[baneat]

Hi, in physics class the teacher was using an oscillator to demonstrate how older people can't hear noises that are as high when compared to children. He started at 20Hz and moved it up gradually to 20KHz. I couldn't hear any sound past 7.5KHz, while most people could hear up to 19KHz! Should I get this checked because it's a huge difference in hearing range. I wouldn't think it's a problem, The only things I can't hear in everyday life are crickets and the sine wave noise from the TV if it's set to an AV channel with no picture output.

 

[badmonkey]

Hmmmn well maybe not a practical problem that you're aware of, but it could be indicative of future problems (not to scare you, but the obvious thought is that you're on the way to deafness, not that I have any expertise to base that on). I'd convince my parents to get me examined by an audiologist.

 

[badmonkey]

A practical problem might be spatial location, which I understand makes use of high frequency sound for various reasons relating to the physics of sound. Do you have trouble telling where sounds are originating (of any complex variety, like music?).

Oh there's a thread here where someone posted a link to this:
Audio Signals and Test Tones. Playable online, free download. Tests your audio equipment, loudspeakers, room acoustics and hearing.

You could do that in your own surroundings to verify where your cut-off is. If you have a spectrum analyser then you will see the cool waveform move leftward as the pitch is lowered.

Be sure to use the highest quality speakers you have access to, and use a bit of volume; the upper threshold is difficult to hear. It seems as though you kind of sense (feel) it more than hear, initially. You are aware of it but it's almost not like sound. For me it was 20KHz, I'm 25.

 

[ClieOS]

In any case, you should visit an audiologist or ENT specialist just to be safe.

 

[erikzen]

I wouldn't worry unnecessarily. Go to a doctor and have it checked out. Have you always known this?

It may be a sign of some other problem or you may just have rolled off hearing. Everybody's hearing, like eyesight, athletic ability, musical talent, artistic ability, is different and nobody is perfect. Maybe this is your one imperfection.

You do want to make sure that this isn't a symptom of some other problem so stop guessing and go to the doctor.

 

[J.D.N]

Get a proper test done by an audiologist or ENT specialist.

I wouldn't suggest trying to test yourself at home, you will only end up getting paranoid and worrying about it if it doesn't go well.

If you get tested by a specialist then they can explain the results to you and suggest a way forward if there are in fact any problems.

 

[baneat]

Hmm thank you for the replies. I'm wondering if anyone else knows of anyone with these kinds of problems with sound?

 

[Joriarty]

Some people are born deaf. I don't know, maybe some people are born unable to hear past 7.5 kHz.

You may have had this problem from birth and it won't make a difference, or it could be a sign of bad things to come... best get it checked out by an audiologist in any case, I think.

 

[scompton]

My wife can't hear anything above 100Hz. At birth it was nothing above 200Hz. So some people are born that way. My hearing gets crappy whenever the pollen gets bad. In any case, you should go to a doctor. If you couldn't see well, you wouldn't post on a board about it, you'd go to a doctor. The same should apply to hearing.

 

[yashicaman]

See a doc and get your hearing tested. You might also want to see an allergist. I have a nephew who is allergic to red food dye (and milk) and when he does the wrong thing (i.e., eat red fruit loops or drinks Dr. Pepper or whatever may have red food dye in it) his hearing suffers. Milk might also be part of his problem. Get checked out.

 

[krmathis]

Concur the comments above.
No need to worry too much. But visit a doctor, or a audiologist, to get your ears/hearing properly checked just in case.

 

[Tridacnid]

If you were born that way, nah.
If you were born fine and have been losing your hearing, YES!!!

 

[Luminette]

See an audiologist. Ask as many questions as you've got - I'd suggest starting a list of them to ask beforehand as it is hard to recall them all come showtime