Download PDF
Semin Hear 2017; 38(04): 298-318
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1606325
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Effects of Recreational Noise on Threshold and Suprathreshold Measures of Auditory Function

Angela N.C. Fulbright
2   University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
,
Colleen G. Le Prell
1   University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
,
Scott K. Griffiths
2   University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
,
Edward Lobarinas
1   University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
10 October 2017 (online)

Also available at
    Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

Noise exposure that causes a temporary threshold shift but no permanent threshold shift can cause degeneration of synaptic ribbons and afferent nerve fibers, with a corresponding reduction in wave I amplitude of the auditory brainstem response (ABR) in animals. This form of underlying damage, hypothesized to also occur in humans, has been termed synaptopathy, and it has been hypothesized that there will be a hidden hearing loss consisting of functional deficits at suprathreshold stimulus levels. This study assessed whether recreational noise exposure history was associated with smaller ABR wave I amplitude and poorer performance on suprathreshold auditory test measures. Noise exposure histories were collected from 26 men and 34 women with hearing thresholds ≤ 25 dB hearing loss (HL; 250 Hz to 8 kHz), and a variety of functional suprathreshold hearing tests were performed. Wave I amplitudes of click-evoked ABR were obtained at 70, 80, 90, and 99 dB (nHL) and tone-burst evoked ABR were obtained at 90 dB nHL. Speech recognition performance was measured in quiet and in competing noise, using the Words in Noise test, and the NU-6 word list in broadband noise (BBN). In addition, temporal summation to tonal stimuli was assessed in quiet and in competing BBN. To control for the effects of subclinical conventional hearing loss, distortion product otoacoustic emission amplitude, an indirect measure of outer hair cell integrity, was measured. There was no statistically significant relationship between noise exposure history scores and ABR wave I amplitude in either men or women for any of the ABR conditions. ABR wave I amplitude and noise exposure history were not reliably correlated with suprathreshold functional hearing tests. Taken together, this study found no evidence of noise-induced decreases in ABR wave I amplitude or signal processing in noise in a cohort of subjects with a history of recreational noise exposure.

Keywords

Hidden hearing loss - speech in noise - noise exposure history - ABR wave I amplitude - and temporal summation
 

