Why is it more difficult to hear women’s and children’s voices? Maybe you have noticed that some men claim they are unable to hear their wives talking when they are detailing tasks to be done. That’s a joke, but it is rather common for individuals to struggle to hear the voices of women and children. Let’s find out why, and what you can do about it.
Understanding high-frequency hearing loss
Women and children tend to have higher-pitched voices, which can impact their speech clarity for anybody with high-frequency hearing loss. It is the most prevalent type of hearing loss.
A person may observe 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, while men have 85 to 180 Hz.
Difficulty 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 lead to unclear speech.
Here are a number of other sounds that may be difficult to detect or hear clearly.
- Birds chirping
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-frequency musical instruments like a flute
What are the underlying factors that bring about hearing loss at higher sound pitches?
Age-related hearing loss may include this hearing issue. In addition, 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 frequented loud concerts and had excessive noise exposure from work or the environment, it can play a part. Other risk factors include genetics, certain medications like aspirin, chemo drugs, and antibiotics. Cardiovascular disease is also connected.
If kids have high-frequency hearing loss, it can hamper their speech and language skill development. For older adults, it can include the risk of dementia, depression, and injury, causing falls.
Treatments for high-frequency hearing loss
There is no cure for high-frequency hearing loss, but acquiring hearing aids helps amplify high-pitched sounds, making them clearer and crisper. An audiologist can program your hearing aids to meet your individual requirements.
An improved experience can be achieved in a business meeting, making phone calls, dining, or engaging in conversations with your grandchild. Most modern hearing devices can link to your mobile phone and come equipped with directional microphones for accurate sound personalization. Your wife will be pleased as an added advantage.
Book an appointment if you think you have high-frequency hearing loss.
