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Low-frequency hearing loss

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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.

Illustration shows part of the ear where high-frequency hearing loss occurs

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.

Consequences of untreated 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.

When to take a hearing test

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.

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Difficulty following conversations

With low frequency hearing loss, you may have difficulty following group conversations - especially with soft or distant speakers.

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Phone conversations are unclear

As a result of low frequency hearing loss, you may struggle to hear phone conversations, and often ask people to repeat what they said.

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Low-frequency sounds are difficult to understand

Low frequency hearing loss can cause you to have a hard time hearing low-pitch, deeper sounds (such as a man's voice).

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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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Maddison Franse - Audiologist and Medical and Clinical Projects Specialist

BSc, MClinAud, MAudA(CCP)

What drew Maddison to the hearing care industry was the potential to help others connect with those around them, enriching their quality of life. Over her career at Audika she has gained experience in adult rehabilitation, paediatric testing and tinnitus management, and been involved the training and development of graduate and student audiologists. Excited to share her passion for hearing health and excellent clinical care she moved into the role of Medical & Clinical Projects Specialist.

Maddison's current role allows her to raise hearing health awareness amongst other health professionals and support Audika’s clinical network in providing the best possible service and care to their clients.

Low-frequency hearing loss FAQ’s

Relevant links

Age related hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss
Conductive hearing loss
Hearing loss in one ear
High-frequency hearing loss
Low-frequency hearing loss
Bilateral hearing loss
Ringing in ears
Hearing loss and dementia
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