  • References

  • 1 NIOSH. Criteria for a Recommended Standard, Occupational Noise Exposure, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 98–126; 1998 . Cincinnati, OH
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 2 OSHA. 29 CFR 1910.95. Occupational Noise Exposure; Hearing Conservation Amendment; Final Rule, effective 8 March 1983 ;1983. Available at: https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=standards&p_id=9735 . Accessed September 13, 2017
    PubMed
  • 3 Figueiredo RR, Azevedo AA, Oliveira PM, Amorim SP, Rios AG, Baptista V. Incidence of tinnitus in mp3 player users. Rev Bras Otorrinolaringol (Engl Ed) 2011; 77 (03) 293-298
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 4 Kim MG, Hong SM, Shim HJ, Kim YD, Cha CI, Yeo SG. Hearing threshold of Korean adolescents associated with the use of personal music players. Yonsei Med J 2009; 50 (06) 771-776
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 5 Le Prell CG, Spankovich C, Lobariñas E, Griffiths SK. Extended high-frequency thresholds in college students: effects of music player use and other recreational noise. J Am Acad Audiol 2013; 24 (08) 725-739
    Thieme ConnectPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 6 Peng JH, Tao ZZ, Huang ZW. Risk of damage to hearing from personal listening devices in young adults. J Otolaryngol 2007; 36 (03) 181-185
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 7 Derebery MJ, Vermiglio A, Berliner KI, Potthoff M, Holguin K. Facing the music: pre- and postconcert assessment of hearing in teenagers. Otol Neurotol 2012; 33 (07) 1136-1141
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 8 Opperman DA, Reifman W, Schlauch R, Levine S. Incidence of spontaneous hearing threshold shifts during modern concert performances. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2006; 134 (04) 667-673
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 9 Ramakers GGJ, Kraaijenga VJC, Cattani G, van Zanten GA, Grolman W. Effectiveness of earplugs in preventing recreational noise-induced hearing loss: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2016; 142 (06) 551-558
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 10 Keppler H, Dhooge I, Vinck B. Hearing in young adults. Part II: the effects of recreational noise exposure. Noise Health 2015; 17 (78) 245-252
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 11 Liberman MC. Hidden hearing loss. Sci Am 2015; 313 (02) 48-53
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 12 Jensen JB, Lysaght AC, Liberman MC, Qvortrup K, Stankovic KM. Immediate and delayed cochlear neuropathy after noise exposure in pubescent mice. PLoS One 2015; 10 (05) e0125160
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 13 Furman AC, Kujawa SG, Liberman MC. Noise-induced cochlear neuropathy is selective for fibers with low spontaneous rates. J Neurophysiol 2013; 110 (03) 577-586
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 14 Kujawa SG, Liberman MC. Adding insult to injury: cochlear nerve degeneration after “temporary” noise-induced hearing loss. J Neurosci 2009; 29 (45) 14077-14085
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 15 Lin HW, Furman AC, Kujawa SG, Liberman MC. Primary neural degeneration in the guinea pig cochlea after reversible noise-induced threshold shift. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2011; 12 (05) 605-616
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 16 Wang Y, Ren C. Effects of repeated “benign” noise exposures in young CBA mice: shedding light on age-related hearing loss. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2012; 13 (04) 505-515
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 17 Kujawa SG, Liberman MC. Synaptopathy in the noise-exposed and aging cochlea: primary neural degeneration in acquired sensorineural hearing loss. Hear Res 2015; 330 (Pt B): 191-199
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 18 Le Prell CG, Lobarinas E. Strategies for assessing antioxidant efficacy in clinical trials. In: Miller JM, Le Prell CG, Rybak LP. , eds. Oxidative Stress in Applied Basic Research and Clinical Practice: Free Radicals in ENT Pathology. New York, NY: Humana Press; 2015: 163-192
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 19 Le Prell CG, Brungart DS. Speech-in-noise tests and supra-threshold auditory evoked potentials as metrics for noise damage and clinical trial outcome measures. Otol Neurotol 2016; 37 (08) e295-e302
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 20 Le Prell CG, Clavier OH. Effects of noise on speech recognition: challenges for communication by service members. Hear Res 2017; 349: 76-89
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 21 Hickox AE, Liberman MC. Is noise-induced cochlear neuropathy key to the generation of hyperacusis or tinnitus?. J Neurophysiol 2014; 111 (03) 552-564
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 22 Fernandez KA, Jeffers PWC, Lall K, Liberman MC, Kujawa SG. Aging after noise exposure: acceleration of cochlear synaptopathy in “recovered” ears. J Neurosci 2015; 35 (19) 7509-7520
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 23 Mannström P, Kirkegaard M, Ulfendahl M. Repeated moderate noise exposure in the rat–an early adulthood noise exposure model. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2015; 16 (06) 763-772
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 24 Dobie RA, Humes LE. Commentary on the regulatory implications of noise-induced cochlear neuropathy. Int J Audiol 2017; 56 (Suppl. 01) 74-78
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 25 Bramhall N, Ong B, Ko J, Parker M. Speech perception ability in noise is correlated with auditory brainstem response wave I amplitude. J Am Acad Audiol 2015; 26 (05) 509-517
    Thieme ConnectPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 26 Liberman MC, Epstein MJ, Cleveland SS, Wang H, Maison SF. Toward a differential diagnosis of hidden hearing loss in humans. PLoS One 2016; 11 (09) e0162726
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 27 Stamper GC, Johnson TA. Auditory function in normal-hearing, noise-exposed human ears. Ear Hear 2015; 36 (02) 172-184
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 28 Stamper GC, Johnson TA. Letter to the editor: examination of potential sex influences in auditory function in normal-hearing, noise-exposed human ears, Ear Hear, 36, 172–184. Ear Hear 2015; 36: 738-740
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 29 Prendergast G, Guest H, Munro KJ. , et al. Effects of noise exposure on young adults with normal audiograms I: electrophysiology. Hear Res 2017; 344: 68-81
