Genetically modified pigs:Emerging animal models for hereditary hearing loss

Hereditary hearing loss(HHL),a genetic disorder that impairs auditory function,significantly affects quality of life and incurs substantial economic losses for society.To investigate the underlying causes of HHL and evaluate therapeutic outcomes,appropriate animal models are necessary.Pigs have been extensively used as valuable large animal models in biomedical research.In this review,we highlight the advantages of pig models in terms of ear anatomy,inner ear morphology,and electrophysiological characteristics,as well as recent advancements in the development of distinct genetically modified porcine models of hearing loss.Additionally,we discuss the prospects,challenges,and recommendations regarding the use pig models in HHL research.Overall,this review provides insights and perspectives for future studies on HHL using porcine models.

Universal newborn hearing screening program in Saudi Arabia: Current insight

Newborn hearing screening(NHS) programs are essential to identify hearing loss early in life and to improve outcomes in children. In Saudi Arabia, the national NHS program has been operational since 2016;however, few studies have evaluated its status, and none have covered all provinces across the country. This cross-sectional retrospective study provides an overview of the program's status across all provinces, focusing on screening coverage rates, referral/fail rates, and follow-up procedures. In 2021, 199,034 newborns were screened, with a coverage rate of 92.6% and an overall referral/fail rate of 1.87%. These performance measures provide a foundation for future progress and improvements. This study highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance the program's effectiveness and sustainability.

Ionically Imprinting-Based Copper(Ⅱ)Label-Free Detection for Preventing Hearing Loss

Copper is a microelement with important physiological functions in the body.However,the excess copper ion(Cu^(2+))may cause severe health problems,such as hair cell apoptosis and the resultant hearing loss.Therefore,the assay of Cu^(2+)is important.We integrate ionic imprinting technology(IIT)and structurally colored hydrogel beads to prepare chitosan-based ionically imprinted hydrogel beads(IIHBs)as a low-cost and high-specificity platform for Cu^(2+)detection.The IIHBs have a macroporous microstructure,uniform size,vivid structural color,and magnetic responsiveness.When incubated in solution,IIHBs recognize Cu^(2+)and exhibit a reflective peak change,thereby achieving label-free detection.In addition,benefiting from the IIT,the IIHBs display good specificity and selectivity and have an imprinting factor of 19.14 at 100μmol·L^(-1).These features indicated that the developed IIHBs are promising candidates for Cu^(2+)detection,particularly for the prevention of hearing loss.

Modified intratympanic steroid therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss via tympanic tube and gelfoam as a salvage treatment

Background: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSNHL) is a prevalent emergency in ear, nose, and throat practice. Previous studies have demonstrated that intratympanic steroid therapy(IST) can serve as a salvage treatment for SSNHL after the failure of systemic steroid therapy(SST).Objective: This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of modified IST involving the insertion of a tympanic tube and gelfoam as a salvage treatment for patients with SSNHL, and to explore its associated factors.Methods: Totally, 74 patients who were aged 22–81 years with SSNHL were enrolled and allocated to either the control group(n = 25) or the treatment group(n = 49) based on their treatment modalities. All patients received SST lasting for at least 7 days. Subsequently, patients in the treatment group, after SST failure, underwent IST twice a week for 2–6 weeks, while the control group did not. Efficacy was assessed by the improvement in pure tone average at the affected frequency at the beginning and end of IST.Results: Hearing improvement in all patients after IST in the treatment group was 9.71 ± 14.84 dB, with significant improvement at affected frequencies(250-8000 Hz) compared with the control group(P < 0.05). The findings indicated the duration from the onset of SSNHL to the beginning of IST as an independent factor for pure tone average improvement after treatment(P = 0.002), whereas age, duration of SST, and time of IST were not(P > 0.05).Conclusion: The modified IST was demonstrated to be a safe and effective method as a salvage treatment for SSNHL. This study explored the efficacy of a modified IST approach, incorporating the utilization of tympanic tubes and gelfoam as key components. The findings underscore the advantages of gelfoam as a strategic drug carrier placed in the round window niche. By minimizing drug loss, extending action time, and increasing perilymph concentration, gelfoam enhances the therapeutic impact of IST, contributing to improved hearing outcomes in patients with SSNHL.

