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J Am Acad Audiol 2000; 11(02): 64-66
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1748011
Original Article

Reconsidering the Limits of Normal Hearing

Frederick N. Martin
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
,
Craig A. Champlin
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
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Abstract

A proposal is made that 15 dB HL, rather than 25 dB HL, be considered the upper limit of normal hearing sensitivity. This recommendation is based on an explanation of the change from an earlier philosophy and the fact that so many people with hearing levels that average less than 25 dB HL consider themselves to have hearing difficulty. Such reclassification of people with slight to mild hearing losses would dignify their clinical complaints and aid in counseling that would assist them with their hearing difficulties.

Key Words

ANSI = American National Standards Institute - ASA = American Standards Association - ISO = International Standrds Organization - PTA = pure-tone average


Publication History

Article published online:
06 April 2022

© 2000. American Academy of Audiology. This article is published by Thieme.

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