Audiologic Findings in Hyperacusic and Nonhyperacusic Subjects

This study compared pure-tone threshold data, acoustic reflex threshold data, and loudness growth data for a group of 25 hyperacusic male subjects vs. a group of 13 nonhyperacusic male subjects. Pure-tone thresholds and acoustic reflex thresholds were obtained in 5-dB steps, using revised Hughson-Westlake procedures. Loudness growth functions were obtained with a fractionation (method of adjustment) procedure whereby the subjects doubled loudness, using a 1-dB step attenuator. Results suggest that loudness growth was significantly different for the hyperacusic subjects compared to the nonhyperacusic subjects, but no significant differences in pure-tone thresholds or acoustic reflex thresholds were observed. When the hyperacusic group was divided into subgroups, however, the endocrine disorder subgroup had significantly lower acoustic reflex thresholds compared to the other subgroups of hyperacusic subjects. No other significant differences among the subgroups were noted.