Why are women and children sometimes harder to hear than men? As proof, maybe you have noticed that some men say they can’t hear their wives’ voices when they are repeating the “to-do” list. Obviously, we are joking; however, there are many reasons why it becomes difficult to hear women’s and children’s voices. Let’s find out why, and what you can do about it.
Understanding high-frequency hearing loss
Females and young individuals often have voices that are higher in frequency, and this can influence how clearly they are able to communicate for people who have trouble hearing high frequencies. It is the most prevalent type of hearing loss.
Someone might report that they can hear soft sounds, but can’t understand why hearing their children or grandchildren is difficult. Women have 165 to 255 Hz, whereas men have 85 to 180 Hz.
Trouble 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.
Additionally, 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 pitches?
Age-related hearing loss may include this hearing issue. In addition, the tiny hair-like sensory cells in the inner ear may become damaged, and this makes it more difficult to hear high-pitched sounds.
If you frequented loud concerts and had excessive noise exposure from work or the environment, it can be a factor. Additional factors that contribute to risk include heredity, specific drugs such as aspirin, chemotherapy medications, and antibiotics. Cardiovascular disease is related as well.
High-frequency hearing loss in kids could impede the development of their speech and language skills. Older people could face the danger of experiencing dementia, depression, and falls.
Treatments for high-frequency hearing loss
While high-frequency hearing loss is irreversible, utilizing 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.
An improved experience can be attained 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 advantage.
Set up a consultation if you believe you might be experiencing hearing issues at high frequencies.
