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 restating the “to-do” list. Obviously, we are joking; however, there are many reasons why it becomes hard to hear women’s and children’s voices. Let’s find out why, and what you can do about it.
Exploring the impacts of hearing loss at high frequencies
Women and children have a tendency to have higher-pitched voices, which can impact their speech clarity for anyone with high-frequency hearing loss. It’s the most prevalent form of hearing impairment.
Somebody may report that they can hear soft sounds, but can’t understand why hearing their children or grandchildren is difficult. Women have 165 to 255 Hz, while men have 85 to 180 Hz.
High-frequency hearing loss can make it harder to hear consonants in speech, such as t, th, ch, soft c, s, sh, f, and k, which cause speech to sound muddled.
Additionally, 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 is often 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.
If you have attended loud concerts and had excessive noise exposure from work or the environment, it can be a factor. Other risk factors include genetics, certain medications like aspirin, chemo drugs, and antibiotics. Heart disease is related as well.
If children have high-frequency hearing loss, it can hamper their speech and language skill development. Older people could face the danger of experiencing dementia, depression, and 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.
Attending a business meeting, talking on the phone, having meals, or chatting with your grandchild can be enhanced. Most contemporary hearing devices can link to your mobile phone and come outfitted with directional microphones for accurate sound customization. Your wife will be pleased as an added advantage.
Schedule an appointment if you think you have high-frequency hearing loss.