Extended high-frequency (9–20 kHz) audiometry reference thresholds in 645 healthy subjects

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to study patterns in the extended spectrum of the human hearing (0.125 to 20 kHz) in order to obtain reference thresholds. Then, we compare our values with existing results at extended high-frequencies (8 to 20 kHz) in an attempt to establish new standards for potential international adoption. Design: A prospective study in a group of otologically healthy subjects. Study sample: A total of 645 subjects aged between 5 and 90 years were recruited. Pure-tone thresholds were determined for conventional and extended high-frequencies. Results: There was an increase in the hearing thresholds as a function of frequency and age. For the 20 to 69 years old group, thresholds were lower in females than in males, especially at 12.5 and 16 kHz. Our threshold values are comparable to those presented in previous studies that used different instrumentation and populations. Conclusions: When comparing different studies the hearing thresholds were found to be similar. Therefore, it would be possible to establish international standard thresholds.

Key Words::

• Pure-tone audiometry
• high frequency hearing loss
• sensorineural hearing loss
• noise-induced hearing loss
• presbycusis
• aging
• toxicity tests

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Pilar Mateu for her assistance in data collection, Isabel Millán for her assistance in data analysis, Einar Laukli for the bibliography contribution, and Alejandro Kurtz for assisting with the English language. We also wish to thank the reviewers for their helpful comments.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest.