Why are women and children sometimes more challenging to hear than men? Maybe you have observed that some men claim they are unable to hear their wives speaking when they are listing tasks to be done. That’s a joke, but it is rather common for people to struggle to hear the voices of women and children. Let’s discover the reasons behind this and discuss possible solutions.
Comprehending high-frequency hearing loss
Females and young people frequently 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 type of hearing impairment.
A person may observe they can pick up on faint noises, yet struggle to make out what their kids or grandkids are saying to them. The typical 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 jumbled.
In addition, the following sounds would be challenging to hear:
- Chirping birds
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-frequency musical instruments like a flute
What causes high-frequency hearing loss?
This problem can be an element of age-related hearing loss. Moreover, damage to the small, hair-like sensory cells found in the inner ear can result in increased difficulty in perceiving high-frequency sounds.
If you frequented loud concerts and had substantial noise exposure from work or the environment, it can be a factor. Other risk factors include genetic makeups, certain medications like aspirin, chemo drugs, and antibiotics. Cardiovascular disease is also related.
If children have high-frequency hearing loss, it can impede their speech and language skill development. Older people may face the possibility of experiencing dementia, depression, and falls.
Dealing with hearing loss in the higher frequencies
While high-frequency hearing loss is irreversible, using hearing aids can substantially improve the clarity of high-pitched sounds by boosting their volume, resulting in a sharper and more distinct auditory experience. An audiologist can program your hearing aids to meet your specific needs.
Participating in a business meeting, talking on the phone, having meals, or chatting with your grandchild can be improved. Most modern hearing devices can link to your mobile phone and come outfitted with directional microphones for accurate sound customization. As a perk, you’ll make your wife happy.
Schedule a consultation if you believe you might be experiencing hearing difficulties at high frequencies.