For grades K, 1, 3, and 5, what is the pass criterion for pure-tone audiometry?

For grades K, 1, 3, and 5, what is the pass criterion for pure-tone audiometry?

• A. 20 dB HL at all tested frequencies
• B. 25 dB HL at 500 Hz and 20 dB HL at 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz
• C. 15 dB HL at all frequencies
• D. 30 dB HL at 1000 Hz only

Answer: (C)

Hearing screening uses a pass criterion that defines what is considered normal hearing across the frequencies important for speech. For school-age children, normal hearing is typically defined as 15 dB HL or better at all standard test frequencies (usually 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz). If a child meets this threshold at every tested frequency, it indicates no detectable hearing loss affecting speech perception and classroom listening, so they pass. This criterion is more sensitive than higher thresholds or testing only one frequency, because mild, frequency-specific losses can still impact understanding of speech in noise or during instruction. Saying a child passes only at one frequency or using a higher threshold would risk missing subtle hearing issues that could affect learning.

Hearing screening uses a pass criterion that defines what is considered normal hearing across the frequencies important for speech. For school-age children, normal hearing is typically defined as 15 dB HL or better at all standard test frequencies (usually 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz). If a child meets this threshold at every tested frequency, it indicates no detectable hearing loss affecting speech perception and classroom listening, so they pass.

This criterion is more sensitive than higher thresholds or testing only one frequency, because mild, frequency-specific losses can still impact understanding of speech in noise or during instruction. Saying a child passes only at one frequency or using a higher threshold would risk missing subtle hearing issues that could affect learning.