International Licensing Examination (ILE) Practice Test

In a reverse sloping audiogram, how do the thresholds behave in higher frequencies?

1. Thresholds decrease significantly

2. Thresholds remain the same

3. Thresholds improve at about 5-10 dB

4. Thresholds are worse than lower frequencies

The correct answer is: Thresholds improve at about 5-10 dB

In the context of a reverse sloping audiogram, the behavior of thresholds in higher frequencies is characterized by a slight improvement or decrease in the thresholds, typically ranging between 5 to 10 dB. This type of audiogram indicates that a person has better hearing ability in the higher frequency range compared to the lower frequencies, which is contrary to what is found in a typical downward-sloping audiogram where hearing deteriorates at higher frequencies. Individuals with a reverse sloping audiogram may experience more significant hearing loss in lower frequencies but retain relatively normal or even slightly improved hearing in the higher frequencies. This pattern can be seen in certain types of hearing loss, such as high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss. Thus, the correct choice reflects the characteristic of the audiogram shape, revealing that the thresholds in higher frequencies indeed improve by a small degree as opposed to remaining constant or worsening.