Why is it harder to hear women’s and children’s voices? As proof, maybe you have noticed that some men say they can’t hear their wives’ voices when they are repeating the “to-do” list. Obviously, we are kidding; however, there are lots of reasons why it becomes hard to hear women’s and children’s voices. Let’s explore the reasons behind this and explore possible solutions.
Comprehending high-frequency hearing loss
Females and young individuals often have voices that are higher in pitch, and this can influence how clearly they are able to communicate for individuals with trouble hearing high frequencies. It’s the most prevalent type of hearing impairment.
A person may observe they can pick up on faint noises, yet struggle to make out what their kids or grandkids are saying to them. The normal frequency range for women is between 165 and 255 Hz, while for men it is between 85 and 180 Hz.
Trouble in hearing certain consonants in speech, like t, th, ch, soft c, s, sh, f, and k, due to high-frequency hearing loss can lead to unclear speech.
Additionally, the following sounds would be challenging to hear:
- Chirping birds
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-pitched musical instruments like a flute
What causes high-frequency hearing loss?
This issue is often part of age-related hearing loss. Moreover, damage to the tiny, hair-like sensory cells found in the inner ear can lead to increased difficulty in perceiving high-frequency sounds.
If you frequented loud concerts and had excessive noise exposure from work or the environment, it can play a part. Other risk factors include genetics, certain medications like aspirin, chemo drugs, and antibiotics. Cardiovascular disease is connected as well.
If children have high-frequency hearing loss, it can impede their speech and language skill development. Older adults may face the danger of experiencing dementia, depression, and falls.
Treatments for high-frequency hearing loss
There is no cure for high-frequency hearing loss, but getting hearing aids helps amplify high-pitched sounds, making them clearer and crisper. A hearing specialist can calibrate your hearing aids at the right setting for you.
An improved experience can be achieved in a business meeting, making phone calls, dining, or talking with your grandchild. Many hearing aids can be connected to your smartphone and have directional microphones that allow for precise sound adjustment. Your wife will be pleased as an added advantage.
Schedule an appointment if you think you have high-frequency hearing loss.