Why are women and children sometimes harder to hear than men? As proof, maybe you have noticed that some men say they can’t hear their wives’ voices when they are repeating the “to-do” list. That’s a joke, but it is fairly common for people to struggle to hear the voices of women and children. Let’s find out why, and what you can do about it.
Comprehending high-frequency hearing loss
Females and young people frequently have voices that are higher in frequency, and this can influence how clearly they are able to communicate for people who have difficulty 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. Women have 165 to 255 Hz, whereas 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 jumbled.
In addition, the following sounds would be difficult to hear:
- Birds chirping
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-pitched musical instruments like a flute
What causes high-frequency hearing loss?
This problem is often an element 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.
Extended exposure to loud noises, such as those experienced at concerts or in noisy workplaces or surroundings, can also add to the problem. Additional factors that increase risk include heredity, specific medicines such as aspirin, chemotherapy medications, and antibiotics. Cardiovascular disease is also connected.
High-frequency hearing loss in children may impede the development of their speech and language skills. Older adults may face the possibility of experiencing dementia, depression, and falls.
Managing hearing loss in the higher frequencies
While high-frequency hearing loss is irreversible, utilizing 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.
Attending a business meeting, talking on the phone, having meals, or talking with your grandchild can be improved. Many hearing aids can be connected to your smartphone and have directional microphones that enable precise sound adjustment. As a perk, you’ll make your wife happy.
Schedule a consultation if you think you may be experiencing hearing difficulties at high frequencies.