Normal range of hearing during physical examination

The normal range of hearing during physical examination is generally between 20-25 decibels, and the hearing threshold at different frequencies (500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz) does not exceed this value, which is considered normal hearing.

Pure tone audiometry is the most commonly used hearing test method in clinical practice. The examinee needs to wear headphones to respond to sounds of different frequencies, and the test results are presented in an audiogram. The air conduction hearing threshold of normal adults in the frequency range of 500 Hz to 4000 Hz should be ≤ 25 decibels, and the difference between bone conduction hearing threshold and air conduction hearing threshold should not exceed 10 decibels. If the hearing thresholds of both ears meet the standard and there is no significant difference, it is judged as normal hearing. The normal range of hearing in children is similar to that in adults, but due to developmental characteristics, there may be slight physiological fluctuations in the high-frequency region (above 4000 Hz). Some institutions adopt stricter standards (such as ≤ 20 decibels), especially in occupational health examinations. People who are exposed to noise environments for a long time need to undergo extended high-frequency (8000 Hz) testing to detect noise induced hearing loss early. If there is a unilateral or specific frequency increase in hearing threshold, even if it does not meet the criteria for mild deafness (26-40 decibels), it is recommended to have a follow-up examination at 3-6 months and check for reversible factors such as external auditory canal obstruction and otitis media. Long time use of earphones, exposure to high-intensity noise, and control of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes should be avoided in daily life. These factors may cause progressive damage to inner ear hair cells with rich microcirculation. People over 40 years old can undergo annual hearing screening, and early intervention can help delay age-related hearing loss.