The Statistical Distribution of Normal Hearing Thresholds for Low-Frequency Tones

Abstract

The statistical distribution of normal hearing thresholds for pure tones in the low-frequency (LF) region was estimated as a function of frequency, using a similar procedure to that used in an earlier work by the authors Kurakata et al., [3]. First, the distribution of individual LF thresholds was investigated using threshold measurement data. Results indicated that the threshold variation among individuals can be approximated using a normal distribution. Second, under the assumption of normality, standard deviations (SDs) of hearing threshold distributions were calculated. For that calculation, the measurement data of different studies were integrated to enhance the estimation accuracy. Finally, using the obtained SDs, the threshold distribution around the average value was presented graphically. These results illustrate the profile of our auditory sensitivity at LFs more accurately and are useful for evaluating the audibility of LF noises because they incorporate individual differences.

How large is the individual difference in hearing sensitivity?: Establishment of ISO 28961 on the statistical distribution of hearing thresholds of otologically normal young persons

“…2.3.3. At frequencies of 50 Hz and below [6] The hearing thresholds described in the previous two sections were those measured in a free field (see Sect. 2.2).…”

“…2.3.2 and 2.3.3). The SDs for the two frequency regions were smoothed separately from those for the middle frequencies [6,7]. Fig.…”

“…Fig. 4 Histogram of hearing thresholds at 20 Hz measured in the pressure field [6]. Normal distribution curve with the mean and standard deviation of the threshold data is superimposed.…”

“…Results of the research on which ISO 28961 is based have been published in four journal papers [4][5][6][7]. The threshold data that were used and the procedures for estimating the form of threshold distribution are described there.…”

A Hierarchical Approach for Audio Capture, Archive, and Distribution

“…This minimum audible field has a standard deviation of around 10 dB and individuals are to be found whose thresholds are as low as -20 dB SPL at 4 kHz. Although the high-frequency response cut-off rate is always rapid, some can detect 24 kHz at high intensity [113][114][115][116][117][118][119][120].…”