Why are women and children sometimes more challenging to hear than men? 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. That’s a joke, but it is rather common for individuals to struggle to hear the voices of women and children. Let’s figure out why, and what you can do about it.
Understanding high-frequency hearing loss
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 type of hearing impairment.
A person may notice 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.
Difficulty in hearing certain consonants in speech, like t, th, ch, soft c, s, sh, f, and k, due to high-frequency hearing loss can lead to unclear speech.
Additionally, the following sounds would be challenging to hear:
- Birds chirping
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-pitched musical instruments like a flute
What causes high-frequency hearing loss?
This issue is often an element of age-related hearing loss. Moreover, damage to the small, hair-like sensory cells located in the inner ear can lead to increased trouble in perceiving high-frequency sounds.
Extended exposure to loud sounds, such as those encountered at concerts or in loud workplaces or surroundings, can also contribute to the issue. Other risk factors include genetic makeups, certain medications like aspirin, chemo drugs, and antibiotics. Cardiovascular disease is also connected.
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.
Dealing with hearing loss in the higher frequencies
There is no cure for high-frequency hearing loss, but getting hearing aids helps boost 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 talking with your grandchild can be improved. Most contemporary hearing devices can stream to your mobile phone and come equipped with directional microphones for accurate sound customization. Your wife will be pleased as an added benefit.
Schedule an appointment if you think you have high-frequency hearing loss.
