Why is it more difficult to hear women’s and children’s voices? Perhaps you have observed that some men claim they are unable to hear their wives speaking when they are detailing tasks to be done. Of course, we are joking; however, there are lots of reasons why it becomes difficult to hear women’s and children’s voices. Let’s figure 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 individuals with difficulty hearing high frequencies. It is the most prevalent type of hearing loss. A person may observe they can pick up on faint noises, yet struggle to hear what their kids or grandkids are saying to them. Women have 165 to 255 Hz, while men have 85 to 180 Hz.
Difficulty in hearing specific consonants in speech, such as t, th, ch, soft c, s, sh, f, and k, due to high-frequency hearing loss can result in unclear speech.
Here are a few other sounds that may be hard to detect or hear clearly.
- Birds chirping
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-pitched musical instruments like a flute
What are the underlying factors that contribute to hearing loss at higher sound frequencies?
Age-related hearing loss may include this hearing problem. What’s more, damage to the small, hair-like sensory cells located in the inner ear can lead to increased trouble in perceiving high-frequency sounds.
Extended exposure to loud sounds, including those encountered at concerts or in loud workplaces or surroundings, can also add to the issue. Additional factors that increase risk include heredity, particular drugs such as aspirin, chemotherapy medications, and antibiotics. Heart disease is related as well.
High-frequency hearing loss in kids may hinder the development of their speech and language skills. For older adults, it can include the risk of dementia, depression, and injury, causing falls.
Treatments for high-frequency hearing loss
There is no cure for high-frequency hearing loss, but getting hearing aids helps boost high-pitched sounds, making them clearer and crisper. An audiologist can configure your hearing aids to meet your specific requirements.
Attending a business meeting, talking on the phone, having meals, or talking with your grandchild can be enhanced. Most contemporary hearing devices can link to your mobile phone and come outfitted with directional microphones for accurate sound personalization. As a perk, you’ll make your wife happy.
Set up a consultation if you believe you might be experiencing hearing issues at high frequencies.