International Licensing Examination (ILE) Practice Test

What is a characteristic of a precipitous high frequency audiogram?

1. Normal or near normal thresholds with a steep drop in higher frequencies

2. Consistent thresholds across all frequencies

3. Thresholds are only measurable at low frequencies

4. Flat thresholds with no decline

The correct answer is: Normal or near normal thresholds with a steep drop in higher frequencies

The characteristic of a precipitous high frequency audiogram is that there are normal or near normal thresholds with a steep drop in higher frequencies. This pattern is notable in various types of hearing loss, particularly age-related hearing loss or noise-induced hearing loss, where individuals can typically hear sounds at lower frequencies but have difficulty perceiving higher frequency sounds. This steep drop indicates that while low-frequency hearing remains largely intact, higher frequencies are significantly affected, leading to a precipitous decline in hearing sensitivity as the frequency increases. Other patterns mentioned in the options lack relevance in describing this specific audiogram shape. Consistent thresholds across all frequencies would indicate normal hearing or a uniform loss, which does not fit the description of a precipitous decline. Measurable thresholds only at low frequencies denote a profound high-frequency hearing loss, which contradicts the essence of a precipitous pattern where high frequencies are compromised, but low frequencies are relatively preserved. Flat thresholds with no decline describe a situation where hearing sensitivity does not change significantly across frequencies, unlike the defined drop observed in a precipitous high frequency audiogram.