Effect of foot reflexology on an infant with sensorineural hearing loss:A case report

BACKGROUND Our study contributes to the further understanding of the mechanism of foot reflexology.Foot reflexology has been reported to affect hearing recovery,but no physiological evidence has been provided.This lack of evidence hampers the acceptance of the technique in clinical practice.CASE SUMMARY A girl was taken to North Sichuan Medical University Affiliated Hospital for a hearing screen by her parents.Her parents reported that her hearing level was the same as when she was born.The girl was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss(SNHL)by a doctor in the otolaryngology department.After we introduced the foot reflexology project,the parents agreed to participate in the experiment.After 6 months of foot reflexology treatment,the hearing threshold of the girl recovered to a normal level,below 30 dB.CONCLUSION Foot reflexology should be encouraged in clinical practice and for families of infants with SNHL.

Therapeutic efficacy of methylprednisolone sodium succinate via diverse administration routes for mid-to high-frequency sudden sensorineural hearing loss

BACKGROUND Sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSNHL),characterized by a rapid and unexplained loss of hearing,particularly at moderate to high frequencies,presents a significant clinical challenge.The therapeutic use of methylprednisolone sodium succinate(MPSS)via different administration routes,in combination with conventional medications,remains a topic of interest.AIM To compare the therapeutic efficacy of MPSS administered via different routes in combination with conventional drugs for the treatment of mid-to high-frequency SSNHL.METHODS The medical records of 109 patients with mid-to high-frequency SSNHL were analyzed.The patients were divided into three groups based on the route of administration:Group A[intratympanic(IT)injection of MPSS combined with mecobalamin and Ginkgo biloba leaf extract injection],Group B(intravenous injection of MPSS combined with mecobalamin and Ginkgo biloba leaf extract injection),and Group C(single IT injection of MPSS).The intervention effects were compared and analyzed.RESULTS The posttreatment auditory thresholds in Group A(21.23±3.34)were significantly lower than those in Groups B(28.52±3.36)and C(30.23±4.21;P<0.05).Group A also exhibited a significantly greater speech recognition rate(92.23±5.34)than Groups B and C.The disappearance time of tinnitus,time to hearing recovery,and disappearance time of vertigo in Group A were significantly shorter than those in Groups B and C(P<0.05).The total effective rate in Group A(97.56%)was significantly greater than that in Groups B and C(77.14%and 78.79%,χ^(2)=7.898,P=0.019).Moreover,the incidence of adverse reactions in Groups A and C was significantly lower than that in Group B(4.88%,3.03%vs 2.57%,χ^(2)=11.443,P=0.003),and the recurrence rate in Group A was significantly lower than that in Groups B and C(2.44%vs 20.00%vs 21.21%,χ^(2)=7.120,P=0.028).CONCLUSION IT injection of MPSS combined with conventional treatment demonstrates superior efficacy and safety compared to systemic administration via intravenous infusion and a single IT injection of MPSS.This approach effectively improves patients'hearing and reduces the risk of disease recurrence.

Navigating Silence: A Comprehensive Review of Parental Roles in the Rehabilitation of Children with Hearing Loss

This narrative literature review delves into the multifaceted realm of parental involvement in the rehabilitation of children with permanent hearing loss. While existing research has made strides in elucidating parental roles in this context, critical gaps persist, necessitating a comprehensive exploration to inform future endeavors. Our review synthesizes a wide array of studies, identifying these gaps and emphasizing the significance of addressing them. Themes emerging from the literature include the varying degrees of parental engagement, the impact of cultural and socio-economic factors, and the challenges faced by families navigating rehabilitation processes. The synthesis of this literature not only highlights the current state of knowledge but also provides a roadmap for future research efforts. By addressing these gaps, we aim to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of parental involvement in the rehabilitation of children with permanent hearing loss, ultimately fostering improved support systems and holistic care for affected families.

