October 13, 2023

This article provides comprehensive information about what high-frequency hearing loss is, the reasons behind its occurrence, common symptoms associated with high-frequency hearing loss, and methods of treatment. It covers everything you need to know about high-frequency hearing loss.

What is high frequency hearing loss?

High frequency hearing loss refers to a type of hearing impairment where a person has difficulty hearing sounds in the higher frequency range.

In other words, they may have trouble hearing sounds at frequencies typically higher than 2,000 to 4,000 Hertz (Hz).

High frequency hearing loss can be caused by various factors, including aging, exposure to loud noises, certain medications, genetics, and diseases.

Common Symptoms that People with high frequency hearing loss may experience 

• Difficulty Understanding Speech:

• People with high frequency hearing loss often struggle to understand speech, especially in noisy environments.
• And they also feel difficulty in understanding women and children's voice since they generally have high frequency range voice.
• Lastly,They may have trouble distinguishing between similar-sounding words.

 

 

• Missing Consonant Sounds:

• High frequency hearing loss can make it challenging to hear high-pitched consonant sounds such as "s," "h," or "f," leading to misunderstandings in conversations.

 

 

• Asking for Repetition:

• Individuals may frequently ask others to repeat themselves, especially in situations where there is background noise or when the speaker is not facing them directly.

 

 

• Difficulty Hearing High-Pitched Sounds:

• Sounds such as birds chirping, doorbells, alarms, or the ringing of a phone may be difficult to hear or completely inaudible.

 

 

• Increased Volume on Devices:

• People with high frequency hearing loss might turn up the volume on televisions, radios, or phones to levels that others find too loud.

 

 

• Social Isolation:

• Difficulty in communication can lead to social withdrawal and isolation from group conversations or social gatherings.

 

 

• Fatigue and Stress:

• Struggling to hear and understand conversations can be mentally exhausting and lead to increased stress and fatigue, especially in social or work settings.

 

 

• Tinnitus:

• Some individuals with high frequency hearing loss may experience tinnitus, a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, which can exacerbate the perception of hearing loss.

High-frequency hearing loss is more common than low-frequency hearing loss.

As we age, the functionality of our auditory nerves, responsible for detecting sounds, declines, causing us to lose the ability to hear high-pitched sounds first.

What is the difference between high-frequency and low frequency hearing loss?

• High-Frequency Hearing Loss:

If you find it difficult to hear sounds like ringing bells or high-pitched voices, you might be experiencing high-frequency hearing loss.

Many individuals develop high-frequency hearing loss due to factors such as aging.

You might recall a debate that took place a few years ago where some people heard a certain voice saying 'Yanny' while others heard 'Laurel.'

If you're unsure, you can test it out by visiting this link .

The answer to this problem can be both. For those whose ability to hear high frequencies has declined due to age or other circumstances, they hear 'Laurel' in this audio. However, for those whose auditory nerves are functioning at their best, especially at a younger age, they tend to hear 'Yanny'.

• Frequency Range: High-frequency hearing loss occurs when a person has difficulty hearing sounds in the higher frequency range, typically above 2,000 to 4,000 Hertz (Hz).
• Causes: Aging, exposure to loud noises, genetic factors, and certain medical conditions can lead to high-frequency hearing loss.
• Effects: Individuals with high-frequency hearing loss may find it challenging to hear sounds such as birds chirping, doorbells, alarms, or consonants in speech. This can make understanding speech, especially in noisy environments, difficult.

• Low-Frequency Hearing Loss:

If you find it difficult to hear sounds like the bass guitar or the low rumbling of a car engine, you might be experiencing low-frequency hearing loss.

Low-frequency hearing loss is rarer compared to high-frequency hearing loss and is often associated with conditions related to the ear, circulation problems, abnormalities in the structures inside the head, or neurological disorders.

Therefore, if you suspect low-frequency hearing loss, it's important to consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist promptly.

• Frequency Range: Low-frequency hearing loss affects sounds in the lower frequency range, typically below 2,000 Hz.
• Causes: Conditions such as Meniere's disease, genetic factors, and problems with the inner ear can result in low-frequency hearing loss.
• Effects: People with low-frequency hearing loss may struggle to hear sounds like thunder, bass music, or vowels in speech. They might also have difficulty detecting intonation and rhythm in speech.

