Abstract

GARCIA ORTIZ, María Josefa et al. Audiometry of high frequencies: usefulness in the audiological diagnosis of hearing-induced hearing loss. AMC [online]. 2017, vol.21, n.5, pp.584-591. ISSN 1025-0255.

Background: the availability of audio players has increased and has boosted exposure to loud noises for extended periods. This recreational noise resulting from recreational activities, such as the use of music players, concert attendance, discotheques, is a risk factor for hearing impairment; being hearing-induced hearing loss one of the main causes of preventable disability. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of high frequency audiometry for the prediction of noise-induced hearing loss. Methods: an observational, analytical, cross-sectional study, with a survey, physical examination of Otorhinolaryngology, pure tone audiometry and high frequency audiometry were performed from September 2013 to June 2016 in 80 teenagers from Havana to describe the incidence of hypoacusis induced by noise and its relation with the factors that produce it. Results: tonal audiometry performed in 80 teenagers was normal and high frequency audiometry began to decrease hearing from 13 000 Hz, observing an increase in neurosensorial hearing loss up to 90 dB at 20 000 Hz frequency. All teenagers studied used personal music players more than two hours a day. Conclusions: considering high frequency audiometry as a diagnostic method for the early detection of hearing disorders in patients with specific risk such as exposure to noise, in order to become a common tool in audiological exploration.

Keywords : AUDIOMETRY; HEARING LOSS, NOISE-INDUCED; HEARING LOSS, HIGH-FREQUENCY; ADOLESCENT; OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.

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