Early signs of auditory aging: Hearing declines faster in individuals with extended high frequency hearing loss.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Prospective longitudinal observational cohort study
PubMed 39721330 · doi:10.1016/j.heares.2024.109171
What was done
A prospective longitudinal study evaluated 71 young adults (24 females, age range 19 to 38 years, mean age 27.8 years) with clinically normal baseline audiograms across two testing sessions conducted approximately 24 months apart. Pure-tone hearing thresholds were measured at standard audiometric frequencies (0.25 to 8 kHz) and extended high frequencies (10, 12.5, 14, and 16 kHz) to assess annual threshold shift rates and evaluate baseline extended high-frequency thresholds as predictors of standard-range hearing decline.
What was found
The abstract reports no specific numerical threshold values, effect sizes, or test statistics. It reports that the annual rate of threshold shift was significantly higher for extended high frequencies compared to standard audiometric frequencies. Additionally, a higher initial extended high-frequency threshold was associated with a greater rate of threshold shift at standard audiometric frequencies.
Why it matters
This study suggests that extended high-frequency threshold shifts can precede measurable decline in standard audiometric ranges, potentially serving as an early clinical marker for accelerated auditory aging in young adults.
Limits
The sample size was modest (n = 71) and restricted to young adults aged 19 to 38 years. The follow-up duration was limited to two testing sessions roughly 24 months apart. The abstract omits exact numerical values, effect sizes, confidence intervals, and information on potential confounders such as noise exposure history or ototoxic medication use.