What does elevated high-frequency hearing threshold in both ears mean?

Generally, elevated high-frequency hearing thresholds in both ears refers to a decreased ability to perceive high-frequency sounds, which is an early sign of hearing impairment and suggests possible damage to the auditory system. The specific implications require comprehensive evaluation based on underlying causes and symptoms. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Elevated high-frequency thresholds are often associated with prolonged noise exposure and aging. Long-term use of headphones at high volumes or frequent presence in noisy environments such as factories or construction sites can damage the hair cells in the cochlea responsible for detecting high-frequency sounds. With aging, these hair cells may also naturally degenerate, leading to high-frequency hearing loss. In early stages, this condition typically presents no obvious discomfort and is usually detected only during hearing tests.

Certain medication side effects or ear diseases may also cause this condition, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as tinnitus or aural fullness. In the initial stage, patients may have difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds like bird chirping or telephone rings. If not addressed promptly, the damage may progressively extend to mid and low frequencies, affecting daily communication—such as difficulty understanding soft-spoken conversations.

Hearing protection should be prioritized in daily life. Avoid prolonged exposure to noisy environments, keep headphone volume below 60% of maximum, and limit continuous use to no more than one hour at a time. Regular hearing assessments, especially monitoring of high-frequency hearing, are recommended.