What causes High Frequency Hearing Loss?

High-frequency hearing loss can be caused by various factors, including:

• Aging (Presbycusis): One of the most common causes of high-frequency hearing loss is the natural aging process. As people age, the hair cells in the inner ear, which are responsible for detecting high-frequency sounds, can become damaged or deteriorate, leading to hearing loss in the higher frequency range.

• Exposure to Loud Noises: Prolonged or repeated exposure to loud noises, such as loud music, machinery, firearms, or explosions, can damage the hair cells in the inner ear and cause high-frequency hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is often referred to as noise-induced hearing loss.

• Genetics: Genetic factors can make certain individuals more susceptible to high-frequency hearing loss. If there is a family history of hearing loss, there might be a genetic predisposition to this condition.

• Ototoxic Medications: Some medications, especially certain types of antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can damage the hair cells in the inner ear and lead to hearing loss, including high-frequency hearing loss.

• Diseases and Health Conditions: Certain diseases and health conditions, such as Meniere's disease, autoimmune inner ear disease, and certain viral infections, can damage the inner ear structures and cause high-frequency hearing loss.

• Trauma: Head injuries or trauma to the ear can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear, leading to hearing loss, including in the high-frequency range.

• Occupational Exposures: People working in noisy environments, such as construction sites or factories, are at a higher risk of developing high-frequency hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to loud noises.

How to improve high frequency hearing loss

High-frequency hearing loss can be caused by various factors such as aging, exposure to loud noises, genetics, or certain medical conditions. The majority of cases of high-frequency hearing loss are primarily due to aging. Since aging cannot be prevented, high-frequency hearing loss, unlike low-frequency hearing loss, does not easily improve with any treatment or surgery, unless the underlying cause can be addressed. While complete restoration of hearing may not always be possible, there are several strategies and devices that can help improve communication and quality of life for individuals with high-frequency hearing loss:

• Hearing Aids: Hearing aids are the most common and effective way to manage high-frequency hearing loss. They are designed to amplify specific frequencies, including the higher frequencies that are often affected in this type of hearing loss. It's essential to consult an audiologist to get properly fitted hearing aids tailored to your specific hearing loss pattern.

• Cochlear Implants: For severe cases of high-frequency hearing loss, cochlear implants can be considered. These electronic devices are surgically implanted and can bypass damaged hair cells in the inner ear, providing a sense of sound to the user.

• Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs): ALDs are devices designed to improve hearing in specific situations. Examples include personal FM systems, Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids, and loop systems in public spaces, which can directly transmit sound to hearing aids.

• Captioning and Subtitles: Using captions or subtitles while watching television, movies, or online videos can enhance comprehension, especially for dialogue-heavy content.

• Communication Strategies: Practice good communication strategies, such as facing the person you are talking to, speaking clearly, and reducing background noise during conversations.

• Avoid Loud Noises: Protect your hearing by avoiding exposure to loud noises and wearing ear protection when in noisy environments.

• Regular Check-ups: Regularly visit an audiologist for hearing evaluations. Monitoring your hearing can help in adjusting interventions as needed.

• Auditory Training: Some individuals with high-frequency hearing loss benefit from auditory training programs that help the brain improve its ability to process sounds.

• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy lifestyle, as certain health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular issues can impact hearing.

The most immediate and satisfying solution among these options is using hearing aids.

What is the best hearing aid for high-frequency loss?

The Olive Max is an OTC hearing aid designed for moderate to severe hearing loss, and it has a modern design that doesn't look like a traditional hearing aid at all.

Its original price falls into the higher range for OTC devices at around $800, but it's currently being exclusively offered at a 50% discount on Indiegogo, selling for $399.

The Olive Max not only functions as a hearing aid but also doubles as earbuds. This means you can not only amplify sounds but also connect it to your smartphone via Bluetooth to enjoy videos, music, and phone calls simultaneously. Now, you don't have to carry separate devices for hearing aid and earbuds.

This discounted price will end soon, so if you're hesitating, I recommend making the purchase right away.

You can buy it at this link.