Why are women and children sometimes more challenging to hear than men? Perhaps you have noticed that some men claim they are unable to hear their wives talking when they are listing tasks to be done. Of course, we are kidding; however, there are lots of 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
Women and children tend to have higher-pitched voices, which can impact their speech clarity for anyone with high-frequency hearing loss. It is the most prevalent type of hearing loss.
Someone may say they can hear soft sounds, but can’t figure out why hearing their children or grandchildren is challenging. The typical 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, including t, th, ch, soft c, s, sh, f, and k, which cause speech to sound jumbled.
Here are a few other sounds that might be hard to detect or hear clearly.
- Birds chirping
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-frequency musical instruments like a flute
What are the underlying factors that bring about hearing loss at higher sound frequencies?
Age-related hearing loss may include this hearing problem. 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.
Prolonged exposure to loud noises, including those encountered at concerts or in loud workplaces or surroundings, can also contribute to the issue. Other risk factors include genetics, certain medications like aspirin, chemo drugs, and antibiotics. Cardiovascular disease is also related.
If children have high-frequency hearing loss, it can impede their speech and language skill development. For older adults, it can include the risk of dementia, depression, and injury, causing falls.
Treatments for high-frequency hearing loss
There is no cure for high-frequency hearing loss, but getting hearing aids helps amplify high-pitched sounds, making them clearer and crisper. A hearing specialist can set your hearing aids at the best setting for you.
Attending a business meeting, using the phone, having meals, or talking with your grandchild can be enhanced. Many hearing aids can be connected to your smartphone and have directional microphones that enable accurate sound adjustment. As a perk, you’ll make your wife happy.
Book an appointment if you suspect you have high-frequency hearing loss.