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Low-frequency hearing loss

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What is low-frequency hearing loss?

People with low-frequency hearing loss have trouble hearing low-pitched sounds (sound frequencies at or 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 the volume of low-frequency sounds. Therefore, sounds at this pitch may seem quieter than they actually are.

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

Low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss can result in low-frequency hearing loss, meaning that low-frequency hearing impairment is caused by 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 outer ear to the brain, damage to these cells can seriously impact one’s ability to hear properly.

Consequences of untreated hearing loss

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Book a FREE* hearing check for low-frequency hearing loss

Book a FREE* hearing check to find out if you have low-frequency or any other type of hearing loss. We can suggest treatment options and help you understand your condition better.
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What causes low-frequency hearing loss?

Low-frequency hearing loss can be present in both sensorineural and conductive forms of hearing loss. The causes 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
  • Heart 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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Signs and symptoms of low-frequency hearing loss

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
You have difficulty following group conversations - especially when background noise is present
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Phone conversations are unclear
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
You have a hard time hearing low-pitch, deeper sounds (such as a man's voice)
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Treatment for low-frequency hearing loss

Modern hearing aids are able to provide considerable support to 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 might have, 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 hearing loss are present.

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katherine_grey_background_196
Katherine Bayly - Head of Audiology Clinical Governance and Quality

Audiologist MNZAS CCC, MAud(Hons) BSc

Katherine has worked in the audiology sector for over 20 years.   She began her audiology career in the public health system here in New Zealand, and has since gained a wide range of audiological skills,  having worked in paediatrics, diagnostics, cochlear implants, tinnitus counselling and within the hearing device industry.

With her broad experience Katherine has now taken on the role of Head of Audiology for Audika New Zealand. Katherine’s focus is on ensuring every client that Audika interacts with feels they have been provided with the best possible care; that they have been listened to and been treated with the highest level of care by all clinical team members. “At Audika we specialise in hearing care, so our aim is to ensure we provide truly personalised, comprehensive care from the moment our clients first walk in the door, right through to the regular check ups and reviews we continue to provide throughout their hearing journey”. 

Last reviewed 2023-07-01

Sources

1. Niskar AS, Kieszak SM, Holmes A, Esteban E, Rubin C, Brody DJ. Prevalence of Hearing Loss Among Children 6 to 19 Years of Age: The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. JAMA. 1998;279(14):1071–1075. doi:10.1001/jama.279.14.1071

2. Parving A, Sakihara Y, Christensen B. Inherited sensorineural low-frequency hearing impairment: some aspects of phenotype and epidemiology. Audiology. 2000 Jan-Feb;39(1):50-60. doi: 10.3109/00206090009073054. PMID: 10749071.

3. MarkeTrak 10, Marketing Research, Inc.

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
Noise-induced hearing loss
Bilateral hearing loss
Ringing in ears
Hearing loss and dementia
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