Hearing loss is an extremely prevalent medical condition in the U.S., with approximately 8% of adults aged 55 to 64 experiencing disabling levels. Typically, hearing loss worsens with age.
High-frequency hearing loss is one of the most prominent types. While it can affect anyone of any age, older adults are more likely to develop this condition. Here’s what you need to know about high-frequency hearing impairments.
High frequency sensorineural hearing loss is a form of hearing impairment that can affect one ear or both ears. Sufferers of high tone hearing loss are unable to hear high-pitched sounds, however, they can still hear lower frequency sounds.
This type of selective hearing loss causes major issues in daily life, as someone with a high-frequency hearing impairment may be unable to hear sounds like the doorbell.
It can be an extremely disconcerting condition that may happen gradually or suddenly.
Do you think you may have high pitch hearing loss?
It can be difficult for people to differentiate between types of hearing loss, or even to notice it at all if the onset is gradual. However, high-frequency hearing loss has a few identifying symptoms.
The biggest symptom of this hearing impairment is difficulty with detecting specific consonants (such as f, h, and s), particularly if the speaker has a high-pitched voice. Sufferers often say they can hear the other person speaking but feel like they cannot understand them.
Other sounds people often have difficulty hearing include:
High-frequency hearing loss can lead to social isolation and difficulties functioning in daily life. Often, listening in loud environments or speaking on the phone becomes impossible.
It is important to book a high-frequency hearing loss test if you notice the onset of symptoms, as mild loss of high-frequency hearing could be one of the early signs of deafness.
To understand this type of hearing impairment, you must understand how the ear physically works.
When you hear a sound, the sound reaches the ear canal and eardrum via the outer ear. The three fragile bones in your middle ear, known as the stapes, incus, and malleus, transfer the vibrations from the eardrum to your cochlea.
The cochlea is filled with tiny structures known as stereocilia which transfer sound vibrations and convert them into neural impulses.
When the stereocilia become damaged, the person loses their ability to hear. According to the science, a person may not notice any hearing loss until 50% of these cells are damaged.
Hearing loss can occur for many reasons, but the three primary factors are:
Other causes of high pitch hearing loss include tumors, medications, genetics, and Meniere’s Disease.
If you believe you have high tone hearing loss, you must seek out a professional audiologist and receive a formal diagnosis.
An audiologist will perform a hearing test in a specialized booth at a hearing clinic. The results of your high-frequency hearing loss audiogram determine the extent of your hearing loss. If the audiogram slumps to the right, it means you have trouble hearing higher frequencies between 2,000 Hz and 8,000 Hz.
If you believe you have trouble with your hearing, we highly recommend taking a test. At EarPros, you can schedule a free hearing test with a licensed audiologist.
There are no specialized tests for high pitch hearing impairments. Instead, you will receive a standardized hearing test, and the resulting audiogram will be used to diagnose your specific type of hearing loss.
While all forms of sensorineural hearing loss are considered irreversible, high-frequency hearing loss treatment is available.
Modern digital hearing aids are extremely effective at helping you to hear high-pitched sounds.
Audiologists typically recommend the Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE) style of hearing aid. RITE hearing aids are positioned in the canal with microphone tubing curling to the back of your ear, resulting in a versatile yet discreet fit. Hearing aids like this enable you to hear higher frequencies without muffling lower frequencies.
While it’s common for people to opt for invisible hearing aids that sit deep in the canal, they are less effective against this type of hearing loss. Completely-in-Canal (CIC) and Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) hearing aids block lower frequency sounds.
After your diagnosis, your hearing care professional will provide you with a hearing aid and program it for you. Over the next few weeks, you will test out your hearing aid, and your audiologist will make adjustments for the best possible hearing experience.
While hearing aids are effective at high-frequency hearing loss treatment, it is important to do what you can to preserve your existing hearing capacity.
Some of the actions you can take to prevent hearing loss include:
Even if you already have some degree of hearing loss, taking preventative steps can stop the problem from growing worse. Create a quieter world, and your ears will thank you going forward.
Any form of hearing loss is disconcerting. Without treatment, life only becomes more difficult, and social isolation is a real possibility.
Live your life to the fullest and get treatment for your hearing loss. If you are struggling to hear higher frequencies, take action now with the help of EarPros.
Contact EarPros and schedule your free hearing test to begin your journey to better hearing
