Age categorization of high-frequency auditory threshold data

This article presents high-frequency (8- to 20-kHz) auditory threshold measurements for 157 subjects with normal conventional hearing, ranging in age from 6-30 years. Normative descriptive data are provided in five semidecade age categories. Intra-age category mean and variance values for threshold sensitivity and interaural threshold differences are included. Generally, the data are consistent with the expectation of a gradual diminution of high-frequency sensitivity through the adolescent and early adult years. Several unresolved issues related to high-frequency normative data and clinical applicability of high-frequency threshold measurements are discussed.