Why is it more difficult to hear women’s and children’s voices? As proof, perhaps 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 find out why, and what you can do about it.
Delving into the impacts of hearing loss at high frequencies
Women and children tend to have higher-pitched voices, which can impact their speech clarity for anyone with high-frequency hearing loss. It is the most prevalent kind of hearing loss.
A person may observe they can pick up on quiet noises, yet struggle to make out what their kids or grandkids are saying to them. Women have 165 to 255 Hz, whereas men have 85 to 180 Hz.
Trouble in hearing specific 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.
In addition, the following sounds would be difficult to hear:
- Chirping birds
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-pitched musical instruments like a flute
What causes high-frequency hearing loss?
This problem can be part of age-related hearing loss. In addition, 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 encountered at concerts or in loud workplaces or surroundings, can also add to the issue. Other risk factors include genetics, certain medications like aspirin, chemo drugs, and antibiotics. Heart disease is related as well.
If kids have high-frequency hearing loss, it can hamper their speech and language skill development. Older adults may face the possibility of experiencing dementia, depression, and falls.
Treatments for high-frequency hearing loss
While high-frequency hearing loss is irreversible, using hearing aids can dramatically improve the clarity of high-pitched sounds by increasing their volume, resulting in a sharper and more distinct auditory experience. A hearing specialist can calibrate your hearing aids at the right setting for you.
An improved experience can be attained 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 advantage.
Schedule an appointment if you suspect you have high-frequency hearing loss.