Why are women and children sometimes harder to hear than men? Maybe you have noticed that some men claim they are unable to hear their wives talking when they are listing tasks to be done. That’s a joke, but it is fairly 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 have a tendency to have higher-pitched voices, which can affect their speech clarity for anybody with high-frequency hearing loss. It’s the most prevalent form of hearing impairment.
Somebody may 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.
High-frequency hearing loss can make it harder to hear consonants in speech, such as t, th, ch, soft c, s, sh, f, and k, which cause speech to sound muddled.
In addition, the following sounds would be challenging to hear:
- Birds chirping
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-frequency musical instruments like a flute
What are the intrinsic factors that bring about hearing loss at higher sound pitches?
This issue can be part of age-related hearing loss. What’s more, damage to the tiny, hair-like sensory cells located in the inner ear can lead to increased difficulty in perceiving high-frequency sounds.
If you frequented loud concerts and had substantial noise exposure from work or the environment, it can play a part. Other factors that increase risk include heredity, particular drugs such as aspirin, chemotherapy medications, and antibiotics. Cardiovascular disease is connected as well.
High-frequency hearing loss in children may impede the development of their speech and language skills. For older people, 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 acquiring hearing aids helps boost high-pitched sounds, making them clearer and crisper. A hearing specialist can set your hearing aids at the best setting for you.
An improved experience can be achieved in a business meeting, making phone calls, dining, or talking with your grandchild. 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 think you have high-frequency hearing loss.