목적: Low-frequency hearing loss has been hypothesized to have significant long- and short-term effects on overall hearing health. This study aimed to evaluate the likelihood of hearing impairment over time in patients based on their low-frequency hearing levels utilizing hospital-based audiometric data. 방법:Patients with normal hearing, as defined by WHO standards, were retrospectively analyzed. Pure tone averages (PTA) at 250 Hz and 500 Hz were used to classify patients as normal (≤ 20 dB) or impaired (>20 dB). Logistic regression analysis was employed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) of hearing impairment across three time periods: less than 1 year, 1-4 years, and 5 years or more. Total ORs were also computed to evaluate overall trends. 결과:The analysis revealed that low-frequency hearing loss was associated with an increased likelihood of long-term hearing deterioration. The calculated ORs were as follows: Total OR = 1.484, less than 1 year OR = 1.535, 1-4 years OR = 1.483, and 5 years or more OR = 1.402. These findings indicate a consistent relationship between low-frequency hearing loss and hearing impairment, with ORs slightly decreasing over extended time periods. 결론:Low-frequency hearing loss serves as a significant predictor of both long- and short-term hearing deterioration. Although the likelihood of hearing impairment remains elevated, the slight decrease in ORs over time may suggest adaptation or other mitigating factors. Further research incorporating confounding variables, such as noise exposure and comorbidities, is essential to refine these findings. This study underscores the importance of early detection and intervention for low-frequency hearing loss to mitigate its long- and short-term impact on auditory health.