Extended high-frequency (9-20 kHz) audiometry reference thresholds in 645 healthy subjects
A Rodríguez Valiente1, A Trinidad, J R García Berrocal
1Ear Research Group, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid , Madrid , Spain.
International Journal of Audiology
|April 23, 2014
Summary
This study established reference hearing thresholds across the extended human hearing spectrum (0.125 to 20 kHz). Findings suggest similarity across studies, supporting the potential for new international hearing standards.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Human Hearing Physiology
Background:
- Understanding human hearing thresholds across the full spectrum is crucial for audiological assessments.
- Existing data on extended high-frequencies (8-20 kHz) requires standardization for reliable comparisons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine reference hearing thresholds for the extended human hearing range (0.125–20 kHz).
- To compare extended high-frequency (8–20 kHz) hearing thresholds with existing data.
- To explore the feasibility of establishing new international standards for hearing thresholds.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 645 otologically healthy individuals aged 5–90 years.
- Measurement of pure-tone hearing thresholds across conventional and extended high-frequencies.
- Comparative analysis of newly obtained thresholds with previously published data.
Main Results:
- Hearing thresholds increased with frequency and age.
- Females exhibited lower hearing thresholds than males between 20–69 years, particularly at 12.5 and 16 kHz.
- The obtained threshold values were comparable to those from previous studies.
Conclusions:
- Hearing thresholds show consistency across different studies and populations.
- The findings support the establishment of international standard thresholds for human hearing.
- Standardized thresholds will enhance the reliability of audiological evaluations and comparisons.
