What Causes High-Frequency Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. High-frequency hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is a type of age-related hearing loss that results in difficulty hearing higher-pitched sounds. This blog post will explore the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options for high-frequency hearing loss.

Understanding High-Frequency Hearing Loss

It is characterised by difficulty hearing higher-pitched sounds, such as a child's voice, a bird chirping, or a woman's voice. This hearing loss can make it difficult to understand speech, especially in noisy environments. 

Causes Of High-Frequency Hearing Loss

There are several possible causes for HFHL:

• Age-related deterioration

As we age, the hair cells in our inner ear responsible for detecting sound can become damaged or die. This is a common cause of presbycusis in older adults.

• Noise exposure

Prolonged exposure to loud noises can damage delicate parts of the ear and lead to HFHL. This includes noise from personal audio devices and occupational noise, such as machinery in industrial settings.

• Certain medications

Some medications have been known to cause permanent hearing damage, including tinnitus and HFHL. These include antibiotics like gentamicin and chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin and carboplatin.

• Ototoxic substances

Chemicals like carbon monoxide, arsenic, lead, mercury, and formaldehyde can all damage the inner ear and cause HFHL over time if exposure is significant enough.

• Head trauma or injury

Trauma to the head or neck area can cause physical damage, leading to hearing loss. It is essential to seek medical care after any such incident to assess the full scope of the injury and begin treatment as soon as possible.

• Congenital defects

Sometimes, an individual may be born with a genetic defect affecting their hearing or experience complications during birth leading to hearing impairment later in life. It is essential for parents of children with congenital defects related to hearing issues to speak with a doctor as soon as they notice any signs of HFHL since early intervention is vital for effective treatment.

• Viral infections

Viruses such as mumps or measles can attack areas of the inner ear responsible for detecting sound waves, leading to permanent damage and hearing loss. Vaccinating against preventable diseases helps reduce the risk of this type of hearing loss.

• Smoking

Smoking is a risk factor for age-related hearing loss. Cigarette chemicals can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss.

• Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is a risk factor for HFHL. It can reduce the blood flow to the inner ear, leading to hearing loss.

Symptoms of High-Frequency Hearing Loss

• Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds

One of the most common symptoms is difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, such as the speech of women and children and high-pitched bird songs.

• Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments

People with this type of hearing loss may have difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments, such as restaurants or parties.

• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a common symptom of high-frequency hearing loss.

• Difficulty hearing certain consonants

This hearing loss can make it difficult to hear certain consonants, such as "s" and "th", making speech sound muffled or unclear.

• Misunderstanding or missing certain words

People with presbycusis may need clarification or understanding of certain words, particularly those that are high-pitched or sputtered.

• Withdrawing from social situations

High-frequency hearing loss can make social situations difficult, leading to feelings of isolation and withdrawal from social activities.

Treatment Options for High-Frequency Hearing Loss

Treatment options for HFHL will depend on the underlying cause of the loss but may include the following:

• Hearing aids

Hearing aids are a common treatment option for high-frequency hearing loss. They work by amplifying sound and can be programmed to focus on high-frequency sounds.

• Cochlear implants

Cochlear implants are a surgical option for those with severe high-frequency hearing loss. The implant consists of a microphone, a speech processor, and an electrode array surgically implanted in the ear.

• Assistive listening devices

These devices can improve communication in specific listening situations, such as watching TV or using the telephone.

• Auditory rehabilitation

Auditory rehabilitation can help individuals with high-frequency hearing loss to improve their ability to understand speech and communicate effectively. This may include speech reading, listening strategies, and communication training.

• Preventing further damage

If the cause of presbycusis can be prevented, such as noise exposure, medications or head trauma, it's important to avoid further damage.

Take Action Now!

Don't let hearing loss hold you back from enjoying life's sounds. At Carlow Hearing, our experts can determine what causes your high-frequency hearing loss and recommend the best treatment options. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards better hearing.