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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.

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.

Como a Audiocare realiza a audiometria de alta frequência

Na Audiocare, o conforto e a compreensão do paciente são as nossas prioridades. O processo começa com uma explicação clara sobre o que o teste envolve. Utilizando auscultadores de alta frequência especialmente calibrados e uma cabine à prova de som, o audiologista apresenta tons puros em frequências ultra-altas e regista as respostas do ouvinte. O teste acrescenta apenas alguns minutos a uma avaliação audiológica padrão. Os resultados são interpretados utilizando normas referenciadas pela idade e comparados com avaliações anteriores para verificar quaisquer alterações ao longo do tempo.

Benefícios para o atendimento ao paciente

Incluir a audiometria de alta frequência nas avaliações audiológicas traz múltiplos benefícios. Permite a deteção precoce de danos muito antes que a audição relacionada à fala seja afetada, dando aos médicos a oportunidade de intervir atempadamente. Esclarece sintomas inexplicáveis, como zumbido ou dificuldade em ouvir em ambientes com ruído de fundo. Apoia aconselhamento personalizado sobre proteção auditiva e, quando relevante, ajustes na medicação quando é detetada perda precoce. Em geral, esta abordagem enriquece o conhecimento clínico e capacita os pacientes com informações úteis.

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.

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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

Catarina Ventura
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Catarina Ventura
18/08/2023

Excelentes profissionais!

Bob Saarloos
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Bob Saarloos
11/04/2023

Uitstekende manueel therapeut.

William Caldeira
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William Caldeira
13/12/2020
Sally Beale
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Sally Beale
27/08/2021

My husband is very pleased with his new ears.

LÚCIA BRAGA
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LÚCIA BRAGA
26/10/2019
Silvia Klein
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Silvia Klein
12/02/2018

Super Service. Sehr gute Betatung

Rakesh Gupta
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Rakesh Gupta
30/11/2021

Robert cleared my ear wax. Perfect

Antonio Nery
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Antonio Nery
31/01/2018
luis freitas
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luis freitas
27/01/2022

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

Norbert Gajetzki
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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.

Lucinda Santos
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Lucinda Santos
17/06/2022
Mykhailo Moisei
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Mykhailo Moisei
18/03/2021
Christine Wollschlager Monteiro de Almeida
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Christine Wollschlager Monteiro de Almeida
15/06/2022
Graham Dexter
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Graham Dexter
13/05/2022

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

GLAUCO DAMAS
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GLAUCO DAMAS
28/10/2016
Johno Lelliott
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Johno Lelliott
30/03/2023

Great service

David Grasmeijer
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David Grasmeijer
17/12/2020

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

Richard Barnard
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Richard Barnard
18/07/2021
Sealtortie
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Sealtortie
13/04/2023

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

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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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