Trouble hearing certain sounds? It could be high-frequency hearing loss
Get specialist support with your type of hearing loss
When high-pitched sounds are harder to hear, it’s known as high-frequency hearing loss. Typically, that means you can’t hear frequencies over 2,000 Hz. Might sound technical but it’s the most common type of hearing loss — and can easily be diagnosed by an audiologist.
Symptoms of high-frequency hearing loss
You can hear speech but it’s difficult to understand
While others can hear devices like smartphones beeping or ringing, you can’t
You struggle to hear softer consonants like s, f, or h
Background noise makes hearing issues worse
It’s harder to hear certain voices, particularly women and children
Sound familiar?
How does high-frequency hearing loss happen?
Everyone has tiny, hair-like cells in their cochlea (that’s your inner ear). When these get damaged, it’s difficult for your ears to translate sounds into electrical signals and send them to the brain. There are a number of things that can damage these hair cells and cause high-frequency hearing loss.
Causes of high-frequency hearing loss
- Aging. Anyone can get high-frequency hearing loss, but it’s more common in older adults (also known as age-related hearing loss). It can happen very gradually and may not even be noticeable at first.
- Genetics. If the older generations in your family have suffered from hearing loss, you may have a genetic predisposition. It’s worth getting a hearing test if you keep finding yourself turning up the volume on the TV or asking people to repeat themselves.
- Illness. Occasionally, the inner or middle ear can get infected. If the infection is severe, this could cause tinnitus, vertigo, or even permanent hearing loss. Some medications have also been known to cause hearing loss, such as aspirin (in high quantities) and drugs used in chemotherapy treatments.
- Loud noises. If you’re exposed to very noisy environments for long periods, you’re more likely to develop a hearing impairment. For example, if you work with heavy machinery or attend a lot of concerts. Sudden loud sounds like gunfire can also damage the tiny hair cells in your ear.
Prevention tips
- Use specialized equipment like earmuffs when using noisy machinery or shooting
- Wear earplugs when going to concerts or sporting events
- Keep the volume turned down on your smartphone and other devices
- See a doctor if you have symptoms of an ear infection, such as pressure in the ear, difficulty hearing, or discharge running from the ear
Convenient and professional hearing health care
From full diagnostic hearing tests to hearing aid fittings and follow-up care, Ears To You appointments are free — and to your door.
Book a visit from a hearing care professional and get a detailed understanding of your ear health. No waiting lists or inconvenient locations. Our mobile clinic will come to you. It’s got everything our specialists need to make a diagnosis and talk you through your treatment options.
Hearing aid technology has come a long way and could have a huge impact on your quality of life. During your appointment, you’ll get a personalized recommendation based on your lifestyle, preferences, and hearing needs.
Rediscover the sounds you’ve been missing
Where you’ll find us
Trouble hearing your favourite music? Modern hearing aids help amplify important sounds while tuning out the background noise. They’re pretty sleek too.
Frequently asked questions
Why are high-frequency sounds typically the first to go in hearing loss?
There are tiny hair cells in your ear that are responsible for detecting higher frequency sounds. They’re more susceptible to damage, and therefore typically the first to go, because they’re located closer to the base of the cochlea. This makes them more vulnerable to factors like aging and high noise levels than the cells responsible for picking up low-frequency sounds.
Can you regain high-frequency hearing?
No, you can’t usually regain high-frequency hearing once it has been lost. Typically, this type of hearing loss happens when irreparable damage has been done to the hair cells in the inner ear. However, hearing aids can amplify specific frequency ranges and tune out background noise. This helps if you have difficulty understanding speech. Some models are equipped with Bluetooth so you can even connect them to your personal devices and regain your independence.