Evaluation of Digits-in-Noise Test and Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults Screening in Patients with Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Objective:To explore the clinical evaluation role of the Digits-in-Noise(DIN)test and Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults Screening(HHIA-S)for patients with occupational noise-induced hearing loss and to observe and analyze their application values.Methods:Fifty patients with suspected occupational noise-induced hearing loss were randomly selected from the Department of Otolaryngology at the hospital as the research target.The collection period for the research cases spanned from January 2022 to November 2023,and all patients had a history of noise exposure.The DIN test and HHIA-S were used for hearing examinations,with clinical,comprehensive diagnosis serving as the gold standard to study their diagnostic performance.Results:The compliance rate of the DIN test was 88.00%,the HHIA-S’s compliance rate was 80.00%,and the combined compliance rate was 94.00%.The compliance rate of the DIN test and the combined compliance rates of the patients were statistically significant compared to the clinical gold standard data(P<0.05),while there was no difference between the compliance rate of the HHIA-S and the gold standard(P>0.05).The data shows that the sensitivity of the combined diagnosis is significantly higher than the sensitivity data of the DIN test and HHIA-S examination alone(P<0.05).Its specificity is 100.00%,and the accuracy data of the joint diagnosis in the degree were higher than those of the DIN test alone(P>0.05)and the HHIA-S alone(P<0.05).Conclusion:For patients with occupational noise-induced hearing loss,the joint evaluation of the DIN test and HHIA-S can significantly improve their diagnostic value with high sensitivity and accuracy.

Prevalence of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Related to the Mills in the Markets of the Municipality of Parakou in 2021

Introduction: Noise is the second leading cause of hearing loss in adults after presbycusis. The objective of this work was to study hearing loss induced by the noise of mills in the markets of Parakou. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, conducted from February 3 to June 3, 2021 in the markets of Parakou. It concerned millers and sellers located within a 5 meter radius around the mills and among whom pure-tone audiometry was performed to detect a hearing loss. Subjects with no particular medical health history, under 55 years of age and having been working in these markets since more than 12 months, were included. Results: In this study, 103 subjects were selected, including 43 millers and 61 sellers. Their average age was 29 ± 13 years. The sex ratio was 0.49. The average length of service in the profession was 8 years with the extremes of 3 months and 47 years. They were exposed to noise on average 10 hours per day and 6 days a week. The average duration of weekly noise exposure was 23 h 28 min ± 13 h 32 min with the extremes of 5 h 00 min and 52 h 30 min. The average level of noise exposure was 90 dB with the extremes of 72 and 110 dB. 24 subjects reported symptoms related to noise such as headache, tinnitus, and hearing loss, with respective proportions of 22.33%, 20.39% and 06.80%. The prevalence of noise-related hearing loss was 26.21% (n = 27/103). Subjects with a notch at 4000 Hz and normal Average Hearing Loss (AHL) (20.39%) had a seven-time greater risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss (OR = 6.58;95% CI [2.54 - 18.8], p Conclusion: Hearing loss related to the noise of mills affected both millers and sellers near the mills in markets, hence the importance of regulating mills.

Effects of Drilling in Mastoid Cavity over Hearing in the Contralateral Ear

In advanced otological surgeries, powered instruments form an indispensable part. The risk of deterioration to hearing in the operated ear is a commonly discussed issue, however, there remains a possibility of affecting the hearing in the contralateral ear due to transcranial vibration. So in this study we aimed to assess the possibility of the non-operated ear being affected by the noise generated during ear surgeries and whether it is temporary or permanent in nature. Methodology: This study included 63 patients diagnosed with unilateral disease who underwent mastoid surgery. Preoperatively all the patients were subjected to Pure tone audiometry (PTA), Transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) and Distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE). Patients were operated using both cutting and diamond burrs of ranging from sizes 1 - 6 mm. Total drilling time was recorded. Results: Post-operative hearing evaluation was done at 1 week, 4 weeks and 12 weeks. The sound emitted by various burrs was recorded by Sound Level Meter. Out of the total 58 patients that followed up, 46 showed change in at least one of the hearing parameters. Patients showing changes had a higher drilling time as compared to those with no changes. Of these, the changes associated with the total drilling time and with cutting burr time were found to be significant. The hearing changes seen on PTA, TEOAE and DPOAE were transient in nature with only one patient having a persistent decreased high frequency threshold at the end of 12 weeks. It was also found that cutting burrs produce more sound as compared to diamond burrs and a larger size burr of a type produces more sound than a smaller one of its type. Conclusion: The drilling of mastoid bone during ear surgeries can transiently impair the hearing in the contralateral ear which is of great significance in patients with only one hearing ear.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Improves Hearing Level via Attenuating TLR4/NF-κB Mediated Inflammation in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Patients

