Why is it harder to hear women’s and children’s voices? Maybe you have noticed that some men claim they are unable to hear their wives speaking when they are detailing tasks to be done. That’s a joke, but it is rather common for individuals to struggle to hear the voices of women and children. Let’s explore the reasons behind this and explore possible solutions.
Exploring the impacts of hearing loss at high frequencies
Women and children tend to have higher-pitched voices, which can impact their speech clarity for anybody with high-frequency hearing loss. It’s the most prevalent type of hearing impairment.
A person might notice they can pick up on faint 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.
Trouble in hearing certain 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.
Here are a number of 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 intrinsic factors that bring about hearing loss at higher sound frequencies?
This problem can be an element of age-related hearing loss. Additionally, the tiny hair-like sensory cells in the inner ear can become damaged, and this makes it harder to hear high-pitched sounds.
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds, such as those encountered at concerts or in loud workplaces or surroundings, can also contribute to the problem. Other risk factors include genetics, certain medications like aspirin, chemo drugs, and antibiotics. Heart disease is connected as well.
High-frequency hearing loss in kids could hinder the development of their speech and language skills. Older people could face the possibility of experiencing dementia, depression, and 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 calibrate your hearing aids at the best setting for you.
Attending a business meeting, talking on the phone, having meals, or chatting with your grandchild can be enhanced. Most contemporary hearing devices can stream to your mobile phone and come equipped with directional microphones for accurate sound customization. As a perk, you’ll make your wife happy.
Book an appointment if you suspect you have high-frequency hearing loss.