OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed tonal auditory thresholds in the range from 9,000 to 16,000Hz in a group of professional musicians. Tonal auditory thresholds were analyzed as a function of age and in relation to the duration of band participation, in comparison with the hearing of a group that was not exposed to music or to loud occupational noise. METHODS: We compared one group of 50 professional musicians (military band) with one group (44 subjects) without a history of professional exposure to intense sound. The groups were homogenous (p<0.05%) in relation to gender (male) and age (average age, 35 years). Each musician submitted to audiometry exams at extended high-frequency ranges.The tonal thresholds investigated ranged from 9,000 to 16,000Hz. RESULTS: When individuals were subjected to high frequencies, significant differences in auditory thresholds were observed at 14,000Hz and 16,000Hz. The auditory thresholds of individuals ≥30 years old differed between groups. Extended high-frequency auditory thresholds worsen significantly after 20 years of exposure to music. CONCLUSION: In order to diagnose hearing alterations in musicians, conventional audiometry should be used in conjunction with audiometry at extensive-high frequencies.