Can High Frequencies Damage Hearing?
- hayley5997
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Most people know that loud noises can harm their hearing, but what about high-pitched sounds? High-frequency sounds — such as sirens' wailing, the squeal of brakes, or the ping of electronic devices — are part of everyday life. The question is: can exposure to high frequencies damage your hearing?
At Family Hearing Centre in Auckland, our expert audiologists specialise in diagnosing and treating hearing concerns. Understanding how high frequencies affect your ears is the first step toward long-term hearing health.
What Are High Frequencies?
Sound is measured in hertz (Hz), which refers to frequency. Low-frequency sounds are deep and rumbling (like thunder), while high-frequency sounds are sharp and piercing (like whistles or birdsong).
● The average human ear hears between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz.
● High-frequency sounds are critical for understanding speech, especially consonant sounds like “s,” “f,” and “th.”
● Damage in these ranges often means you can still “hear” but struggle to understand conversations, especially in noisy places.
● Poor high frequency hearing is not necessarily due to damage from exposure to high frequency sounds.
Can High Frequencies Damage Hearing?
The risk comes down to volume and exposure time:
● Safe high frequencies: Everyday high-pitched sounds at moderate levels do not damage hearing.
● Dangerous high frequencies: Prolonged exposure to loud high-pitched sounds (above 85 decibels) can permanently damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear.
● Other sounds: It is important to know that prolonged exposure to other loud sounds, not just high frequencies, often can affect your hearing
● Examples of prolonged exposure to loud sounds: Factory machinery, leaf blowers, or music festivals/concerts.
● Cumulative effect: Damage builds up over time, even if you don’t notice symptoms straight away. This is why musicians and factory workersare especially at risk.
Concerned about your hearing? Contact Our Auckland Audiologists at Soundskills Family Hearing Centre.
Signs of High-Frequency Hearing Loss
High-frequency hearing loss often develops slowly over time, which means many people don’t notice the early warning signs until the problem becomes more pronounced. Being aware of the symptoms can help you take action sooner.
Some of the most common signs include:
● Struggling to follow conversations in noisy places.
● Difficulty understanding soft consonant sounds (e.g., “s,” “sh,” “th”).
● Turning up the TV, radio, or phone volume.
● Frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
● Hearing ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus).
If you notice any of these signs, booking a hearing test in Auckland is the best next step.
Protecting Your Hearing
The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to protect your hearing. By making a few simple changes, you can significantly reduce your risk of damage:
● Limit exposure to loudsounds in general, including high-pitched sounds.
● Wear earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones at concerts or around machinery (talk to us about custom earplugs with filters for communicating or enjoying music whilst protecting your hearing).
● Follow the 60/60 rule when using earbuds (listen at 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time).
● Take regular “listening breaks” to rest your ears. ● Schedule annual checks with a qualified audiologist in Auckland.
Other Factors That Affect Hearing
Sometimes, hearing problems aren’t caused by noise exposure but by other issues, such as:
● Ear wax build-up: A blockage can make it harder to hear high frequencies clearly. Safe and gentle ear wax removal in Auckland can quickly restore clarity.
● Auditory Processing Disorder (APD): Some people hear well in quiet but struggle in noisy places. An Auditory Processing Disorder Test in Auckland can diagnose this condition.
● Age-related changes: Natural ageing can reduce sensitivity to higher frequencies, making early hearing checks even more important.
Why Choose Family Hearing Centre?
At Family Hearing Centre, we offer a complete range of hearing services to keep your ears healthy:
● Hearing test bookings are available to book online for convenience.
● Comprehensive hearing tests in Auckland for adults and children.
● Specialist services include expertise in Auditory Processing Disorder in NZ (APD), with clients travelling from across New Zealand to see us for both children and adults.
● Wide range of treatment options including hearing aids, assistive listening devices, auditory training and counselling.
● Safe and effective ear wax removal in Auckland
Our team of audiologists uses the latest diagnostic tools and personalised care to give you clarity and peace of mind.
Take the Next Step
If you’re concerned about whether high-frequency sounds or exposure to other noise has affected your hearing, the best step is to get checked. A professional assessment can provide answers and, if needed, tailored treatment options to protect your hearing for the future.
