Extended high-frequency audiometry in patients with acoustic trauma.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine extended high-frequency (EHF) hearing in patients with acoustic trauma.


METHODS
A prospective, case-control study in a group of soldiers with acoustic trauma caused by shooting practice during basic training.


METHODS
Tertiary referral centre.


METHODS
A total of 39 young soldiers hospitalized for hearing loss and tinnitus following exposure to weapon impulse noise were studied. Conventional audiometry in the frequency range 0.25-8 kHz and EHF audiometry in the frequency range 9-20 kHz were performed, both on admittance and before discharge. Thirty healthy recruits of similar age and sex were used as controls.


METHODS
Pure-tone threshold changes documented by conventional and EHF audiometry.


RESULTS
The most significant differences in pure-tone thresholds on initial testing were found in the frequency range 0.25-11.2 kHz, and especially in the 4-8 kHz region. Reduction in thresholds across most frequencies was observed after treatment, although recovery was partial in most cases.


CONCLUSIONS
The EHF audiometry adds no significant additional information to conventional pure-tone audiometry in assessing and monitoring noise-induced hearing loss.
Balatsouras
D G
DG
ENT Department of Tzanion General Hospital, Piraeus, Greece. balats@panafonet.gr
Homsioglou
E
E
Danielidis
V
V
D000158:Acoustic Impedance Tests; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D001309:Auditory Threshold / Q000502:physiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005389:Firearms; D006115:Greece; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D011446:Prospective Studies