Why are women and children sometimes more challenging 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 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
Women and children tend to have higher-pitched voices, which can affect their speech clarity for anyone with high-frequency hearing loss. It’s the most prevalent form of hearing impairment.
A person might observe they can pick up on quiet noises, yet struggle to hear what their kids or grandkids are saying to them. The normal frequency range for women is between 165 and 255 Hz, while for men it is between 85 and 180 Hz.
High-frequency hearing loss can make it difficult 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 challenging to hear:
- Birds chirping
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-frequency musical instruments like a flute
What are the underlying factors that contribute to hearing loss at higher sound frequencies?
Age-related hearing loss might include this hearing issue. What’s more, damage to the tiny, hair-like sensory cells found in the inner ear can result in increased trouble in perceiving high-frequency sounds.
If you have attended loud concerts and had excessive noise exposure from work or the environment, it can be a factor. Other factors that increase risk include heredity, particular medicines including aspirin, chemotherapy medications, and antibiotics. Cardiovascular disease is connected as well.
If kids have high-frequency hearing loss, it can hamper their speech and language skill development. For older people, it can include the risk of dementia, depression, and injury, causing falls.
Dealing with hearing loss in the higher frequencies
There is no cure for high-frequency hearing loss, but getting hearing aids helps amplify high-pitched sounds, making them clearer and crisper. An audiologist can program your hearing aids to meet your individual needs.
Participating in a business meeting, using the phone, having meals, or chatting 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. Your wife will be pleased as an added advantage.
Set up a consultation if you think you might be experiencing hearing difficulties at high frequencies.