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 harder 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. Obviously, we are kidding; however, there are many reasons why it becomes difficult to hear women’s and children’s voices. Let’s discover the reasons behind this and discuss possible solutions.

Delving into the impacts of hearing loss at high frequencies

Women and children have a tendency to have higher-pitched voices, which can affect their speech clarity for anyone with high-frequency hearing loss. It’s the most prevalent type of hearing impairment.
Somebody may say they can hear soft sounds, but can’t figure out why hearing their children or grandchildren is challenging. Women have 165 to 255 Hz, whereas men have 85 to 180 Hz.

Difficulty 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 result in unclear speech.

Here are a few other sounds that may be hard to detect or hear clearly.

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

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

Age-related hearing loss may include this hearing problem. Additionally, 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 play a part. Additional factors that contribute to risk include heredity, specific drugs such as aspirin, chemotherapy medications, and antibiotics. Cardiovascular disease is related as well.

High-frequency hearing loss in children may impede the development of their speech and language skills. Older people 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 dramatically improve the clarity of high-pitched sounds by increasing their volume, resulting in a sharper and more distinct auditory experience. An audiologist can program your hearing aids to meet your specific needs.

An improved 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 enable accurate sound adjustment. Your wife will be pleased as an added advantage.

Set up a consultation if you believe you might be experiencing hearing issues at high frequencies.

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.