Extended high-frequency audiometry in patients with acoustic trauma

Abstract

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

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

Setting: Tertiary referral centre.

Participants: 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.

Main outcome measures: 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.