What is a four frequency average hearing loss?

In order to be eligible for the Better Start funding for hearing loss, a child must have a permanent hearing loss in both ears, with a four frequency average hearing level of 40dB HL or greater in the better ear, or Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder. The permanent hearing loss can be conductive or sensorineural.

The four frequency average hearing loss (4FAHL) is the average of thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000Hz.

For example: If a child has the audiogram below:-

The four frequency average hearing loss can be calculated as follows:-

	500Hz	1000Hz	2000Hz	4000Hz	4FAHL
Left ear	30	40	50	60	(30+40+50+60)/4 = 180/4 = 45
Right ear	40	45	55	65	(40+45+55+65)/4 = 205/4 = 51.25

The four frequency average hearing loss in the better ear is 45dB HL.
This child would be eligible for Better Start funding.

Updated: August 2011.