What is Carhart's notch associated with?

Carhart's notch is specifically associated with a characteristic pattern of hearing loss typically observed at 2000 Hz. This phenomenon is often seen in individuals with conductive hearing loss, especially in cases related to middle ear issues, such as otosclerosis. The notch reflects a drop in hearing sensitivity at this particular frequency, which can indicate a problem with the chain of bones in the middle ear or related structures that affect sound transmission.

The frequency of 2000 Hz relates to the resonance of the middle ear structure, where energy transfer can be hindered due to immobility. This makes the identification of Carhart's notch crucial for audiologists and hearing specialists during evaluations, as it guides them in diagnosing underlying conditions impacting hearing.

In contrast, other options refer to different hearing loss patterns or conditions that do not accurately describe Carhart's notch's unique characteristics.