Why are women and children sometimes harder to hear than men? As proof, maybe you have noticed that some men say 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 hard to hear women’s and children’s voices. Let’s figure out why, and what you can do about it.
Delving into the impacts of hearing loss at high frequencies
Women and children tend to have higher-pitched voices, which can affect their speech clarity for anybody with high-frequency hearing loss. It’s the most prevalent type of hearing impairment.
A person may observe they can pick up on quiet 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.
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 jumbled.
Here are a number of other sounds that might be difficult to detect or hear clearly.
- Chirping birds
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-frequency musical instruments like a flute
What are the underlying factors that bring about hearing loss at higher sound pitches?
Age-related hearing loss might include this hearing issue. In addition, the tiny hair-like sensory cells in the inner ear can become damaged, and this makes it harder 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. Additional factors that increase risk include heredity, specific drugs such as aspirin, chemotherapy medications, and antibiotics. Cardiovascular disease is connected as well.
High-frequency hearing loss in kids may hinder the development of their speech and language skills. Older adults could face the danger of experiencing dementia, depression, and falls.
Dealing with hearing loss in the higher frequencies
While high-frequency hearing loss is irreversible, utilizing hearing aids can substantially improve the clarity of high-pitched sounds by boosting their volume, resulting in a sharper and more distinct auditory experience. An audiologist can configure your hearing aids to meet your individual requirements.
Attending a business meeting, talking on 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 precise sound adjustment. Your wife will be pleased as an added advantage.
Schedule a consultation if you believe you might be experiencing hearing difficulties at high frequencies.