Why are women and children sometimes harder to hear than men? As proof, perhaps 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 individuals to struggle to hear the voices of women and children. Let’s figure out why, and what you can do about it.
Exploring the effects of hearing loss at high frequencies
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 with trouble hearing high frequencies. It’s the most prevalent form of hearing impairment.
A person may 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.
Difficulty in hearing specific consonants in speech, such as t, th, ch, soft c, s, sh, f, and k, due to high-frequency hearing loss can result in unclear speech.
Here are a few other sounds that may be hard to detect or hear clearly.
- Birds chirping
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-pitched musical instruments like a flute
What are the underlying factors that bring about hearing loss at higher sound frequencies?
This issue is often an element of age-related hearing loss. Moreover, damage to the tiny, hair-like sensory cells found in the inner ear can lead to increased difficulty in perceiving high-frequency sounds.
Extended exposure to loud noises, such as those experienced at concerts or in loud workplaces or surroundings, can also add to the problem. Other risk factors include genetics, certain medications like aspirin, chemo drugs, and antibiotics. Cardiovascular disease is also connected.
High-frequency hearing loss in kids 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 acquiring hearing aids helps boost high-pitched sounds, making them clearer and crisper. A hearing specialist can set your hearing aids at the right setting for you.
An enhanced experience can be achieved in a business meeting, making phone calls, dining, or talking with your grandchild. Most contemporary hearing devices can stream to your mobile phone and come equipped with directional microphones for accurate sound customization. As a perk, you’ll make your wife happy.
Set up a consultation if you believe you may be experiencing hearing issues at high frequencies.
