Modification of otoacoustic emissions following ear-level exposure to MP3 player music

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine if a pre-determined exposure level and duration of MP3 player music would result in significant changes in cochlear function when measured with audiometric and physiological methods. Distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), synchronized spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SSOAEs), and hearing thresholds were measured in 20 normal-hearing adults before and after a 30-minute MP3 player music exposure. DPOAEs were acquired with 65/45 dB SPL primary tones (f(2)=0.842-7.996 kHz) with a frequency resolution of 8 points/octave. A probe microphone system recorded ear-canal music levels and was used to equalize levels at approximately 85 dBC across individuals during the music presentation. Comparison of pre- and post-exposure measurements revealed no significant differences in hearing thresholds, but DPOAE levels in half-octave bands centered from 1.4-6.0 kHz were significantly reduced following the music exposure. Post-exposure shifts in SSOAE frequency and level were highly variable in individuals identified with SSOAEs. The results for the exposure conditions explored in this study indicate that changes in otoacoustic emissions may precede the development of music-induced hearing threshold shifts.

Football match spectator sound exposure and effect on hearing: A pretest-post-test study

“…7,[10][11][12] Although not documented in this study, these changes are probably temporary, as demonstrated by Bhagat and Davis, 7 but typically precede permanent changes in cochlear functioning and pure-tone hearing thresholds. 12 Since OAEs directly measure the responsiveness of the outer hair cells of the cochlea, which is the primary site of the lesion in noiseinduced hearing loss, these measures can identify changes in auditory functioning before conventional measures such as pure-tone audiometry.…”

“…Post-match auditory tests indicated a significant average elevation in hearing thresholds at 2 000 Hz, and DPOAE amplitudes were significantly reduced at 1 266, 3 163 and 5 064 Hz. Although auditory changes probably reflect a temporary shift in hearing threshold and DPOAE amplitude, 5,7 they demonstrate that auditory physiology is affected by the sound exposure levels experienced at a football match where vuvuzelas are a major source of acoustic energy.…”

“…12 Since OAEs directly measure the responsiveness of the outer hair cells of the cochlea, which is the primary site of the lesion in noiseinduced hearing loss, these measures can identify changes in auditory functioning before conventional measures such as pure-tone audiometry. 7,10,12 The vuvuzela is an iconic symbol of football culture in South Africa and is bound to enthral spectators from around the world at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 2 We cannot specify the contribution of the vuvuzela to the overall sound level recorded during the football match, although a preliminary report on its sound output levels 2 and the exposure levels recorded for the four participants blowing vuvuzelas in this study demonstrate its high-intensity sound.…”

“…[3][4][5] Recreational activities with excessively loud sound levels are an increasingly important public health care concern for developing permanent sensorineural hearing loss. [5][6][7][8] We aimed to determine (i) noise exposure levels of spectators at a FIFA 2010 designated training stadium during a premier soccer league match; and (ii) changes in auditory functioning soon after the match.…”

Short-term effects of simultaneous cardiovascular workout and personal music device use on the outer hair cell function of young adults

“…Noise emitting devices such as personal music devices (PMDs) are now more compact and readily available (Danhauer et al 2009;Haines, Hodgetts, Ostevik, & Rieger, 2012;Hoover & Krishnamurti, 2010;Hodgetts, Szarko, & Rieger, 2009;Punch, Elfenbein, & James, 2011;Sulaiman, Husain, & Seluakumaran, 2014;Shah, Gopal, Reis, & Novak, 2009). PMDs are manufactured to produce output levels up to 110 dBA (Bhagat & Davis, 2008;, Kumar, Mathew, Alexander, & Kiran, 2009). Due to the availability, capacity and output levels of these devices research was conducted to assess possible effects on OHC functioning and hearing abilities.…”