All About High-Frequency Hearing Loss

High-Frequency Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is often a gradual process. If it has come on quite suddenly, it's probably been going on for a while, but the initial symptoms weren't noticeable. With many patients, it's generally years before signs of hearing loss become severe enough to do something about it. This is true for high-frequency hearing loss, which causes diminished hearing of sounds at the highest frequencies. Regular hearing tests and assessments are one of the best ways to uncover early, high-frequency hearing loss and start intervention at the earliest stage.

The Many Ways Hearing Loss Is Classified

Hearing loss is commonly classified into one of three types: sensorineural, conductive, or mixed hearing loss. An audiologist might also refer to the level of severity, such as mild, moderate, severe, or profound. However, types of hearing loss can also be categorized based on the frequencies affected — high-frequency or low-frequency hearing loss.

High-Frequency vs. Low-Frequency Hearing Loss

• High-Frequency Hearing Loss - This type affects the ability to hear high-pitched sounds, like birds chirping, a child's voice, or the consonants 'f' and 's.'
• Low-Frequency Hearing Loss - This type affects the ability to hear low-pitched sounds, such as deep voices or thunder, and can also be called reverse-slope hearing loss.

Symptoms of High-Frequency Hearing Loss

Recognizing the symptoms of any health issue early on offers the most effective treatment, which goes for hearing loss too. Symptoms of high-frequency hearing loss include:

• Tinnitus noise, such as a buzzing, ringing, clicking, or humming in the ear
• Trouble hearing high-pitched sounds
• Challenges with speech, like making out words with the consonants 'f' and 's'
• Vertigo and balance problems
• Inability to hear in noisy environments
• Learning challenges in children
• Increasing volume levels of TV or music to excessive levels

Common Causes of High-Frequency Hearing Loss

High-frequency hearing loss can affect individuals of any age. Some of the most common causes include:

• Aging (Presbycusis) - Typically manifests between ages 65 and 70 and is present in nearly half of people over 75.
• Noise Exposure - Prolonged exposure to noise above 75 decibels or any exposure to noise above 120 decibels, regardless of the duration.
• Viral Infections - Untreated ear infections in early childhood.
• Maternal Issues - These include any infections and drug or alcohol use during pregnancy, diabetes, or premature birth.
• Ototoxicity - Certain medications for cancer and heart disease can cause hearing loss.
• Genetic Predisposition - Family history of deafness, disorders like Waardenburg and Usher Syndrome.
• Acoustic Neuroma - This is a tumor affecting the auditory nerve, possibly caused by radiation or diseases like neurofibromatosis.

Diagnosing High-Frequency Hearing Loss

If you suspect you have symptoms of high-frequency hearing loss, you can receive a thorough diagnosis from an ear specialist at a hearing clinic. This is an opportunity to discuss your symptoms, the environments in which you have challenges, or the sounds you can't hear. The hearing care professional will perform a physical examination of your ear and conduct a hearing test, specifically to gauge the various frequency levels you can hear. Other hearing tests may be administered based on your discussion of symptoms.

Treatment Options for High-Frequency Hearing Loss

While there's no cure for high-frequency hearing loss, several management strategies can significantly improve quality of life:

• Hearing Aids - Different types of hearing aids are available to treat most types and levels of hearing loss.
• Cochlear Implants - This surgical option is usually a last resort for profound hearing loss when other options, like hearing aids, have not been effective.
• Auditory Training - Programs and therapy are available to help individuals recognize and interpret speech sounds.
• Communication Strategies - Some individuals learn to adapt to hearing loss by facing the person speaking, reducing background noise, and speaking clearly, along with the use of programmed hearing aids.
• Medical Interventions - In instances where hearing loss is caused by an underlying health condition, examination and treatment for the medical issue can be a viable option.
• Tinnitus Treatment - If high-frequency hearing loss includes tinnitus, noise-masking devices or special hearing aids for tinnitus are practical management tools.

Prevention and Maintenance

While age-related high-frequency hearing loss can't be prevented, you can take measures to protect your hearing from other factors and take proactive steps to address issues early:

• Protect from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss - Use ear protection in noisy work environments or recreational activities.
• Regular Hearing Exams - Schedule regular check-ups to monitor your hearing health. Get a baseline hearing test to identify a decrease in your hearing ability.

Schedule a Test at Our Hearing Center

High-frequency hearing loss is one of the many forms of impairment that can affect people at any age. Schedule a free hearing test at AudioNova and learn about options to treat hearing loss from a hearing aid specialist who can present options tailored to your unique test results. Our experts are here to guide you every step of the way.