Extended high-frequency audiometry in older adults: hearing thresholds

This research aimed to determine hearing thresholds in healthy older adults (≥ 60 years of age) using extended high-frequency audiometry (EHFA). The study included 334 individuals aged ≥ 60 years with no history of hearing problems before the age of 60 and no occupational noise exposure. Inclusion criteria further required normal findings on otoscopy and tympanometry, as well as an audiometric response at at least three extended high frequencies (EHFs) in at least one ear. Participants were categorized by sex and age (60–69 years; 70–79 years; 80 + years). All underwent conventional pure-tone audiometry with a frequency range of 0.125–8 kHz and EHFA with a range of 9–14 kHz. The results were measured in dB HL and evaluated separately for men and women as well as for each age category. Statistical testing was performed at the 5% significance level. Significant differences between older and younger age groups were observed for both men and women. Hearing thresholds of women were higher in some low frequencies (0.125–0.5 kHz), whereas in men, greater hearing loss was observed at frequencies from 3 kHz onwards. The audiometric response exceeded 93% of tested ears in both sexes and across all age categories up to 11.25 kHz; at 12.5 kHz and 14 kHz, the response declined. With increasing age and higher frequency, the hearing thresholds also increased and the audiometric response declined. The results contribute to a better understanding of extended high-frequency hearing thresholds in older adults.