Why is it harder to hear women’s and children’s voices? As proof, maybe you have noticed that some men claim they can’t hear their wives’ voices when they are repeating the “to-do” list. Obviously, we are kidding; however, there are many 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.
Understanding high-frequency hearing loss
Women and children have a tendency to have higher-pitched voices, which can affect their speech clarity for anyone with high-frequency hearing loss. It’s the most prevalent type of hearing impairment.
A person might observe they can pick up on faint noises, yet struggle to make out what their kids or grandkids are saying to them. The typical frequency range for women is between 165 and 255 Hz, while for men it is between 85 and 180 Hz.
Trouble in hearing specific 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 may be hard to detect or hear clearly.
- Chirping birds
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-frequency musical instruments like a flute
What are the intrinsic factors that contribute to hearing loss at higher sound pitches?
This problem is often an element of age-related hearing loss. What’s more, damage to the tiny, hair-like sensory cells found in the inner ear can result in increased difficulty in perceiving high-frequency sounds.
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds, including those encountered at concerts or in loud workplaces or surroundings, can also add to the issue. Additional factors that contribute to risk include heredity, specific drugs such as aspirin, chemotherapy medications, and antibiotics. Cardiovascular disease is also related.
High-frequency hearing loss in kids could impede the development of their speech and language skills. For older adults, it can include the danger of dementia, depression, and injury, causing falls.
Managing hearing loss in the higher frequencies
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 right setting for you.
Attending a business meeting, using the phone, having meals, or talking with your grandchild can be improved. Many hearing aids can be connected to your smartphone and have directional microphones that enable accurate sound adjustment. As a bonus , you’ll make your wife happy.
Book an appointment if you think you have high-frequency hearing loss.