The effect of impulse noise on distortion product otoacoustic emissions

Int J Audiol. 2005 Sep;44(9):540-9. doi: 10.1080/14992020500190201.

Abstract

The aim of this study was the evaluation of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) before and after noise exposure from shooting, and the comparison of DPOAEs with pure-tone audiometry. Thirteen young male police officers were exposed to impulse noise from shooting, without using earplugs. Standard pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry, and DPOAEs were performed before exposure and at one hour post- and 24 hour post-exposure. In the one hour post-exposure testing mean pure-tone thresholds were elevated in the 1-8 kHz frequency zone and DPOAE levels were reduced at several frequencies. DPOAEs were more affected at 3 kHz or lower, whereas pure-tone thresholds were more affected at higher frequencies. After the final examination, non-significant partial shifts at high frequencies on both tests remained. Pure-tone audiometry was overall more sensitive, but DPOAEs provided additional information about the cochlear status of certain ears. These data suggest that besides behavioral testing, DPOAEs may play a role as a fast, objective, and easy to perform test for monitoring subjects exposed to impulse noise.

MeSH terms

  • Acoustic Stimulation
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Audiometry, Pure-Tone / methods
  • Auditory Threshold / physiology
  • Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / diagnosis*
  • Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Noise / adverse effects*
  • Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous / physiology*
  • Severity of Illness Index