Struggling to Hear Women and Children Speak? Here’s Why

Grandfather and small grandson using smart phone apps at home.

Why is it more difficult to hear women’s and children’s voices? Perhaps you have noticed that some men claim they are unable to hear their wives speaking when they are listing tasks to be done. Of course, we are kidding; however, there are many reasons why it becomes hard to hear women’s and children’s voices. Let’s explore the reasons behind this and explore possible solutions.

Comprehending high-frequency hearing loss

Women and children tend to have higher-pitched voices, which can impact their speech clarity for anybody with high-frequency hearing loss. It’s the most prevalent form of hearing impairment.
A person might observe they can pick up on faint noises, yet struggle to make out what their kids or grandkids are saying to them. Women have 165 to 255 Hz, whereas men have 85 to 180 Hz.

High-frequency hearing loss can make it harder to hear consonants in speech, such as t, th, ch, soft c, s, sh, f, and k, which cause speech to sound muddled.

In addition, the following sounds would be challenging 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 frequencies?

This issue can be an element of age-related hearing loss. What’s more, damage to the small, hair-like sensory cells located in the inner ear can result in 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 be a factor. Other factors that contribute to risk include heredity, particular drugs including aspirin, chemotherapy medications, and antibiotics. Heart disease is connected as well.

If kids have high-frequency hearing loss, it can hamper their speech and language skill development. For older adults, it can include the risk of dementia, depression, and injury, causing falls.

Treatments for high-frequency hearing loss

There is no cure for high-frequency hearing loss, but getting hearing aids helps boost high-pitched sounds, making them clearer and crisper. An audiologist can program your hearing aids to meet your individual needs.

An enhanced experience can be achieved in a business meeting, making phone calls, dining, or talking with your grandchild. Most contemporary hearing devices can link to your mobile phone and come outfitted with directional microphones for accurate sound personalization. Your wife will be pleased as an added benefit.

Schedule an appointment if you suspect you have high-frequency hearing loss.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.