Thresholds for octave-band noises with center frequencies of 0.4, 1, 2, 4, and 10 kHz, and 1/3-octave-band noises with center frequencies of 10 and 20 kHz, were obtained from children 3-5 years of age and from a comparison group of adults. Thresholds for all frequencies decreased between 3 and 5 years of age. Thresholds decreased further between 5 years of age and adulthood, except for the 20-kHz stimulus, for which children had lower thresholds than adults. These results are discussed in terms of possible age-related changes in the mechanical properties of the ear and in the efficiency of neural coding.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Schneider et al. (1986) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched one closely related paper. Consider it for comparative context: