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

The frequency range that is typically most affected by noise-induced hearing loss is between 3,000 to 6,000 Hz. This range is particularly significant because it coincides with critical areas of human speech and commonly encountered sounds in noisy environments. Prolonged exposure to high levels of sound, especially in occupational settings or environments with intense noise, often leads to damage in the hair cells of the inner ear that are most responsive to these frequencies.

Damage in this frequency range can manifest as a notch in the audiogram, where hearing sensitivity is reduced specifically, while lower and higher frequencies may remain relatively preserved. Identifying that 3,000 to 6,000 Hz is where the most pronounced effects of noise exposure occur helps in establishing effective hearing conservation programs and monitoring hearing health in individuals who are exposed to loud environments.