Which of the following best describes the term "elevated hearing thresholds"?

The term "elevated hearing thresholds" refers to situations where there is a significant increase in the level of sound needed for an individual to hear compared to standard levels. This indicates that a person has a reduced sensitivity to sound, meaning that they would need louder sounds to perceive them. Thus, describing it as significantly worsened hearing abilities is accurate because it captures the essence of decreased auditory function.

In contrast, the other options describe conditions that do not match the definition of elevated hearing thresholds. Improved hearing suggests a better ability to hear than before, which is the opposite of elevation. Hearing levels within the normal range would indicate no significant change in hearing ability at all, and standard hearing ability similarly implies normal function without any deterioration. Therefore, "significantly worsened hearing abilities" is the only description that aligns with the concept of elevated hearing thresholds.