Why are women and children sometimes harder to hear than men? Perhaps you have noticed that some men claim they are unable to hear their wives speaking when they are listing tasks to be done. That’s a joke, but it is rather common for people to struggle to hear the voices of women and children. Let’s find out why, and what you can do about it.
Understanding high-frequency hearing loss
Females and young individuals frequently have voices that are higher in frequency, and this can influence how clearly they are able to communicate for people with trouble hearing high frequencies. It is the most common kind of hearing loss.
Someone might report that they can hear soft sounds, but can’t understand why hearing their children or grandchildren is difficult. The typical frequency range for women is between 165 and 255 Hz, while for men it is between 85 and 180 Hz.
Difficulty in hearing certain consonants in speech, like t, th, ch, soft c, s, sh, f, and k, as a result of high-frequency hearing loss can result in unclear speech.
Additionally, the following sounds would be difficult to hear:
- Birds chirping
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-pitched musical instruments like a flute
What are the underlying factors that contribute to hearing loss at higher sound frequencies?
Age-related hearing loss might include this hearing problem. In addition, the tiny hair-like sensory cells in the inner ear may become damaged, and this makes it more difficult to hear high-pitched sounds.
If you have attended loud concerts and had excessive 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. Cardiovascular disease is also connected.
High-frequency hearing loss in kids 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
While high-frequency hearing loss is permanent, utilizing hearing aids can substantially improve the clarity of high-pitched sounds by increasing their volume, producing a sharper and more distinct auditory experience. A hearing specialist can set your hearing aids at the right setting for you.
Participating in 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 allow for precise sound adjustment. Your wife will be pleased as an added benefit.
Set up a consultation if you believe you might be experiencing hearing difficulties at high frequencies.
