Investigating measures of high-frequency hearing function and noise-exposure in a longitudinal study

Alenzi, Hind, Maher and Lineton, Ben (2019) Investigating measures of high-frequency hearing function and noise-exposure in a longitudinal study. BSA (British Society of Audiology) Annual Conference, Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.

Abstract

Introduction
Some studies suggest that both noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) and age related hearing loss (ARHL) lead to relatively rapid hearing threshold level (HTL) shifts in the extended-high frequency (EHF) 10-18 kHz region. It has therefore been hypothesised that NIHL may first show up as HTL elevations in the 10-18 kHz frequency range, before showing up as a 4-kHz notch. This poster is presented with two main research questions:
1. Can we detect a difference in EHF hearing function between a low- and high-noise exposure group of young adults?
2. Can we detect any changes in EHF hearing function over 12-14 month period that depend on noise-exposure? (result for this RQ are not yet avalible)
Method
Hearing function was assessed in 58 participant with normal hearing, subjects were assigned to either high or low noise exposed group, based on the results of noise-exposure interview. Hearing was assessed using EHF audiometry (10-18 kHz) and extended high frequency otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) (EHF- distortion product otoacoustic emissions (EHF-DPOAEs) EHF- transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (EHF-TEOAEs).
Results
Between-group comparisons were conducted to assess the impact of noise on hearings. Measurements will be conducted at three time points: baseline; 6 months; 12 months to allow any changes over time to be assessed.Results of ANCOVA (with age as the covariate) for comparisons: Differences in measures of EHF-hearing function at baseline between low- and high-noise exposure groups, revealed that ; 1. Hearing threshold level at the EHF showed that there are no statistically significant differences between groups. 2. EHF-distortion product otoacoustic emissions showed statistically significant differences between groups. 3. EHF TEOAEs means were statistically difference between groups.
Conclusion
EHF Hearing threshold level was not statistically different between the groups. While EHF-TEOAEs and EHF DPOAEs showed statistical difference between groups.

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Contributors

Author: Ben Lineton

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