Objective Hyperbaric oxygen treatment(HBOT)has demonstrated efficacy in improving hearing levels of patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss(ISSHL);however,the underlying mechanisms are not well understood.HBOT alleviates the inflammatory response,which is mediated by Toll-like receptor(TLR)4 and nuclear factor(NF)-κB.In this study we investigated whether HBOT attenuates inflammation in ISHHL patients via alteration of TLR4 and NF-κB expression.Methods ISHHL patients(n=120)and healthy control subjects(n=20)were enrolled in this study.Patients were randomly divided into medicine group treated with medicine only(n=60)and HBO group receiving both HBOT and medicine(n=60).Audiometric testing was performed pre-and posttreatment.TLR4,NF-кB,and TNF-αexpression in peripheral blood of ISSHL patients and healthy control subjects was assessed by ELISA before and after treatment.Results TLR4,NF-κB,and TNF-αlevels were upregulated in ISSHL patients relative to healthy control subjects;the levels were decreased following treatment and were lower in the HBO group than that in the medicine group post-treatment(P<0.05 and P<0.01).Conclusion HBOT alleviates hearing loss in ISSHL patients by suppressing the inflammatory response induced by TLR4 and NF-κB signaling.

Functional and patient-reported outcomes of bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA): A prospective case series study

Objective:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional and patient-reported outcomes,and their correlation,after percutaneous bone-anchored hearing aid(BAHA)implantation.Methods:A prospective study was conducted between January 2018 and December 2020 in a tertiary care center.All adult patients who were implanted with a percutaneous BAHA device during this evaluation period were included in the study.Complete auditory function and patients reported outcome measures(PROMs)were assessed in the preoperative period and 6 months after the implant activation.The PROMs included a generic form(Medical Outcome Study 36 Short Form Healthy Survey(MOS SF-36)),and three disease-specific forms(Hearing Handicap Inventory(HHI),Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life Scale(SADLS),and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory(THI)).Results:Twenty-two patients with an average age of 53 years were included in the study.The overall functional gain with the BAHA in sound-field pure tone average(PTA)was 29 dB,with no statistically significant differences according to surgical indication(F(3,18)=2.319,p=0.110).The greater the preoperative air-bone gap,the greater the functional gain obtained(r=0.505,p<0.05).In the PROMs,we found a significant improvement in HHI scores(p<0.005)and a significant increase in overall SADLS scores(p<0.05)with the use of percutaneous BAHA devices.We did not verify any statistically significant correlation between functional and PROMs results.Conclusions:The BAHA is a safe and effective alternative hearing rehabilitation option in selected patients.The PROMs results prove patient's overall satisfaction.

Age-related hearing loss accelerates the decline in fast speech comprehension and the decompensation of cortical network connections

Patients with age-related hearing loss face hearing difficulties in daily life.The causes of age-related hearing loss are complex and include changes in peripheral hearing,central processing,and cognitive-related abilities.Furthermore,the factors by which aging relates to hearing loss via changes in audito ry processing ability are still unclear.In this cross-sectional study,we evaluated 27 older adults(over 60 years old) with age-related hearing loss,21 older adults(over 60years old) with normal hearing,and 30 younger subjects(18-30 years old) with normal hearing.We used the outcome of the uppe r-threshold test,including the time-compressed thres h old and the speech recognition threshold in noisy conditions,as a behavioral indicator of auditory processing ability.We also used electroencephalogra p hy to identify presbycusis-related abnormalities in the brain while the participants were in a spontaneous resting state.The timecompressed threshold and speech recognition threshold data indicated significant diffe rences among the groups.In patients with age-related hearing loss,information masking(babble noise) had a greater effect than energy masking(speech-shaped noise) on processing difficulties.In terms of resting-state electroencephalography signals,we observed enhanced fro ntal lobe(Brodmann’s area,BA11) activation in the older adults with normal hearing compared with the younger participants with normal hearing,and greater activation in the parietal(BA7) and occipital(BA19) lobes in the individuals with age-related hearing loss compared with the younger adults.Our functional connection analysis suggested that compared with younger people,the older adults with normal hearing exhibited enhanced connections among networks,including the default mode network,sensorimotor network,cingulo-opercular network,occipital network,and frontoparietal network.These results suggest that both normal aging and the development of age-related hearing loss have a negative effect on advanced audito ry processing capabilities and that hearing loss accele rates the decline in speech comprehension,especially in speech competition situations.Older adults with normal hearing may have increased compensatory attentional resource recruitment represented by the to p-down active listening mechanism,while those with age-related hearing loss exhibit decompensation of network connections involving multisensory integration.

