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High-Frequency Audiometry

High-frequency audiometry extends the range of traditional hearing tests to cover ultra-high frequencies beyond 8 kHz, typically between 9 kHz and 16 kHz. This enables early detection of hearing loss caused by factors such as noise exposure or ototoxic medications before damage affects speech perception.

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assesment

What HFA Measures

High-frequency audiometry assesses the quietest tones a person can hear at frequencies higher than those tested in standard audiometry. Using specially calibrated headphones in a sound-controlled booth, tones are presented sequentially, first increasing and then decreasing in intensity to determine hearing thresholds for each ultra-high frequency. These thresholds are then compared against age-appropriate norms and recorded baselines to identify early auditory impairment.

impact

Clinical Importance

High-frequency audiometry serves several essential clinical purposes. In patients receiving ototoxic drugs—such as certain chemotherapy agents or antibiotics—the earliest damage often affects high frequencies. Detecting this allows clinicians to adjust treatments and prevent further hearing loss. For individuals working in noisy environments, such as industrial workers, musicians, military personnel, or frequent headphone users, high-frequency audiometry reveals early noise-induced damage. In cases of tinnitus or complaints of hearing difficulty in noisy environments despite normal standard audiograms, this test clarifies whether underlying ultra-high frequency loss may be contributing.

for you

Who Benefits

High-frequency audiometry is particularly valuable for specific populations. Those undergoing treatment with ototoxic drugs can benefit from early detection and intervention. Workers exposed to industrial noise, military personnel, musicians, and frequent headphone users gain from early diagnosis, enabling preventive strategies. Older adults may use high-frequency audiometry to track age-related hearing changes and differentiate them from other causes. Even patients with normal speech-range audiograms but auditory complaints may discover subtle issues through this test.

How Audiocare Performs High-Frequency Audiometry

At Audiocare, patient comfort and understanding are our priorities. The process begins with a clear explanation of what the test entails. Using specially calibrated high-frequency headphones and a sound-proof booth, the audiologist presents pure tones at ultra-high frequencies and records the listener’s responses. The test adds only a few minutes to a standard audiological evaluation. Results are interpreted using age-referenced norms and compared against previous assessments for any changes over time.

Benefits to Patient Care

Including high-frequency audiometry in audiological assessments provides multiple benefits. It allows early detection of damage well before speech-related hearing is affected, giving clinicians an opportunity for timely intervention. It clarifies unexplained symptoms like tinnitus or difficulty hearing in background noise. It supports tailored advice on hearing protection and, where relevant, medication adjustments when early loss is detected. Overall, this approach enriches clinical insight and empowers patients with actionable information.

Don’t wait to take control of your hearing health. Book your appointment today and take a proactive step towards maintaining and improving your hearing. With AudioCare by your side, you’ll have expert guidance and heartfelt care at every turn on the path to better hearing.

Professional Advice

Other Services

Our Approach

01

Initial Consultation

At first, an anamnesis is carried out by a health professional with the patient, which is intended to be an initial point in the diagnosis.

02

Diagnosis

Primary and complementary tests are carried out to diagnose the type of hearing loss that will explain why it is difficult to hear.

03

Recommendation

According to the results of these tests, if hearing loss is proven, a hearing aid will be recommended, which may vary in type and model.

Testimonials

Silvia Klein
google
Silvia Klein
12/02/2018

Super Service. Sehr gute Betatung

Sealtortie
google
Sealtortie
13/04/2023

Extremely knowledgeable and friendly people gave fantastic advice & reasonably priced.

Norbert Gajetzki
google
Norbert Gajetzki
21/03/2018

Sehr freundliche Bedienung und Hilfreiche Betreuung. Mir wurde mein Hörgerät trotz anderen Fabrikates repariert. Sprachliche Verständigung auch in Deutsch möglich. Kann ich nur empfehlen.

Mykhailo Moisei
google
Mykhailo Moisei
18/03/2021
LÚCIA BRAGA
google
LÚCIA BRAGA
26/10/2019
Graham Dexter
google
Graham Dexter
13/05/2022

Very professional service. Kate was very pleasant. Unfortunately too expensive for my budget.

Richard Barnard
google
Richard Barnard
18/07/2021
Rakesh Gupta
google
Rakesh Gupta
30/11/2021

Robert cleared my ear wax. Perfect

Christine Wollschlager Monteiro de Almeida
google
Christine Wollschlager Monteiro de Almeida
15/06/2022
William Caldeira
google
William Caldeira
13/12/2020
Lucinda Santos
google
Lucinda Santos
17/06/2022
GLAUCO DAMAS
google
GLAUCO DAMAS
28/10/2016
Sally Beale
google
Sally Beale
27/08/2021

My husband is very pleased with his new ears.

Johno Lelliott
google
Johno Lelliott
30/03/2023

Great service

Catarina Ventura
google
Catarina Ventura
18/08/2023

Excelentes profissionais!

David Grasmeijer
google
David Grasmeijer
17/12/2020

Great physiotherapist. My Family has been going there for years.

Antonio Nery
google
Antonio Nery
31/01/2018
Bob Saarloos
google
Bob Saarloos
11/04/2023

Uitstekende manueel therapeut.

luis freitas
google
luis freitas
27/01/2022

Uma simpatia e com muito conhecimento do assunto . Fácil estacionar e gratuito.

Professional Advice

Frequently Asked Questions about the ARL Test

Whether you’re exploring our bespoke services, our approach, or how we can elevate your hearing experience, here are answers to the questions we’re asked most often.

Many patients feel anxious before an audiometry test, fearing discomfort or even permanent damage. In reality, HFA is non-invasive and painless: you’ll hear pure-tone beeps and respond when you detect them. The process is calm, guided by your audiologist, and designed to be stress-free—even people with test anxiety report it as a “pleasant game.”

Not necessarily. HFA measures ultra-high frequencies that many adults naturally struggle to hear—especially as they age. Difficulty hearing these tones could simply reflect age-related changes. However, if you’re in a high-risk group (e.g., exposed to loud noise or taking ototoxic medications), the test helps identify early signs of damage. Your audiologist compares your results to age-matched norms to distinguish harmless changes from those requiring follow-up.

Yes. Many people report normal hearing in quiet settings but struggle to understand speech in background noise. HFA can reveal subtle high-frequency losses that affect speech clarity in real contexts. Studies show that even young adults with normal traditional audiograms often have early high-frequency hearing loss, which correlates with difficulty hearing in noise.

Absolutely. Drugs like chemotherapy agents and loop diuretics can damage hearing at ultra-high frequencies first. Similarly, frequent exposure to loud noise—such as from concerts, machinery, or headphones—can cause early high-frequency loss that standard audiometry misses. HFA allows early detection so steps can be taken to protect your hearing before the damage worsens.

Early detection is your advantage. If HFA indicates high-frequency decline, your clinician can adjust your treatment plan—like switching medications or reducing exposure to loud environments. Hearing protection becomes a priority, and, if needed, tailored interventions like frequency-preserving hearing aids may be suggested. Early intervention helps maintain your long-term hearing health and quality of life.

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