Why are women and children sometimes more challenging to hear than men? Maybe you have noticed that some men claim they are unable to hear their wives speaking when they are listing tasks to be done. That’s a joke, but it is rather common for people to struggle to hear the voices of women and children. Let’s figure 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 individuals with trouble hearing high frequencies. It is the most prevalent kind of hearing loss.
A person might notice they can pick up on faint noises, yet struggle to hear what their kids or grandkids are saying to them. Women have 165 to 255 Hz, while 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 muddled.
Additionally, the following sounds would be challenging to hear:
- Birds chirping
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-frequency musical instruments like a flute
What causes high-frequency hearing loss?
Age-related hearing loss may include this hearing issue. Moreover, damage to the tiny, hair-like sensory cells found in the inner ear can lead to increased difficulty in perceiving high-frequency 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, particular medicines such as aspirin, chemotherapy medications, and antibiotics. Heart disease is connected as well.
High-frequency hearing loss in kids may impede the development of their speech and language skills. For older people, it can include the risk of dementia, depression, and injury, causing falls.
Managing hearing loss in the higher frequencies
While high-frequency hearing loss is permanent, using hearing aids can significantly improve the clarity of high-pitched sounds by increasing their volume, resulting in 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 talking with your grandchild can be enhanced. Most modern hearing devices can stream to your mobile phone and come outfitted with directional microphones for accurate sound customization. As a bonus , you’ll make your wife happy.
Set up a consultation if you believe you might be experiencing hearing issues at high frequencies.