Which condition describes the deterioration of the auditory system starting with higher frequencies?

Presbycusis describes the age-related hearing loss that typically occurs as individuals grow older. It often begins with a decline in the ability to hear high-frequency sounds, making this option the correct choice for the question. As individuals age, the hair cells in the inner ear may become damaged or die, particularly those responsible for higher frequencies, resulting in a gradual loss of hearing that affects the clarity of speech and higher-pitched sounds.

Other conditions listed, such as tinnitus, is characterized by ringing or noise in the ears rather than a deterioration of hearing sensitivity itself. Otosclerosis involves the abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear, which affects the ability to conduct sound but does not specifically relate to higher frequency hearing loss. Acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that impacts the auditory nerve, but the symptoms associated with it do not primarily focus on the deterioration pattern starting with higher frequencies. Each of these conditions presents with different symptoms and mechanisms, highlighting why presbycusis fits the definition provided in the question.