Which frequencies are most significantly affected by presbycusis?

Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, predominantly affects higher frequencies. As individuals age, the hair cells in the cochlea, particularly those responsible for detecting high-frequency sounds, begin to degenerate. This can lead to a gradual loss of hearing in the higher frequency range, often starting around the age of 60. Patients often find it challenging to hear high-pitched sounds such as the voices of women and children or certain consonants that are important for speech clarity.

While lower and middle frequencies can be affected as well, they are generally less impacted than higher frequencies. This characteristic pattern of hearing loss makes higher frequencies the primary concern in presbycusis, leading audiologists and hearing healthcare professionals to prioritize testing and management strategies that address this frequency range to improve communication and quality of life for affected individuals.