What is High Frequency Hearing Loss?
What is High Frequency Hearing Loss?
Can you hear that someone’s talking to you, but you don’t understand what they’re saying? Well, in this post I’ll discuss high frequency hearing loss and how it can affect you.
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Hi, I’m Dr. Derek – audiologist, audio engineer, and musician with ProFitHearing.com bringing you the best insight in today’s latest hearing aids, headphones, and audio technology to improve your life. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician or audiologist.
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High Frequency Hearing Loss – Defined
So, what is high frequency hearing loss?
Human Hearing
Well, the normal hearing ear can hear very low pitch, bass sounds at 20 Hz (or 20 sound vibrations per second) all the way up to high pitch, treble sounds at 20,000 Hz (or 20,000 sound vibrations per second). As we age, we gradually lose our ability to hear the high pitched sounds (aka presbycusis). This is called high frequency hearing loss, and it’s detected during a hearing test.
Hearing Testing
A hearing test determines whether hearing loss exists in the 250 Hz to 8000 Hz range for both ears. Sounds of approximately 2000 Hz and greater are considered high frequencies. A gradual drop off in hearing in this range is called high frequency hearing loss.
Speech Understanding
Our ability to hear high frequencies is essential for speech understanding. The high frequencies or consonants provide fine detail and clarity of words. The lower frequencies or vowel sounds provide volume and energy to speech. That’s why you may know that someone is speaking to you but you don’t understand what they are saying; it’s a possible symptom of hearing loss in this high pitch range.
High Frequency Hearing Loss – Next Steps
See an Audiologist
OK, if you think you may be experiencing hearing loss, first contact your local audiologist for a hearing test. After completing a hearing test, your provider can make recommendations for your specific needs.
Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids can be used to boost sounds in the high frequencies. They are fine tuned to a person’s hearing loss and can provide improved speech clarity and understanding. Hearing aids can fit down inside the ear canal or rest behind the ear. They also can connect to smartphones and other wireless devices. If you are interested in learning more about how to buy hearing aids, check out my free eBook HERE.
High Frequency Hearing Loss – Your Thoughts?
Comment below, what questions about hearing loss or hearing aids do you have?
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-Dr. Derek