Is 125 Hz a Passing Frequency in Hearing Testing?
No, 125 Hz is not typically included in standard hearing screening protocols, though it is measured in comprehensive diagnostic audiometry. Standard hearing screening tests for children aged 4 years and older use frequencies of 500,1000,2000, and 4000 Hz, with a pass criterion of ≤20 dB HL at each frequency 1.
Standard Screening Frequencies
Conventional screening audiometry for children 4 years and older tests at 500,1000,2000, and 4000 Hz only—125 Hz is not included in the screening battery 1.
Air-conduction hearing threshold levels greater than 20 dB at any of these four frequencies (500,1000,2000,4000 Hz) indicate possible hearing loss and warrant referral to a pediatric audiologist 1.
The screening should be performed in a quiet environment using earphones, as ambient noise significantly affects test performance, especially at lower frequencies like 500 and 1000 Hz 1.
When 125 Hz Is Tested
Comprehensive diagnostic audiometry includes 125 Hz as part of the full frequency range from 250-8000 Hz 1.
Air conduction thresholds should be measured at 250 to 8000 Hz in diagnostic evaluations, which would include testing at 250 Hz but not necessarily 125 Hz 1.
For sudden sensorineural hearing loss evaluations, air conduction thresholds are measured at 250-8000 Hz, with additional mid-octave frequencies (750,1500,3000,6000 Hz) tested if differences between adjacent frequencies are ≥20 dB 1.
Clinical Context for Pass/Fail Criteria
Normal hearing is defined as ≤20 dB HL across the tested frequency range 2.
For children with otitis media with effusion, hearing is measured at 500,1000, and 2000 Hz, with an average pure tone threshold greater than 15 dB HL indicating some degree of hearing loss 1.
Children under age 3 years have "normal thresholds" that are up to 15 dB greater due to developmental effects and test methodology 1.
Important Caveats
125 Hz is not part of routine screening protocols because it is more susceptible to ambient noise interference and is not as clinically relevant for detecting common causes of hearing loss in screening contexts 1.
If a child fails the initial screening at the standard frequencies (500,1000,2000,4000 Hz), earphones should be repositioned and instructions repeated before referral 1.
Do not assume normal hearing based on passing a screening test alone—screening only detects moderate or greater hearing loss at the tested frequencies and may miss mild hearing loss or loss at untested frequencies 1, 3.