Which of the following is a functional change related to hearing?

• A. Inability to hear low pitches
• B. Inability to hear high pitches
• C. Improved hearing of all frequencies
• D. No change in hearing

Answer: (B)

As people age, a common functional change in hearing is a loss that starts with high-frequency sounds. This pattern, known as presbycusis, happens because the cochlea’s basal region (which detects high pitches) becomes less sensitive over time. So difficulty hearing high pitches is the typical sign of aging-related hearing change, while low-frequency hearing is often better preserved.

The other options don’t fit this common pattern: low-pitch loss is less typical, claiming improved hearing across all frequencies isn’t realistic, and saying there’s no change contradicts the well-documented age-related decline in auditory function.