Why is it harder to hear women’s and children’s voices? Maybe you have noticed that some men claim they are unable to hear their wives talking when they are listing tasks to be done. Of course, we are joking; however, there are lots of reasons why it becomes difficult to hear women’s and children’s voices. Let’s find out why, and what you can do about it.

Exploring the impacts of hearing loss at high frequencies

Women and children tend to have higher-pitched voices, which can impact their speech clarity for anyone with high-frequency hearing loss. It is the most common type of hearing loss.
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.

Trouble 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 lead to unclear speech.

Here are a number of other sounds that may be difficult to detect or hear clearly.

• Chirping birds
• Alarms
• Whistling
• High-pitched musical instruments like a flute

What causes high-frequency hearing loss?

Age-related hearing loss might include this hearing problem. Moreover, damage to the tiny, hair-like sensory cells located 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 play a part. Other risk factors include genetics, certain medications like aspirin, chemo drugs, and antibiotics. Cardiovascular disease is also related.

If kids have high-frequency hearing loss, it can impede their speech and language skill development. Older adults could 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 acquiring hearing aids helps boost high-pitched sounds, making them clearer and crisper. An audiologist can configure your hearing aids to meet your specific requirements.

An enhanced experience can be attained in a business meeting, making phone calls, dining, or engaging in conversations with your grandchild. Many hearing aids can be connected to your smartphone and have directional microphones that allow for accurate sound adjustment. Your wife will be pleased as an added advantage.

Book an appointment if you think you have high-frequency hearing loss.