Do You have High-Frequency Hearing Loss? Discover the Symptoms, Preventative Measures, and Treatment Options.

You may not think that you have any form of hearing loss. It’s usually subtle, except in severe cases. You may have hearing loss and not realize it, especially if it’s in the high-frequency range. 

There are two different frequencies: high-frequency and low-frequency.

A person with high-frequency hearing loss has trouble hearing sounds between 2000-8000 Hz. Some examples of these sounds include birds chirping, children’s voices, and high-pitched instruments like flutes or violins. 

A person with low-frequency hearing loss has trouble hearing 2000 Hz or lower sounds. Some noise examples include a large dog’s bark or low-pitched instruments like the tuba. Hearing loss in low-frequencies is also known as reverse-slope hearing loss.  

Causes of High-Frequency Hearing Loss

High-frequency hearing loss is common among people with loss of hearing. The causes of this particular hearing loss include:

• Acoustic neuroma. It’s a tumor that affects the auditory nerve.  The cause may be radiation exposure or a disease like neurofibromatosis. 
• Aging. Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, usually occurs between 65-70. It’s common in about half of the population that is over 75-years-old.
• Genetic factors. Several genetic factors can lead to high-frequency hearing loss. They include family medical histories of Waardenburg Syndrome and Usher Syndrome. 
• Maternal issues. A viral infection while pregnant can lead to congenital hearing loss (hearing loss at birth). This hearing loss can occur if the mother uses drugs and alcohol during pregnancy or has diabetes. Hearing impairment is one of the problems that can occur due to premature birth. 
• Noise exposure. Extensive exposure to noise that reaches over 75 decibels (dB) or any amount of time spent around noise over 120 dB is one of the most prevalent causes of hearing problems after aging. Wear earplugs or other hearing protection as a preventative measure. 
• Ototoxicity. Some medications, especially those for cancer treatments and heart disease, are known to cause hearing loss in some patients. 
• Viral infections. Ear infections that go untreated, especially from childhood, can cause permanent hearing damage. 

Symptoms of High-Frequency Hearing Loss

One of both ears can be affected by high-frequency hearing loss. The range of severity is as different as the symptoms. Some may not notice it, while others see a significant change. 

Here are the most common signs to observe:

• Balance issues
• Vertigo
• Difficulty with hearing when there’s background noise
• Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
• Difficulty deciphering speech noise, especially in words with consonant sounds such as f and s. 
• Does your child have difficulty with learning or a developmental delay?
• Do you turn the volume too loud to listen to music or media?
• Tinnitus

Are There Preventative Measures to Avoid High-Frequency Hearing Loss?

Like noise-induced hearing loss, the only way to prevent high-frequency hearing loss is by avoiding loud settings and wearing proper hearing protection when necessary. If you cannot hear someone speaking to you within arm’s length, this means your environment is too loud. Aging and genetic factors can also cause high-frequency hearing loss, making it unavoidable for some people.   

Treatment Options for High-Frequency Hearing Loss

A pure tone screening test determines whether you or a loved one have high-frequency hearing loss. The test will have a range of various frequencies played for the patient to listen to and identify. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and pure tone screening. There is no cure for high-frequency hearing loss, but a hearing aid can help manage your symptoms. Our specialists at Pure Sound Hearing will be able to guide you through your treatment options and recommend hearing aids if necessary. 

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