Why is it more difficult to hear women’s and children’s voices? Perhaps you have observed that some men claim they are unable to hear their wives speaking when they are listing tasks to be done. Of course, we are joking; however, there are many reasons why it becomes difficult to hear women’s and children’s voices. Let’s explore the reasons behind this and explore possible solutions.
Comprehending high-frequency hearing loss
Females and young people frequently have voices that are higher in frequency, and this can impact how clearly they are able to communicate for individuals with trouble hearing high frequencies. It’s the most prevalent form of hearing impairment.
A person might notice they can pick up on quiet noises, yet struggle to make out 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.
Trouble in hearing certain consonants in speech, like t, th, ch, soft c, s, sh, f, and k, as a result of high-frequency hearing loss can lead to unclear speech.
Here are a number of other sounds that might be difficult to detect or hear clearly.
- Birds chirping
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-pitched musical instruments like a flute
What causes high-frequency hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss might include this hearing issue. In addition, the tiny hair-like sensory cells in the inner ear may become damaged, and this makes it harder to hear high-pitched sounds.
If you frequented loud concerts and had substantial noise exposure from work or the environment, it can play a part. Additional factors that increase risk include heredity, specific drugs such as aspirin, chemotherapy medications, and antibiotics. Cardiovascular disease is related as well.
If kids have high-frequency hearing loss, it can hamper their speech and language skill development. Older people could face the possibility of experiencing dementia, depression, and falls.
Treatments for high-frequency hearing loss
While high-frequency hearing loss is permanent, using hearing aids can dramatically improve the clarity of high-pitched sounds by increasing their volume, producing a sharper and more distinct auditory experience. A hearing specialist can calibrate your hearing aids at the right setting for you.
Attending a business meeting, talking on the phone, having meals, or chatting with your grandchild can be enhanced. 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 think you have high-frequency hearing loss.