A review of the perceptual effects of hearing loss for frequencies above 3 kHz.

A review of the perceptual effects of hearing loss for frequencies above 3 kHz.

Int J Audiol. 2016 Jul 14;:1-8

Authors: Moore BC

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hearing loss caused by exposure to intense sounds usually has its greatest effects on audiometric thresholds at 4 and 6 kHz. However, in several countries compensation for occupational noise-induced hearing loss is calculated using the average of audiometric thresholds for selected frequencies up to 3 kHz, based on the implicit assumption that hearing loss for frequencies above 3 kHz has no material adverse consequences. This paper assesses whether this assumption is correct.
DESIGN: Studies are reviewed that evaluate the role of hearing for frequencies above 3 kHz.
RESULTS: Several studies show that frequencies above 3 kHz are important for the perception of speech, especially when background sounds are present. Hearing at high frequencies is also important for sound localization, especially for resolving front-back confusions.
CONCLUSIONS: Hearing for frequencies above 3 kHz is important for the ability to understand speech in background sounds and for the ability to localize sounds. The audiometric threshold at 4 kHz and perhaps 6 kHz should be taken into account when assessing hearing in a medico-legal context.

PMID: 27414746 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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