Why is it more difficult to hear women’s and children’s voices? Perhaps you have noticed that some men claim they are unable to hear their wives speaking when they are detailing tasks to be done. That’s a joke, but it is fairly common for individuals to struggle to hear the voices of women and children. Let’s explore the reasons behind this and explore possible solutions.
Comprehending high-frequency hearing loss
Females and young individuals 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 form of hearing impairment.
Somebody might say they can hear soft sounds, but can’t understand why hearing their children or grandchildren is difficult. The typical frequency range for women is between 165 and 255 Hz, while for men it is between 85 and 180 Hz.
Trouble in hearing specific consonants in speech, such as t, th, ch, soft c, s, sh, f, and k, as a result of high-frequency hearing loss can result in unclear speech.
Here are a few other sounds that might be hard to detect or hear clearly.
- Chirping birds
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-pitched musical instruments like a flute
What causes high-frequency hearing loss?
This problem can be part of age-related hearing loss. 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 excessive noise exposure from work or the environment, it can be a factor. Other factors that contribute to risk include heredity, specific medicines including aspirin, chemotherapy medications, and antibiotics. Cardiovascular disease is also connected.
If children have high-frequency hearing loss, it can hamper their speech and language skill development. Older adults could face the possibility of experiencing dementia, depression, and falls.
Dealing with hearing loss in the higher frequencies
While high-frequency hearing loss is irreversible, utilizing hearing aids can significantly improve the clarity of high-pitched sounds by boosting their volume, producing a sharper and more distinct auditory experience. A hearing specialist can calibrate your hearing aids at the right setting for you.
Participating in 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. Your wife will be pleased as an added benefit.
Book an appointment if you think you have high-frequency hearing loss.