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High-frequency auditory thresholds in normal hearing adults
Sheila Jacques Oppitz1, Luize Caroline Lima da Silva1, Michele Vargas Garcia1
1Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria - UFSM - Santa Maria (RS), Brasil.
High-frequency hearing thresholds increase with both higher frequencies and advancing age in adults with normal hearing. This study found a significant increase in the right ear, particularly at higher tested frequencies.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Gerontology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Normal hearing is typically defined by auditory thresholds between 250-8000 Hz.
- Aging is a known factor influencing hearing sensitivity, but high-frequency changes require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate high-frequency auditory thresholds in normal-hearing adults.
- To compare ear responses and correlate hearing levels with aging.
- To analyze frequency-specific responses in relation to age.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, quantitative, transversal study with 60 normal-hearing adults (aged 18-58).
- High-frequency pure-tone hearing thresholds (up to 14 kHz) measured using an Interacoustics AS10HF audiometer.
- Acoustic immittance measurements confirmed normal middle ear function.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant increase in hearing thresholds for the right ear at 10, 11, and 14 kHz.
- A trend towards significance at 13 kHz in the right ear.
- Bilateral progressive threshold increases proportional to frequency and age advancement observed from 14 kHz upwards.
Conclusions:
- High-frequency auditory thresholds increase with frequency and age in normal-hearing individuals.
- The right ear exhibited higher thresholds compared to the left ear.
- These findings highlight age-related high-frequency hearing changes even in individuals with clinically normal hearing.
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