Study of high frequency audibility thresholds in hearing children aged 7 to 13 years

Abstract

Recent studies of audibility threshold on ultra high frequency show the importance of a proper measurement of this threshold to the early detection of cochlear diseases and consequently the use of prophylactic steps to preserve hearing. The ultra high frequency audiometry evaluates sounds above 8000 Hz. It is above this frequency where most of the sensorineural hearing losses begin. The literature reports a reduced number of studies involving the sound perception in these frequencies, probably due to lack of adequate equipments, deficient normal standards and absence of a proper understanding of the use of this evaluation in clinical practice. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate audibility threshold on ultra high frequency of normal hearing children with ages varying from 7 to 13, and to compare it to the current literature data. From the data obtained in this study, it can be concluded that there were significant differences between right and left ears means in the frequencies of 9000 and 11200 Hz. With regard to age, there were no statistical differences between both ears and the thresholds in dB SPL did not get worst accordingly to the increase in frequency and age, being in the range of -10 to 20 dB SPL.