Why are women and children sometimes harder to hear than men? As proof, perhaps you have noticed that some men claim they can’t hear their wives’ voices when they are repeating the “to-do” list. That’s a joke, but it is rather 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 have a tendency to have higher-pitched voices, which can affect their speech clarity for anyone with high-frequency hearing loss. It’s the most prevalent type 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, while men have 85 to 180 Hz.
High-frequency hearing loss can make it difficult to hear consonants in speech, including t, th, ch, soft c, s, sh, f, and k, which cause speech to sound muddled.
Here are a number of other sounds that might be difficult to detect or hear clearly.
- Chirping birds
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-frequency 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 small, hair-like sensory cells located in the inner ear can lead to increased trouble in perceiving high-frequency sounds.
Extended exposure to loud sounds, such as those experienced at concerts or in noisy workplaces or surroundings, can also add to the issue. Other risk factors include genetics, certain medications like aspirin, chemo drugs, and antibiotics. Heart disease is related as well.
If kids have high-frequency hearing loss, it can impede their speech and language skill development. Older people could face the danger of experiencing dementia, depression, and falls.
Treatments for high-frequency hearing loss
While high-frequency hearing loss is permanent, utilizing hearing aids can substantially improve the clarity of high-pitched sounds by increasing their volume, resulting in a sharper and more distinct auditory experience. An audiologist can program your hearing aids to meet your individual needs.
An improved experience can be achieved in a business meeting, making phone calls, dining, or engaging in conversations with your grandchild. Most contemporary hearing devices can link to your mobile phone and come outfitted with directional microphones for accurate sound customization. Your wife will be pleased as an added benefit.
Book an appointment if you suspect you have high-frequency hearing loss.