High-frequency hearing loss prevents you from hearing things with a higher pitch. This may include voices of women and children, alarms, beeps, and more. If left untreated, you may be at risk of any accidents that occur around you.
This type of hearing loss is common, especially in people with older age. If you believe you have this, here are a few signs and possible causes to watch out for.
Signs of High-Frequency Hearing Loss
Speech Sounds Muffled
When you have high-frequency hearing loss, this doesn’t mean you completely lose your sense of hearing. Although you will have a difficult time hearing high-pitched sounds, there is still a chance you may hear them, but they sound muffled.
For instance, if someone is talking to you, you may hear the sound of them talking. However, you will likely have a hard time understanding the words.
Tinnitus
This is when you hear a buzzing or ringing sound in your ears, even when there’s no actual external noise present.
Causes of High-Frequency Hearing Loss
You’re Getting Older
Oftentimes, hearing loss becomes prominent with age. If you’re getting older, there is a higher chance for you to acquire this type of hearing loss. It’s only natural, and sometimes unavoidable.
You might not be able to notice it right away, as it occurs slowly. It is good practice to check in on yourself every now and again.
Exposure to Ototoxic Medication
Be mindful of any medication that can cause damage to your hearing. If you’ve been exposed to these types of medication, it is likely you can get high-frequency hearing loss. You might find these in chemotherapy medicine or even common drugs like aspirin.
Someone in Your Family Has It
In most cases, this type of hearing loss is genetic. If someone in your family has experienced high-frequency hearing loss, then there is a high likelihood for you to do so as well. Be sure to check your family history.
Exposure to Really Loud Noise
Another cause for high-frequency hearing loss would be exposure to large noises such as explosions or gunshots. If you are regularly exposed to this amount of noise, then it is highly likely you will contract high-frequency hearing loss.
If your occupation exposes you to these types of loud noises–for example, police work–then you should frequently get your ears checked.
Diseases That Affect the Ear
Some diseases may greatly affect your hearing. Illnesses such as Meniere’s disease can affect adults from the ages of 30-50. If left untreated, you may also be at risk for tinnitus or, in the worst-case scenario, low-frequency hearing loss.
How Treatment Works
If you’re considering getting treated for high-frequency hearing loss, try to get the best hearing test possible. Make sure it is comprehensive and from a hearing clinic you trust.
When you get tested, you will take a test on an audiogram. This will usually tell you how many Hz of sound you can hear. It should tell you whether you are capable of hearing anything higher than 2,000 Hz.
Conclusion
If you think you exhibit these signs of high-frequency hearing loss, it’s best to seek out a professional. Although it is irreversible, you have several options to ease the condition.
If you’re looking for the best hearing clinic, Hear More Associates is here for you. We provide quality hearing care and can pair you with the best hearing aid to alleviate the effects of high-frequency hearing loss. Contact us now to get a free hearing test.
