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Average thresholds in the 8 to 20 kHz range as a function of age
M Sakamoto1, M Sugasawa, K Kaga
1Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan. sakamoto@rigid.com
Scandinavian Audiology
|September 5, 1998
Summary
Hearing thresholds at extended high frequencies (8-20 kHz) were measured in 65 adults. Results show age and frequency impact hearing, with specific patterns observed in different frequency ranges.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Hearing Science
- Otoacoustic Emissions
Background:
- Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is a significant public health concern.
- Extended high frequencies (EHFs) are crucial for speech perception and environmental sound localization.
- Understanding EHF hearing thresholds across different age groups is vital for early detection and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure sound-pressure thresholds at extended high frequencies (8-20 kHz) in normal-hearing adults.
- To investigate the relationship between hearing thresholds, frequency, and age.
- To analyze the impact of age on EHF hearing sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Sound-pressure level thresholds were measured in 65 subjects aged 10-69 years.
- Subjects had normal hearing across conventional audiometric frequencies.
- Regression line analysis was used to examine threshold changes across frequency and age.
Main Results:
- Hearing thresholds generally increased with frequency, with notable exceptions around 12 kHz and above 19 kHz.
- Thresholds also increased with age.
- Regression analysis indicated distinct age-related threshold increases in the 8-10 kHz and 14-19 kHz ranges.
Conclusions:
- Hearing sensitivity at extended high frequencies is influenced by both frequency and age.
- Age-related hearing decline exhibits specific patterns within the 8-20 kHz range.
- Findings align with known pathological changes in the inner ear, supporting the validity of EHF audiometry.