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The Acceptable Noise Level and the Pure-Tone Audiogram
K Jonas Brännström1, Steen Østergaard Olsen2
1Department of Clinical Science, Section of Logopedics, Phoniatrics and Audiology, Lund University, Sweden.
American Journal of Audiology
|December 31, 2016
Summary
Previous studies found no link between acceptable noise level (ANL) and pure-tone average hearing. This study reveals low-frequency hearing and audiogram slope significantly correlate with ANL, suggesting a refined approach is needed.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Hearing Science
- Psychoacoustics
Background:
- The acceptable noise level (ANL) test assesses an individual's tolerance for background noise.
- Previous research often found no correlation between ANL and pure-tone average (PTA) hearing thresholds.
- This discrepancy suggests limitations in how hearing thresholds are typically measured and analyzed in relation to ANL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between individual pure-tone hearing thresholds and ANL.
- To explore the association between the audiogram's slope and ANL.
- To re-evaluate the ANL-hearing threshold relationship using more detailed audiometric data.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-three adult hearing aid users were recruited from Denmark.
- Participants underwent pure-tone audiometry and three versions of the ANL test.
- Assessments were conducted monaurally across two separate sessions.
Main Results:
- Low-frequency hearing thresholds demonstrated a significant relationship with all tested versions of the ANL.
- The slope of the audiogram was also found to be significantly related to ANL.
- These findings contrast with previous studies that used only PTA.
Conclusions:
- The use of a broad 4-frequency pure-tone average may obscure the relationship between ANL and hearing thresholds.
- Low-frequency hearing sensitivity and audiogram slope are important factors influencing ANL.
- These results have implications for refining the ANL test and understanding its clinical utility.
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