High-frequency audiometry in young and older adults when conventional audiometry is normal.
High-frequency audiometry can detect early changes in auditory sensitivity resulting from processes such as aging. Nonetheless its use is still limited, and additional studies are required to establish its use, particularly among older adults.


OBJECTIVE
To compare pure tone thresholds for frequencies from 250 Hz to 16 kHz in young and older adults, with or without audiologic complaints.


METHODS
Pure tone sensitivity to 250 Hz to 16 kHz was assessed with an AC-40 audiometer in 64 adults, evenly distributed in young (25 to 35 years-old) and older (45 to 55 years-old) adults of both sexes. This is a cross-sectional study.


RESULTS
Although all participants presented normal audiometry in frequencies from 250 Hz to 8 kHz, according to clinical parameters, older adults had significantly higher thresholds compared to young adults, according to statistical parameters, with greater significance in higher frequencies (8 to 16 kHz). Presence or absence of clinical complaints did not distinguish thresholds.


CONCLUSIONS
The process of auditory aging, including loss of sensitivity to higher frequencies, can be detected at earlier ages than those usually investigated. High frequency audiometry is an important instrument to distinguish auditory sensitivity in young and older adults, even for those considered as audiologically normal.
Monteiro de Castro Silva
Isabella
I
Centro Universitário Planalto do Distrito Federal, University of Brasilia, DF, Brazil. isabella@apis.com.br
Feitosa
Maria Angela Guimarães
MA
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone / Q000379:methods*; D001309:Auditory Threshold / Q000502:physiology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011304:Presbycusis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012737:Sex Factors