Overview

This International Standard is based on a careful analysis of data from the literature on the change in hearing as a function of age for populations of otologically normal individuals as defined here. A distinction is made between men and women, as the difference has been found to be significant for groups of older people. The data have been derived from studies in which pure tones were transmitted from headphones to the ear. However, there is no evidence that they are unsuitable for use with noise band stimuli. This International Standard is a revision of the second edition (ISO 7029:2000). The following changes have been made in the present edition: a) The expected median and statistical distribution of hearing thresholds has been reassessed, using audiometric data published after adoption of the first edition (ISO 7029:1984). The third edition describes the hearing sensitivity profile of people more accurately for several years. b) The estimation accuracy of the expected median and statistical distribution of hearing thresholds has been generally improved by changing the equations used. c) The age range for which the expected median and statistical distribution of hearing thresholds can be calculated has been extended to 80 years of age at audiometric frequencies of 2 000 Hz and below; in previous editions it was fixed up to 70 years of age for all frequencies. The expected median hearing threshold at frequencies from 9 000 Hz to 12 500 Hz has been presented for information only. Audiometry at such frequencies is feasible when using an audiometer with an extended high frequency range.

Document: references other documents

Responsible national committee

DKE/GUK 821.6 - Hörgeräte und audiometrische Messtechnik  

Responsible european committee

CEN/TC 211 - Acoustics  

Responsible international committee

ISO/TC 43/WG 1 - Threshold of hearing