Why are women and children sometimes more challenging to hear than men? Maybe you have noticed that some men claim they are unable to hear their wives talking when they are detailing tasks to be done. Obviously, we are kidding; however, there are lots of reasons why it becomes hard to hear women’s and children’s voices. Let’s find out why, and what you can do about it.
Understanding high-frequency hearing loss
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 form of hearing impairment.
Someone might report that they can hear soft sounds, but can’t figure out 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.
Additionally, the following sounds would be difficult to hear:
- Birds chirping
- Alarms
- Whistling
- High-pitched musical instruments like a flute
What are the intrinsic factors that contribute to 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 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 impede the development of their speech and language skills. 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 amplify high-pitched sounds, making them clearer and crisper. A hearing specialist can calibrate your hearing aids at the right setting for you.
An enhanced experience can be achieved in a business meeting, making phone calls, dining, or engaging in conversations with your grandchild. Most contemporary hearing devices can link to your mobile phone and come equipped with directional microphones for accurate sound customization. Your wife will be pleased as an added advantage.
Schedule a consultation if you believe you might be experiencing hearing difficulties at high frequencies.