Why is it more difficult to hear women’s and children’s voices? Maybe you have observed that some men claim they are unable to hear their wives talking when they are detailing tasks to be done. Of course, we are joking; however, there are many reasons why it becomes difficult to hear women’s and children’s voices. Let’s explore the reasons behind this and explore possible solutions.
Comprehending high-frequency hearing loss
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 form of hearing impairment.
Somebody may report that they can hear soft sounds, but can’t understand 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, such as t, th, ch, soft c, s, sh, f, and k, which cause speech to sound muddled.
Here are a few 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?
Age-related hearing loss might include this hearing problem. What’s more, damage to the small, hair-like sensory cells found in the inner ear can lead to increased difficulty in perceiving high-frequency sounds.
If you have attended loud concerts and had substantial noise exposure from work or the environment, it can be a factor. Other risk factors include genetic makeups, certain medications like aspirin, chemo drugs, and antibiotics. Heart disease is related as well.
If children have high-frequency hearing loss, it can impede their speech and language skill development. For older people, it can include the danger of dementia, depression, and injury, causing falls.
Treatments for high-frequency hearing loss
While high-frequency hearing loss is irreversible, using hearing aids can significantly improve the clarity of high-pitched sounds by boosting their volume, resulting in a sharper and more distinct auditory experience. A hearing specialist can calibrate your hearing aids at the best setting for you.
Participating in a business meeting, using the phone, having meals, or chatting with your grandchild can be enhanced. 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 benefit.
Schedule an appointment if you think you have high-frequency hearing loss.