Influence of cigarette smoking on extra-high-frequency auditory thresholds

Twenty-five young adult nonsmokers and 18 smokers were studied with respect to differences in their extra-high-frequency (EHF) auditory sensitivity. Although no statistically significant differences were found between their EHF thresholds, there was some evidence that smokers have poorer EHF hearing. The implication of this finding, vis-à-vis the use of EHF auditometry as a predictor of atheromatous damage to blood vessel walls, is discussed with suggestions for future research.