Comparison of Hearing Thresholds in Air and in Water

Abstract

Hearing thresholds in air and in water were determined for 2 subjects over a frequency range of 250 cps to 4000 cps. When threshold intensity levels were compared, it was shown that the greatest loss in hearing acuity in water occurred over the frequency range from 500 cps to 2000 cps and amounted to approximately 20 db, while below 300 cps the threshold intensity in water was lower than that in air. Measured intensity levels for an underwater swimmer speaking into a face mask were also determined.