Missing perilymph but leaking blood-endolymph and vestibulocochlear nerve barriers in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss:A case study

Objectives:To evaluate the pathological changes in the blood-perilymph,blood-endolymph,and bloodnerve barriers of a patient with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSNHL).Methods:Potential ossification or fibrosis in the inner ear was evaluated using temporal bone CT and MRI acquired using the 3-dimensional T2-weighted sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts using a flip angle evolution sequence.Pathological changes in the barriers were analyzed by MRI obtained 4 h after a single-dose intravenous injection of gadolinium chelate using a medium inversiontime inversion recovery imaging with magnitude reconstruction sequence.Results:The perilymph was absent,while significant enhancements of the vestibulocochlear nerve and the endolymphatic compartments were detected.Conclusion:Significant injuries in the blood-endolymph and blood-vestibulocochlear nerve barriers and disabled perilymph production may contribute to the development of SSNHL with poor response to treatments.

Various aspects of hearing loss in newborns:A narrative review

Hearing loss is considered the most common birth defect.The estimated prevalence of moderate and severe hearing loss in a normal newborn is 0.1%-0.3%,while the prevalence is 2%-4%in newborns admitted to the newborn intensive care unit.Neonatal hearing loss can be congenital(syndromic or nonsyndromic)or acquired such as ototoxicity.In addition,the types of hearing loss can be conductive,sensorineural,or mixed.Hearing is vital for the acquisition of language and learning.Therefore,early detection and prompt treatment are of utmost importance in preventing the unwanted sequel of hearing loss.The hearing screening program is mandatory in many nations,especially for high-risk newborns.An automated auditory brainstem response test is used as a screening tool in newborns admitted to the newborn intensive care unit.Moreover,genetic testing and screening for cytomegalovirus in newborns are essential in identifying the cause of hearing loss,particularly,mild and delayed onset types of hearing loss.We aimed to update the knowledge on the various aspects of hearing loss in newborns with regard to the epidemiology,risk factors,causes,screening program,investigations,and different modalities of treatment.

The role of Rho GTPase family in cochlear hair cells and hearing

Rho GTPases are essential regulators of the actin cytoskeleton.They are involved in various physiological and biochemical processes such as the regulation of cytoskeleton dynamics,development,proliferation,survival,and regeneration.During the development of cochlear hair cells,Rho GTPases are activated by various extracellular signals through membrane receptors to further stimulate multiple downstream effectors.Specifically,RhoA,Cdc42,and Rac1,members of the classical subfamily of the Rho GTPase family,regulate the development and maintenance of cilia by inducing the polymerization of actin monomers and stabilizing actin filaments.In addition,they also regulate the normal morphology orientation of ciliary bundles in auditory hair cells,which is an important element of cell polarity regulation.Moreover,the actin-related pathways mediated by RhoA,Cdc42,and Rac1 also play a role in the motility of outer hair cells,indicating that the function of Rho GTPases is crucial in the highly polar auditory sensory system.In this review,we focus on the expression of RhoA,Cdc42,and Rac1 in cochlear hair cells and how these small molecules participate in ciliary bundle morphogenesis and cochlear hair cell movement.We also discuss the progress of current research investigating the use of these small molecules as drug targets for deafness treatment.

The portrayal of hearing loss information in online Mandarin videos

Background/purpose:With increasing accessibility to the Internet,patients frequently use the Internet for hearing healthcare information.No study has examined the information about hearing loss available in the Mandarin language on online video-sharing platforms.The study’s primary purpose is to investigate the content,source,understandability,and actionability of hearing loss information in the Mandarin language’s one hundred most popular online videos.Method:In this project,publicly accessible online videos were analyzed.One hundred of the most popular Mandarin-language videos about hearing loss were identified(51 videos on YouTube and 49 on the Bilibili video-sharing platform).They were manually coded for different popularity metrics,sources,and content.Each video was also rated using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Audiovisual Materials(PEMAT-AV)to measure the understandability and actionability scores.Results:The video sources were classified as either media(n=36),professional(n=39),or consumer(n=25).The videos covered various topics,including symptoms,consequences,and treatment of hearing loss.Overall,videos attained adequate understandability scores(mean=73.6%)but low(mean=43.4%)actionability scores.Conclusions:While existing online content related to hearing loss is quite diverse and largely understandable,those videos provide limited actionable information.Hearing healthcare professionals,media,and content creators can help patients better understand their conditions and make educated hearing healthcare decisions by focusing on the actionability information in their online videos.

