Why Is It Harder to Hear Women’s and Children’s Voices?

Grandfather and small grandson using smart phone apps at home.

Why is it more difficult to hear women’s and children’s voices? As proof, perhaps you have noticed that some men say they can’t hear their wives’ voices when they are repeating the “to-do” list. That’s a joke, but it is fairly common for individuals to struggle to hear the voices of women and children. Let’s discover 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 is the most prevalent kind of hearing loss.
A person might notice 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, 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.

In addition, the following sounds would be difficult to hear:

  • Birds chirping
  • Alarms
  • Whistling
  • High-frequency musical instruments like a flute

What are the intrinsic factors that bring about hearing loss at higher sound frequencies?

This issue can be part of age-related hearing loss. 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 frequented 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 related.

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, using hearing aids can significantly improve the clarity of high-pitched sounds by increasing their volume, producing a sharper and more distinct auditory experience. A hearing specialist can calibrate your hearing aids at the best setting for you.

An enhanced experience can be achieved in a business meeting, making phone calls, dining, or talking with your grandchild. Most modern hearing devices can stream to your mobile phone and come equipped with directional microphones for accurate sound personalization. As a bonus , you’ll make your wife happy.

Book an appointment if you think 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.