Abstract
Abstract
Background
It was well-documented that extended high-frequency (EHF, above 8 kHz) hearing test could be more sensitive comparing with the conventional measurement on frequency below 8 kHz, regarding the early prediction of auditory damage in certain population. However, hardly any age-specific thresholds of EHF in population with normal hearing ability were observed. This study aims to monitor the age-dependent hearing thresholds at EHF (from 9 to 20 kHz) in healthy hearing population.
Methods
A total of 162 healthy participants (from 21 to 70 years) with normal conventional pure tone audiograms were recruited and separated into five groups by age. Conventional pure tone average was performed with frequencies from 0.25 to 8 kHz under air conduction and from 0.25 to 4 kHz under bone conduction. EHF audiometry from 9 to 20 kHz was determined under air conduction.
Results
The effects of aging on hearing were evident at frequencies above 4 kHz. The hearing thresholds of EHF were less than 26 dB HL before 30 years-olds. Hearing abilities in EHF were deteriorated starting from the 31 ~ 40 group and were most obvious in the 51 ~ 60 group and the 61 ~ 70 group with the maximum thresholds of 75 dB HL. Sensitivity of EHF was inversely proportional to the frequency within each age group, and to age among groups. Subjects under 30 years old were totally responsive up to 16 kHz, and 52.2% could respond to 20 kHz. Meanwhile, no responsiveness was recorded to 20 kHz in the 51 ~ 60 group and even to 18 kHz in the 61 ~ 70 group. No gender differences in hearing threshold was observed within each age group, except an obvious decline at frequencies of 4, 6, 8, and 9 kHz in male participants of the 41 ~ 50 group.
Conclusions
Hearing thresholds at EHF from 9 to 20 kHz were more sensitive than at frequencies below 8 kHz for hearing measurement, and aging inversely affected hearing ability at EHF in healthy population. Hearing thresholds at EHF deteriorated with age and raising frequency, while the upper frequency limit decreased with aging.
Graphical abstract
Funder
Key Technology Research and Development Program of Shandong
Taishan Scholars Program of Shandong Province
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Otorhinolaryngology,Surgery
Reference26 articles.
1. Chauhan RS, Saxena RK, Varshey S. The role of ultrahigh-frequency audiometry in the early detection of systemic drug-induced hearing loss. Ear Nose Throat J. 2011;90(5):218–22. https://doi.org/10.1177/014556131109000506.
2. Mehrparvar AH, Mirmohammadi SJ, Ghoreyshi A, et al. High-frequency audiometry: a means for early diagnosis of noise-induced hearing loss. Noise Health. 2011;13(55):402–6. https://doi.org/10.4103/1463-1741.90295.
3. Vielsmeier V, Lehner A, Strutz J, et al. The relevance of the high frequency audiometry in tinnitus patients with Normal hearing in conventional pure-tone audiometry. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:302515.
4. Mar LV, Ithzel MV, Julio L, et al. Examination of Hearing in a Rheumatoid Arthritis Population: Role of Extended-High-Frequency Audiometry in the Diagnosis of Subclinical Involvement. Scientifica (Cairo). 2016;2016:5713283.
5. Dreschler WA, Hulst RJvd, Tange RA, et al. The role of high-frequency audiometry in early detection of ototoxicity. Audiology. 1985;24(6):387–95. https://doi.org/10.3109/00206098509078358.
Cited by
29 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献，注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献，订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献