Inhibition of histone methyltransferase PRMT5 attenuates cisplatininduced hearing loss through the PI3K/Akt-mediated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of inhibiting protein arginine methyltransferase 5(PRMT5)in cisplatin-induced hearing loss.The effects of PRMT5 inhibition on cisplatin-induced auditory injury were determined using immunohistochemistry,apoptosis assays,and auditory brainstem response.The mechanism of PRMT5 inhibition on hair cell survival was assessed using RNA-seq and Cleavage Under Targets and Tagment-quantitative polymerase chain reaction(CUT&Tag-qPCR)analyses in the HEI-OC1 cell line.Pharmacological inhibition of PRMT5 significantly alleviated cisplatin-induced damage to hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons in the cochlea and decreased apoptosis by protecting mitochondrial function and preventing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species.CUT&Tag-qPCR analysis demonstrated that inhibition of PRMT5 in HEI-OC1 cells reduced the accumulation of H4R3me2s/H3R8me2s marks at the promoter region of the Pik3ca gene,thus activating the expression of Pik3ca.These findings suggest that PRMT5 inhibitors have strong potential as agents against cisplatininduced ototoxicity and can lay the foundation for further research on treatment strategies of hearing loss.

Investigation of hearing aid users'speech understanding in noise and their spectral-temporal resolution skills

Purpose:Our study aims to compare speech understanding in noise and spectral-temporal resolution skills with regard to the degree of hearing loss,age,hearing aid use experience and gender of hearing aid users.Methods:Our study included sixty-eight hearing aid users aged between 40-70 years,with bilateral mild and moderate symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss.Random gap detection test,Turkish matrix test and spectral-temporally modulated ripple test were implemented on the participants with bilateral hearing aids.The test results acquired were compared statistically according to different variables and the correlations were examined.Results:No statistically significant differences were observed for speech-in-noise recognition,spectraltemporal resolution among older and younger adults in hearing aid users(p>0.05).There wasn’t found a statistically significant difference among test outcomes as regards different hearing loss degrees(p>0.05).Higher performances were obtained in terms of temporal resolution in male participants and participants with more hearing aid use experience(p<0.05).Significant correlations were obtained between the results of speech-in-noise recognition,temporal resolution and spectral resolution tests performed with hearing aids(p<0.05).Conclusion:Our study findings emphasized the importance of regular hearing aid use and it showed that some auditory skills can be improved with hearing aids.Observation of correlations among the speechin-noise recognition,temporal resolution and spectral resolution tests have revealed that these skills should be evaluated as a whole to maximize the patient’s communication abilities.

Subclinical hearing loss associated with aging

Objective:Contribute to clarifying the existence of subclinical hearing deficits associated with aging.Design:In this work,we study and compare the auditory perceptual and electrophysiological performance of normal-hearing young and adult subjects(tonal audiometry,high-frequency tone threshold,a triplet of digits in noise,and click-evoked auditory brainstem response).Study sample:45 normal hearing volunteers were evaluated and divided into two groups according to age.27 subjects were included in the“young group”(mean 22.1 years),and 18 subjects(mean 42.22 years)were included in the“adult group.”Results:In the perceptual tests,the adult group presented significantly worse tonal thresholds in the high frequencies(12 and 16 kHz)and worse performance in the digit triplet tests in noise.In the electrophysiological test using the auditory brainstem response technique,the adult group presented significantly lower I and V wave amplitudes and higher V wave latencies at the supra-threshold level.At the threshold level,we observed a significantly higher latency in wave V in the adult group.In addition,in the partial correlation analysis,controlling for the hearing level,we observed a relationship(negative)between age and speech in noise performance and high-frequency thresholds.No significant association was observed between age and the auditory brainstem response.Conclusion:The results are compatible with subclinical hearing loss associated with aging.