항공신체검사 0 dB HL 출현율로 살펴본 정상청각역치 데이터 수집의 필요성

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This study aims to propose new analysis and perspective on the existing 0 dB hearing level (HL) standard by analyzing the auditory thresholds of aviation medical examines who are relatively young and show high reliability in hearing test. The study will assess the prevalence, mean, and standard deviation (SD) of 0 dB HL across different frequencies providing insights into the validity of the current 0 dB HL benchmark. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 175 individuals who aerial physical examination without otological history. Hearing thresholds were measured using an AC 40 and TDH-39. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the threshold averages and SDs for each frequency, and statistical significance was verified. Results: The prevalence of 0 dB HL at each frequency was found to be below 20% for most frequencies, except for 500 Hz and 3,000 Hz in the left ear. The pure tone threshold averages (PTAs) and SDs showed that women had better hearing thresholds than men, and both genders had better hearing in their left ear. No significant differences were found across different age groups. Conclusion: Despite the relatively low incidence of hearing impairment in the study population, the majority of frequency ranges did not achieve threshold values close to 0 dB HL. This suggests a need to reconsider the current international standard of 0 dB HL. It is necessary to conduct systematic and continuous measurements and recordings of auditory thresholds from childhood at the national level to monitor and potentially revise the 0 dB HL standard.