Evaluation of noise exposure by OSAS patients before and after implantation of an upper airway stimulation system

Purpose:

Effect of OSAS therapy with upper airway stimulation on the reduction of nocturnal noise exposure

Methods:

Acoustic analysis was performed for whole nights in 3 male patients (age 30 – 57years mean 42,3years) before and after implantation of an upper airway stimulation system in the context of OSAS therapy. In addition to the respiratory parameters (including AHI), acoustic values were measured and calculated: The value for the perceived sound intensity, the 5th percentile of loudness (N₅), the mean of roughness (R_mean) and the calculated annoyance, the Psychoacoustic Snore Score (PSS).

Results:

Upper airway stimulation therapy improved the breathing-related sleep disorder (AHI decreased from 35.2 to 16.3 events per hour). The loudness (N₅) decreased from 5.6 to 3.7 sone with upper airway stimulation therapy. The mean of roughness decreased from 11.1 to 6.8 asper and the PSS from 46.6 to 30.5.

Conclusion:

With upper airway stimulation therapy the nocturnal noise was reduced. The improvement of annoyance by upper airway stimulation therapy should have a positive effect for the bed partner.

Dr. René Fischer

Univ.-Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde,

Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053

Regensburg

eMail: [e-mail]

Publikationsverlauf

Publikationsdatum:
23. April 2019 (online)