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 restating the “to-do” list. 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 find 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 people who have trouble hearing high frequencies. It is the most prevalent 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. 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.
In addition, the following sounds would be difficult to hear:
- Birds chirping
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-pitched musical instruments like a flute
What are the underlying factors that bring about hearing loss at higher sound frequencies?
Age-related hearing loss might include this hearing problem. Moreover, damage to the tiny, hair-like sensory cells found in the inner ear can result in increased difficulty in perceiving high-frequency sounds.
Prolonged exposure to loud noises, including those experienced at concerts or in loud workplaces or surroundings, can also contribute to the problem. Other risk factors include genetics, certain medications like aspirin, chemo drugs, 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 danger of dementia, depression, and injury, causing falls.
Managing hearing loss in the higher frequencies
There is no cure for high-frequency hearing loss, but getting hearing aids helps amplify high-pitched sounds, making them clearer and crisper. A hearing specialist can calibrate your hearing aids at the best setting for you.
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. As a perk, you’ll make your wife happy.
Schedule an appointment if you suspect you have high-frequency hearing loss.