Which frequency range is most affected by noise-induced hearing loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss primarily impacts the frequency range of 4000 Hz to 6000 Hz because this area is where the human ear is particularly vulnerable to damage from loud sounds. Prolonged exposure to high-intensity noise typically affects the hair cells in the cochlea responsible for detecting sounds in this frequency range, leading to a characteristic pattern of hearing loss known as a 'noise notch.'

This specific frequency range is crucial for understanding speech clarity and recognizing high-pitched sounds, which are essential for conversations and communication. When noise exposure is significant, it often results in difficulties perceiving conversations, especially in noisy environments.

The other frequency ranges mentioned, while they can also experience some degree of hearing loss, do not align as closely with the typical effects of noise exposure as the 4000 Hz to 6000 Hz range does. Lower frequencies and higher frequencies typically do not show the same prevalence of damage when it comes to noise-induced hearing loss.