Effects of steady-state noise upon human hearing sensitivity from 8000 to 20 000 Hz

Young adults with steady-state noise exposure histories were evaluated with a high frequency (8--20 kHz) test system. High frequency hearing threshold shifts were most prominent from 12-20 kHz and were often highly individual-specific. Good standard range (.25-8 kHz) sensitivity does not assure good hearing above this region. Mild through severe threshold changes may be present. High frequency testing expands monitoring audiometry and has potential special application to hearing conservation programs.