high-frequency hearing loss [ME, heigh + L, frequens; AS, deaf] , a loss of ability to hear high-frequency sounds. It is most commonly associated with aging or noise exposure. Hearing loss may begin in early adulthood with a loss of hearing to frequencies in the range of 18 to 20 kHz. At about 60 years of age, loss of hearing may begin to affect lower frequencies, in the range of 4 to 8 kHz, thus interfering with the ability to understand speech. Hearing loss caused by noise exposure is often greatest at or near 4 kHz.
