J Korean Med Sci.  2025 Jan;40(2):e3. 10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e3.

Revisiting Age-Related Normative Hearing Levels in Korea

• Han SY
• Seo HW
• Lee SH
• Chung JH

• KMID: 2564210
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e3

Abstract

Background
Hearing level reference values based on the results of recent audiometry have not been established for the general population of South Korea. This study aimed to evaluate the mean hearing levels of each age group and to measure the annual progression of hearing loss.
Methods
We used the database of the eighth and ninth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2020 to 2022, and included participants with normal tympanic membranes and without occupational noise exposure. Mean hearing levels were calculated by averaging hearing levels at 0.5 kHz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, and 4 kHz. Hearing loss was defined as a hearing level exceeding 25 dB in the better ear, and severity of hearing loss was classified as moderate, moderately severe, severe, and profound, following the World Health Organization classification.
Results
Hearing levels and the proportions of patients with hearing loss increased with age. Hearing levels were 9.11 ± 6.28 dB, 13.33 ± 7.85 dB, 19.90 ± 10.30 dB, and 31.95 ± 13.37 dB in those in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s, respectively, and the proportions of patients with hearing loss were 1.81%, 7.51%, 25.32%, and 63.94%, respectively. The annual increase in hearing level was 0.71 dB, and increases were greater at higher frequencies. Hearing loss was also worse in men.
Conclusion
The present study provides reference values for normal hearing levels by age group, and indirectly reveals the progression of age-related hearing loss. Based on the results, physicians will be able to provide appropriate advice regarding hearing levels and the need for monitoring in the elderly.

Keyword

Hearing Level; Aging; Elderly; Presbycusis; Hearing Aids; Reference Values

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Flow diagram of subject inclusion.KNHANES = Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, TM = tympanic membrane.

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  Fig. 2 Mean hearing levels (A), and hearing levels at each frequency, in the general population (B), in males (C), in females (D) and by age.Statistically significant difference between males and females: ***P < 0.001.

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  Fig. 3 Frequencies of different levels of hearing loss in the total population (A), males (B), and females (C).HL = hearing loss, mod = moderate, sev = severe, prof = profound.

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