Hearing loss affects everyone differently. Some people have trouble hearing high-pitched sounds, such as birds chirping or children talking. Others struggle to hear lower-pitched sounds, such as deep voices or bass notes in music. These are two types of hearing loss: high-frequency and low-frequency hearing loss. Understanding the differences can help you recognize the signs, learn about possible causes, and explore treatment options.

What Is Sound Frequency?

Frequency is the pitch of a sound, measured in hertz (Hz). High-frequency sounds have a higher pitch, while low-frequency sounds have a deeper pitch. When hearing loss affects certain frequencies, you may hear some sounds clearly but miss others.

What Is High-Frequency Hearing Loss?

High-frequency hearing loss happens when a person has trouble hearing high-pitched sounds. Many speech sounds are high-pitched, meaning this common type of hearing loss can make conversations harder to understand, especially in noisy places.

Common Signs of High-Frequency Hearing Loss

• Difficulty understanding conversations in crowded places.
• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves.
• Trouble hearing children or people with higher-pitched voices.
• Missing speech sounds such as “s,” “f,” and “th.”
• Difficulty hearing birds chirping or whistling.
• Feeling tired after long conversations.

What Causes High-Frequency Hearing Loss?

Common causes include:

• Aging: Hearing often becomes less sensitive to high-pitched sounds as we get older.
• Loud noise: Loud music, machinery, and power tools can damage the inner ear.
• Genetics: Family history can increase the risk of hearing loss.
• Certain medications and health conditions: Some can affect the inner ear and hearing.

High-frequency hearing loss often develops slowly, so you may not notice the changes right away.

What Is Low-Frequency Hearing Loss?

Low-frequency hearing loss is when a person has trouble hearing lower-pitched sounds. It is less common than high-frequency hearing loss.

Common Signs of Low-Frequency Hearing Loss

• Difficulty hearing deep or lower-pitched voices.
• Missing bass notes in music.
• Trouble hearing low humming or rumbling sounds.
• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears.

What Causes Low-Frequency Hearing Loss?

Possible causes include:

• Ménière’s disease: An inner-ear condition that can cause hearing loss, dizziness, and ringing in the ears.
• Genetics: Some people inherit conditions that affect hearing.
• Middle-ear problems: Fluid buildup or problems with the eardrum or bones in the ear can affect how sound travels.
• Other medical conditions: Certain illnesses, injuries, and medications may contribute to hearing loss.

Some causes can be treated, so it is important to have your hearing checked by a healthcare professional.

How Is Hearing Loss Diagnosed?

A hearing test performed by an audiologist or qualified hearing care professional can determine which frequencies you have trouble hearing. The evaluation may include an ear examination, listening to different pitches and volumes, and repeating words to test speech understanding. A hearing test can help identify which sounds are affected by a hearing loss.

Treatment Options for Hearing Loss

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the hearing loss.

• Hearing aids: Modern hearing aids can be adjusted to make specific sounds easier to hear. Some devices can even change high-pitched sounds into lower pitches that are easier to detect.
• Medical treatment: Certain middle-ear problems may improve with treatment. Conditions such as Ménière’s disease may also require medical care.

A hearing care professional can help you find the best approach for your needs.

Take the First Step Toward Better Hearing

Both high-frequency and low-frequency hearing loss can make everyday communication more difficult. The good news is that treatments can help many people manage hearing loss and improve their daily lives.

If you have noticed changes in your hearing, schedule a hearing evaluation. Understanding which sounds you have trouble hearing is the first step toward finding the right solution.