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 30 Spankovich C, Le Prell CG, Lobarinas E, Hood LJ. Noise history and auditory function in young adults with and without Type-1 diabetes. Int J Audiol 2017; 56: 716-722
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 31 Bramhall NF, Konrad-Martin D, McMillan GP, Griest SE. Auditory brainstem response altered in humans with noise exposure despite normal outer hair cell function. Ear Hear 2017; 38 (01) e1-e12
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 32 Hickox AE, Larsen E, Heinz MG, Shinobu L, Whitton JP. Translational issues in cochlear synaptopathy. Hear Res 2017; 349: 164-171
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 33 Kumar UA, Ameenudin S, Sangamanatha AV. Temporal and speech processing skills in normal hearing individuals exposed to occupational noise. Noise Health 2012; 14 (58) 100-105
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 34 Stone MA, Moore BC, Greenish H. Discrimination of envelope statistics reveals evidence of sub-clinical hearing damage in a noise-exposed population with ‘normal’ hearing thresholds. Int J Audiol 2008; 47 (12) 737-750
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 35 Stone MA, Moore BC. Amplitude-modulation detection by recreational-noise-exposed humans with near-normal hearing thresholds and its medium-term progression. Hear Res 2014; 317: 50-62
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 36 ANSI. Specifications for Audiometers (ANSI S3.6 1996). New York, NY: American National Standards Institute; 1996
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 37 ANSI. Manual Pure-tone Threshold Audiometry (ANSI S3.21–1978, R1992). New York, NY: American National Standards Institute; 1978
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 38 Wilson RH, Burks CA. Use of 35 words for evaluation of hearing loss in signal-to-babble ratio: a clinic protocol. J Rehabil Res Dev 2005; 42 (06) 839-852
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 39 Lee GJ, Lim MY, Kuan AY, Teo JH, Tan HG, Low WK. Relationship between leisure noise exposure and otoacoustic emissions in a young Asian population. Int J Audiol 2014; 53 (07) 462-468
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 40 Oswald JA, Janssen T. Weighted DPOAE input/output-functions: a tool for automatic assessment of hearing loss in clinical application. Z Med Phys 2003; 13 (02) 93-98
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 41 Wagner W, Heppelmann G, Kuehn M, Tisch M, Vonthein R, Zenner HP. Olivocochlear activity and temporary threshold shift-susceptibility in humans. Laryngoscope 2005; 115 (11) 2021-2028
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 42 Yost WA. Fundamentals of Hearing: An Introduction, 5th ed. San Diego, CA: Academic Press; 2006
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 43 Spankovich C. Early Indices of Auditory Pathology in Young Adults with Type-1 Diabetes [dissertation]. Nashville, TN: Vanderbilt University; 2010
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 44 Megerson SC. Development of a Screening Tool for Identifying Young People at Risk for Noise-induced Hearing Loss [dissertation]. Lawrence, KS: University of Kansas; 2010
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 45 Neitzel R, Seixas N, Goldman B, Daniell W. Contributions of non-occupational activities to total noise exposure of construction workers. Ann Occup Hyg 2004; 48 (05) 463-473
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 46 Le Prell CG, Dell S, Hensley B. , et al. Digital music exposure reliably induces temporary threshold shift in normal-hearing human subjects. Ear Hear 2012; 33 (06) e44-e58
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 47 Spankovich C, Griffiths SK, Lobariñas E. , et al. Temporary threshold shift after impulse-noise during video game play: laboratory data. Int J Audiol 2014; 53 (Suppl. 02) S53-S65
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 48 Le Prell CG, Fulbright A, Spankovich C. , et al. Dietary supplement comprised of β-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and magnesium: failure to prevent music-induced temporary threshold shift. Audiol Neurotol Extra 2016; 6 (02) 20-39
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 49 Hope AJ, Luxon LM, Bamiou DE. Effects of chronic noise exposure on speech-in-noise perception in the presence of normal audiometry. J Laryngol Otol 2013; 127 (03) 233-238
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 50 Hall JW. New Handbook of Auditory Evoked Responses. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.; 2007
    Search in Google Scholar
  • 51 Lobarinas E, Spankovich C, Le Prell CG. Evidence of “hidden hearing loss” following noise exposures that produce robust TTS and ABR wave-I amplitude reductions. Hear Res 2017; 349: 155-163
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 52 Gannouni N, Lenoir M, Ben Rhouma K. , et al. Cochlear neuropathy in the rat exposed for a long period to moderate-intensity noises. J Neurosci Res 2015; 93 (06) 848-858
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 53 Wang D, Xiong B, Xiong F, Chen GD, Hu BH, Sun W. Apical hair cell degeneration causes the increase in the amplitude of summating potential. Acta Otolaryngol 2016; 136 (12) 1255-1260
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 54 Durrant JD, Wang J, Ding DL, Salvi RJ. Are inner or outer hair cells the source of summating potentials recorded from the round window?. J Acoust Soc Am 1998; 104 (01) 370-377
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 55 Grinn SK, Wiseman KB, Baker JA, Le Prell CG. Hidden hearing loss? No effects of recreational noise exposure on ABR wave-I amplitude in humans. Front Neurosci 2017; 11 (465) 1-24 . Doi: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00465
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 56 Gordon JS, Griest SE, Thielman EJ. , et al. Audiologic characteristics in a sample of recently-separated military veterans: the noise outcomes in servicemembers epidemiology study (NOISE study). Hear Res 2017; 349: 21-30
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 57 Remenschneider AK, Lookabaugh S, Aliphas A. , et al. Otologic outcomes after blast injury: the Boston Marathon experience. Otol Neurotol 2014; 35 (10) 1825-1834
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 58 Gallun FJ, Lewis MS, Folmer RL. , et al. Implications of blast exposure for central auditory function: a review. J Rehabil Res Dev 2012; 49 (07) 1059-1074
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 59 Fulbright ANC. Normal Hearing? What Functional Hearing Tests, Noise Exposure History and ABR Wave-I Amplitude Reveal [dissertation]. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida; 2016
    Search in Google Scholar