Extended high frequency audiometry thresholds in healthy school children.
Dagny Hemmingsen1, Niels Christian Stenklev2, Claus Klingenberg3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of North Norway, 9038 Tromsø, Norway; Paediatric Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø-Arctic University of Norway, Postboks 6050 Langnes, 9037, Tromsø, Norway.
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|April 10, 2021
Summary
Extended high frequency (EHF) audiometry is crucial for monitoring hearing loss in children. This study reveals that hearing sensitivity in the EHF range may decline before age 10, necessitating age-specific reference standards.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Audiology
- Ototoxicity Monitoring
- Hearing Science
Background:
- Extended high frequency (EHF) audiometry is the gold standard for detecting ototoxic hearing loss in pediatric populations.
- Establishing normative audiological data for the EHF range in healthy children is essential for accurate monitoring.
- Clinical trial registration: NCT03253614.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish high-quality reference audiological data for the extended high frequency (EHF) range in healthy children aged 6-14 years.
- To provide a baseline for identifying early signs of hearing loss in children undergoing potentially ototoxic treatments.
- To investigate age-related differences in EHF hearing thresholds.
Main Methods:
- 126 healthy schoolchildren aged 6-14 years participated in the study.
- Participants were screened for normal birth history and absence of middle ear disease.
- Extended high frequency (EHF) audiometry was performed to measure hearing thresholds from 9 kHz to 16 kHz.
Main Results:
- The average hearing threshold across the EHF range (9-16 kHz) was -0.4 (6.0) dB HL.
- The lowest mean hearing thresholds were observed at 14 kHz (-4.2 dB HL) and 16 kHz (-6.4 dB HL).
- Significantly lower thresholds were found in younger children (6-9 years) at 16 kHz compared to older children (10-14 years) (p=0.042), with increased variability at higher frequencies.
Conclusions:
- Hearing sensitivity in the EHF range may decrease around or before the age of 10 years in children.
- Establishing international reference standards for EHF hearing levels in children under 18 is recommended for ototoxicity monitoring.
- Age-specific reference data are crucial due to the gradual deterioration of hearing in the EHF range from an early age.
