Comparisons between the median hearing threshold levels for an unscreened black nonindustrial noise exposed population (NINEP) and four presbycusis data bases

Abstract

The median hearing threshold level (HTL) data representing an unscreened black nonindustrial noise exposed population (NINEP) are compared to the median HTL data of three previously established presbycusis data bases by Hinchcliffe, Corso, and Rosen, and the data base developed by Robinson and Sutton. The data bases are all normalized relative to age 18. Comparisons are made between the black NINEP and the presbycusis data base HTLs for different sex and age groupings. The unscreened black NINEP exhibits median HTLs similar to those of the presbycusis data bases for ages less than approximately 35-45 years. However, for age groupings greater than 35-45 years, the median HTLs of the black NINEP are generally lower (better hearing) than those of the referenced presbycusis data bases even though this data base exhibited significant nonindustrial noise exposures, and medical and pathological problems which were not screened out of the population.