Low-frequency hearing loss
What is low-frequency hearing loss?
Low-frequency hearing loss is a type of hearing impairment where a person has difficulty hearing sounds in the lower frequency range of the auditory spectrum. People with low-frequency hearing loss have trouble hearing low-pitched sounds (sound frequencies below 2,000 Hz). Some examples of low-pitched sounds include men’s voices and bass sounds in music. The extent at which you have difficulty hearing these sounds will depend on your degree of low-frequency hearing loss.
This form of hearing loss mainly affects how the volume of sounds such as speech is heard. Specifically, sounds with low frequency emphasis may seem quieter than they actually are.
Low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss
Low-frequency hearing loss can be due to sensorineural ear causes, meaning that there is damage to the hair cells in a specific region of the cochlea (in the inner ear).
Since it is the hair cells’ role to ensure that sound travels from the inner ear to the brain, damage to these cells can impact one’s ability to understand soft speech, which may be a symptom of low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss.
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Low-frequency hearing loss causes
Low-frequency hearing loss can be present in both sensorineural and conductive forms of hearing loss. The causes of low frequency hearing loss may be genetic in nature or due to a result of a childhood illness. Common factors that can cause low-frequency hearing loss include:
- Ear infections
- Otosclerosis
- Meniere's disease
Tip from an audiologist
Since low-frequency hearing loss is less common than high-frequency hearing loss, it is a good idea to be aware of the signs and symptoms so that you can identify if you might have low-frequency hearing loss – and therefore seek professional advice.
However, it can be difficult to identify low-frequency hearing loss yourself, since many of the signs are similar to other forms of hearing loss. Educating yourself is still a great way to stay on top of your hearing health and learn how seeking treatment could be beneficial for your health.
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Low-frequency hearing loss symptoms
While it might initially seem fairly easy to "get by" when you have some subtle symptoms of low-frequency hearing loss, you will likely begin to miss out on important sounds, which can impact your quality of life.
With low frequency hearing loss, you may have difficulty following group conversations - especially with soft or distant speakers.
As a result of low frequency hearing loss, you may struggle to hear phone conversations, and often ask people to repeat what they said.
Low frequency hearing loss can cause you to have a hard time hearing low-pitch, deeper sounds (such as a man's voice).
Low-frequency hearing loss treatment
Hearing aids can be effective in treating low-frequency hearing loss by amplifying sounds in the lower range of the spectrum. Modern hearing aids can provide considerable support to many people that suffer from this type of hearing loss.
While some people might feel that low -frequency hearing loss does not have as much of an impact on their daily lives as high-frequency hearing loss, the effects of low-frequency hearing loss can begin to take a toll on daily activities as the person begins to experience less and less of the sounds around them. It is therefore important to seek professional advice and support whenever any symptoms of low-frequency hearing loss are present.
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B.Comm(Mgt), GradCertSci., M.Clin.Aud.,MAudSA(CCP)
Mona’s career has seen her work in a wide range of audiological areas, including paediatrics, diagnostics and tinnitus counselling, where she ultimately developed a passion for adult rehabilitation and helping not simply hearing care clients but developing the skills of our network of clinicians. Mona’s consistent relationship-focused ability to train and foster the talents of all client-facing team members saw her move into State Management and national training roles, before advancing to her current role as Chief Audiologist and Head of Clinical Governance and Training for the entire Audika Clinical Network across Australia and New Zealand.
Mona’s focus is now on ensuring every client that Audika interacts with is achieving a better quality of life, through a clinically consistent, professional and high-standard of care provided by all clinical team members. This client outcomes focus is the key driver in developing and reimagining the future of modern hearing care at Audika.
