Why are women and children sometimes harder to hear than men? As proof, maybe you have noticed that some men claim 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 individuals to struggle to hear the voices of women and children. Let’s find out why, and what you can do about it.
Exploring the impacts of hearing loss at high frequencies
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 who have difficulty hearing high frequencies. It’s the most prevalent form of hearing impairment.
A person may notice 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 certain consonants in speech, like t, th, ch, soft c, s, sh, f, and k, due to high-frequency hearing loss can result in unclear speech.
Additionally, the following sounds would be difficult to hear:
- Birds chirping
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-frequency musical instruments like a flute
What causes high-frequency hearing loss?
This issue is often 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 harder to hear high-pitched sounds.
Extended exposure to loud noises, such as those encountered at concerts or in loud workplaces or surroundings, can also contribute to the issue. Other factors that contribute to risk include heredity, specific drugs such as aspirin, chemotherapy medications, and antibiotics. Heart disease is connected as well.
If kids have high-frequency hearing loss, it can hamper their speech and language skill development. For older adults, it can include the risk of dementia, depression, and injury, causing falls.
Dealing with hearing loss in the higher frequencies
There is no cure for high-frequency hearing loss, but acquiring hearing aids helps boost high-pitched sounds, making them clearer and crisper. An audiologist can program your hearing aids to meet your individual requirements.
Participating in a business meeting, talking on the phone, having meals, or talking with your grandchild can be improved. Most contemporary hearing devices can link to your mobile phone and come equipped with directional microphones for accurate sound personalization. Your wife will be pleased as an added benefit.
Schedule a consultation if you believe you might be experiencing hearing issues at high frequencies.