Frequency, commonly referred to as “pitch,” is how fast sound waves move within a certain period of time. The faster the sound moves, the higher the frequency. Low-frequency sounds, such as the hum of a refrigerator, move slowly.

High-frequency sounds, such as a bird chirping or chair squeaking, travel faster. So, when your audiologist talks about frequency, they’re referring to where a sound falls on the pitch spectrum ranging from low to high. 

Why Do High Frequencies Matter? 

Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, usually begins at the higher frequencies. That means high-pitched sounds become harder to hear before lower-pitched ones. 

This is because of the anatomy of your inner ear! Many consonants in English are high-pitched sounds, like S and T. Without these sounds, speech can sound muffled or unclear.

Do people around you mumble? Can you “hear but not understand”?

Sometimes, it is because your ears and brain simply do not have access to the high-pitched speech sounds. For example, the difference between “caps” and “cats” or “mouse” and “mouth.” This can lead to embarrassment and frustration when trying to communicate.

How Does This Relate to My Hearing Aids? 

Turning up the volume doesn’t always solve the problem. That’s because making everything louder doesn’t boost the specific high frequencies your brain is missing. Modern hearing aids are designed to amplify the sounds that you specifically need, not overall volume.

If you notice that your aids are too tinny, it is because of the high pitches. While it may sound annoying and metallic, the higher pitches contain clarity and are essential to the best audibility! While it might take some getting used to, those sounds are key to better understanding. 

Other Common Hearing Loss Concerns

In addition to frequency issues, many people with a hearing loss experience difficulties in noisy environments, problems with background noise, tinnitus, and a decreased ability to locate where sounds are coming from.

Addressing these issues typically requires a comprehensive and personalized audiological evaluation and tailor-fitted solutions like flexible and programmable hearing aids.

How Expert Care Can Help with High-Frequency Hearing Loss

Dealing with high-frequency hearing loss can be challenging, but with the right support and expertise, you can regain a significant part of your auditory experience.

A patient-focused approach prioritizes your comfort and convenience; you are at the forefront of every decision here at Flex Audiology, ensuring that every recommendation or solution is customized to enhance your quality of life.

Whether it's reducing background noise or enhancing clarity in dialogue, you can rest assured that your devices are programmed to meet your personal preferences and hearing requirements.

Start Your Hearing Health Journey!

Hearing loss can be complex and personal – whether you're facing challenges with high-frequency sounds or have questions about your current hearing solutions, we're here to help.

Don't let hearing loss isolate you from the world around you. Reach out to us today for a consultation, and let our expert audiologists guide you on your journey to better hearing!

Request a callback to get in touch with our team, or give us a call at your closest clinic for a more immediate chat.