Why is it harder to hear women’s and children’s voices? 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. Of course, we are kidding; however, there are many 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.
Exploring the impacts of hearing loss at high frequencies
Females and young people often have voices that are higher in frequency, and this can influence how clearly they are able to communicate for individuals with difficulty hearing high frequencies. It is the most common type of hearing loss.
A person may observe they can pick up on quiet 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, like t, th, ch, soft c, s, sh, f, and k, as a result of high-frequency hearing loss can result in unclear speech.
Here are a number of other sounds that may be hard to detect or hear clearly.
- Birds chirping
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-frequency musical instruments like a flute
What are the underlying factors that contribute to hearing loss at higher sound pitches?
This issue can be part of age-related hearing loss. Additionally, the tiny hair-like sensory cells in the inner ear can become damaged, and this makes it harder to hear high-pitched sounds.
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds, 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 related.
High-frequency hearing loss in children could impede the development of their speech and language skills. Older people could face the possibility 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 boost high-pitched sounds, making them clearer and crisper. An audiologist can configure your hearing aids to meet your individual requirements.
Attending a business meeting, talking on the phone, having meals, or talking with your grandchild can be enhanced. Many hearing aids can be connected to your smartphone and have directional microphones that allow for precise sound adjustment. As a perk, you’ll make your wife happy.
Book an appointment if you think you have high-frequency hearing loss.