Abstract
A free-field transducer system for high-frequency audiometry was applied on two groups of otologically normal, non noise-exposed subjects tested at the frequencies 4–8–10–12–14–16–18–20 kHz. The former group consisted of 46 children 10–12 years old and the second group of 40 adults aged 18–24 years. All participants in the youngest group were able to hear 20 kHz and no difference between right and left ear or between sex could be shown. A similar result was found in the adult group except that 4 males were unable to hear 20 kHz. Hearing thresholds for the two groups were almost identical at 8–14 kHz. Above this frequency range the youngest group showed a statistically significant lower threshold at 18 and 20 kHz. This group might be used for a zero-dB hearing threshold level in further high-frequency studies. The advantage of transferring the SPL value from the entrance to ear canal to absolute ear drum pressure level is discussed.