High Frequency Hearing Loss: Know the Symptoms and Treatment

As we get older, a moderate degree of hearing loss is expected. This is true when we enter our later, perhaps retirement years. It’s also true to say that as we become adults, some high-pitched frequencies become less easy for our ears to hear. A parent, for instance, may not be able to make out a dog whistle, but their child could.

That said, it’s also true that some people can experience high-frequency hearing loss, a common condition among those experiencing it. This occurs when the small sensory hearing cells in your ear become damaged.

While this may not point to a continued and constant form of hearing loss just as tinnitus is not a perfect example of losing hearing in a linear fashion, it is a condition that needs to be managed. In this post, we’ll discuss the symptoms you may experience as a result of high-pitched hearing loss, and what can be done about it.

The symptoms of high-pitched hearing loss are:

• Tinnitus: Hearing loss is associated with tinnitus and can be a cause of it. For this reason, whenever you encounter tinnitus or if your conditions worsen, it’s a good idea to speak to your audiologist. 
• Certain high-pitched noises are uncomfortable or distressing: This can suggest a potential condition called hyperacusis. Again, an audiologist can identify this condition and walk you through your next steps. 
• Trouble understanding people in conversations: As our mouths enunciate words using several different pitches and cadence, if you notice that you’re having trouble parsing what other people are saying, especially if consonants such as s, th and t are hard to hear, then it could be a sign of high frequency hearing loss. 
• Struggling to hear: If you have difficulty hearing sounds others have no problem with, like alarms, beeps and other high-pitched notifications.

If you encounter these symptoms for the first time, it may be that you have high-frequency hearing loss. Note that this is not binary, it could be that yours is a somewhat new case and with immediate consideration, could be aided in the best way. It’s not as if you do or do not have this condition, rather, it may be affecting as a mild, moderate or severe case.

What are the Causes of High-Frequency Hearing Loss?

While there may not be one specific cause that contributed to your particular hearing loss, it’s worth knowing what they are.

Often, exposure to very loud sounds can cause damage to the sensitive ear environment, and spurn these symptoms. Certain medications, especially those considered ototoxic, can contribute too. For some, age is a factor, while certain diseases, such as Meniere’s disease, can affect the inner ear too.

What are the Treatments?

Now you know what symptoms to look for, it’s only natural that you wonder about what treatments can be applied if any. 

Well, luckily, one of the best treatments for high-frequency hearing loss are hearing aids, are designed with convenience, ergonomics, comfort and sound quality in mind. Depending on the severity of high frequency hearing loss you have, as well as the combination with other hearing conditions you may experience like tinnitus, an audiologist will be able to assess your exact requirements.

They may recommend in-the-ear (ITE), behind-the-ear (BTE) or in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids depending on your needs. ITC hearing aids are most commonly given to those encountering high-frequency hearing loss.

Not only can speaking with an audiologist help you find the treatment you need, but it also assuages some of the fears and discomfort you have when encountering hearing loss for the first time. They will also be able to aid you with general advice designed to help you manage the experience of hearing loss, so that you can keep up with your usual day-to-day responsibilities, just with health precautions in mind.

Find a Great Audiologist Today!

One of the best steps you could take is finding a responsible audiologist used to dealing with people in your position.

Luckily, Audiology and Hearing Aid Services provide world-class treatments, providing appointments for prospective patients from all walks of life. They also work with hearing aid manufacturers to make sure you find the best deal on the most suitable models for you. Walking you through these technicalities is what we do best. Reach out to our office today by calling us today at 912-351-3038.