additional factors that increase risk include heredity, particular drugs such as aspirin, chemotherapy medications, and antibiotics. Cardiovascular disease is also related.
If kids have high-frequency hearing loss, it can hamper their speech and language skill development. For older people, it can include the risk of dementia, depression, and injury, causing falls.
Dealing with hearing loss in the higher frequencies
While high-frequency hearing loss is irreversible, utilizing hearing aids can considerably improve the clarity of high-pitched sounds by boosting their volume, resulting in a sharper and more distinct auditory experience. An audiologist can program your hearing aids to meet your individual needs.
Participating in a business meeting, talking on the phone, having meals, or talking with your grandchild can be improved. Most contemporary hearing devices can stream to your mobile phone and come outfitted with directional microphones for accurate sound customization. Your wife will be pleased as an added benefit.
Book an appointment if you think you have high-frequency hearing loss.
