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. That’s a joke, but it is rather common for people to struggle to hear the voices of women and children. Let’s discover the reasons behind this and explore possible solutions.
Delving into the impacts of hearing loss at high frequencies
Females and young people often have voices that are higher in pitch, and this can influence how clearly they are able to communicate for individuals with difficulty hearing high frequencies. It is the most common kind of hearing loss.
A person might 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.
High-frequency hearing loss can make it harder to hear consonants in speech, including t, th, ch, soft c, s, sh, f, and k, which cause speech to sound muddled.
Here are a number of other sounds that might be difficult to detect or hear clearly.
- Chirping birds
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-pitched musical instruments like a flute
What causes high-frequency hearing loss?
This problem can be an element of age-related hearing loss. In addition, the tiny hair-like sensory cells in the inner ear may become damaged, and this makes it more difficult to hear high-pitched sounds.
Extended exposure to loud noises, such as those experienced at concerts or in loud workplaces or surroundings, can also contribute to the problem. Other risk factors include genetic makeups, certain medications like aspirin, chemo drugs, and antibiotics. Cardiovascular disease is also connected.
High-frequency hearing loss in children could hinder the development of their speech and language skills. For older adults, it can include the risk of dementia, depression, and injury, causing falls.
Managing hearing loss in the higher frequencies
While high-frequency hearing loss is irreversible, utilizing hearing aids can dramatically improve the clarity of high-pitched sounds by increasing their volume, resulting in a sharper and more distinct auditory experience. An audiologist can configure your hearing aids to meet your individual requirements.
An improved experience can be achieved in a business meeting, making phone calls, dining, or engaging in conversations with your grandchild. Many hearing aids can be connected to your smartphone and have directional microphones that allow for accurate sound adjustment. Your wife will be pleased as an added benefit.
Schedule a consultation if you believe you might be experiencing hearing issues at high frequencies.