Why is it harder to hear women’s and children’s voices? 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. Obviously, we are kidding; however, there are lots of reasons why it becomes difficult to hear women’s and children’s voices. Let’s figure out why, and what you can do about it.
Delving into the impacts of hearing loss at high frequencies
Women and children have a tendency to have higher-pitched voices, which can impact their speech clarity for anybody with high-frequency hearing loss. It’s the most prevalent form of hearing impairment.
A person may notice they can pick up on quiet noises, yet struggle to hear what their kids or grandkids are saying to them. Women have 165 to 255 Hz, whereas men have 85 to 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 muddled.
Here are a number of other sounds that might be difficult to detect or hear clearly.
- Birds chirping
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-pitched musical instruments like a flute
What causes high-frequency hearing loss?
This issue can be part of age-related hearing loss. Moreover, damage to the small, hair-like sensory cells found in the inner ear can result in increased trouble in perceiving high-frequency sounds.
Prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as those experienced at concerts or in loud workplaces or surroundings, can also contribute to the issue. Additional factors that contribute to risk include heredity, specific drugs such as aspirin, chemotherapy medications, and antibiotics. Cardiovascular disease is also connected.
High-frequency hearing loss in children may hinder the development of their speech and language skills. For older people, it can include the danger of dementia, depression, and injury, causing falls.
Treatments for high-frequency hearing loss
There is no cure for high-frequency hearing loss, but acquiring hearing aids helps amplify high-pitched sounds, making them clearer and crisper. An audiologist can configure your hearing aids to meet your specific needs.
An improved experience can be attained in a business meeting, making phone calls, dining, or engaging in conversations with your grandchild. Most modern 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.
Schedule an appointment if you suspect you have high-frequency hearing loss.
