Why are women and children sometimes more challenging to hear than men? Perhaps you have noticed that some men claim they are unable to hear their wives speaking when they are detailing tasks to be done. Obviously, we are joking; however, there are many reasons why it becomes difficult to hear women’s and children’s voices. Let’s discover the reasons behind this and explore possible solutions.
Understanding high-frequency hearing loss
Women and children tend to have higher-pitched voices, which can affect their speech clarity for anyone with high-frequency hearing loss. It is the most prevalent type of hearing loss.
Someone may report that they can hear soft sounds, but can’t understand why hearing their children or grandchildren is challenging. Women have 165 to 255 Hz, while men have 85 to 180 Hz.
High-frequency hearing loss can make it difficult to hear consonants in speech, including t, th, ch, soft c, s, sh, f, and k, which cause speech to sound muddled.
Here are a number of other sounds that may 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 issue. Moreover, damage to the small, hair-like sensory cells found in the inner ear can result in increased trouble in perceiving high-frequency sounds.
Prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as those experienced at concerts or in noisy workplaces or surroundings, can also contribute to the issue. Additional factors that increase risk include heredity, specific medicines such as aspirin, chemotherapy medications, and antibiotics. Heart disease is connected as well.
High-frequency hearing loss in kids may impede the development of their speech and language skills. Older people may face the danger of experiencing dementia, depression, and falls.
Managing hearing loss in the higher frequencies
There is no cure for high-frequency hearing loss, but getting hearing aids helps boost high-pitched sounds, making them clearer and crisper. A hearing specialist can calibrate your hearing aids at the best setting for you.
An improved experience can be attained 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 allow for precise sound adjustment. Your wife will be pleased as an added advantage.
Set up a consultation if you think you might be experiencing hearing issues at high frequencies.
