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A prospective randomized controlled trial evaluating alcohol on loudness perception in cochlear implant users
L J Meerton1, P J Andrews, T Upile
1Cochlear Implant Team, The Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, London, UK.
Summary
Alcohol consumption significantly impacts cochlear implant users, increasing their sound perception upper limits. This study investigated alcohol
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cochlear implants restore hearing but can be affected by external factors.
- The effects of alcohol on cochlear implant (CI) psychophysical responses are unknown.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for CI user safety and auditory pathway research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of alcohol on sound perception in cochlear implant users.
- To determine if alcohol consumption alters the psychophysical responses of CI users.
- To provide insights into alcohol's effects on the central auditory pathways.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
- Eight cochlear implant users (10 implants tested) participated.
- Participants received either alcohol (vodka) or a placebo, with comfort levels (C levels) measured before and after.
Main Results:
- Alcohol ingestion led to a significant increase in the mean C level (upper dynamic range).
- The mean increase in C level was 19.9 units in the alcohol group versus 0.10 in the placebo group.
- Blood alcohol concentration reached a mean of 50 mg/dL one hour post-ingestion.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol significantly increases the upper limit of sound perception (C levels) in cochlear implant users.
- This suggests alcohol affects the auditory pathways central to the cochlea.
- Further research is needed to understand the precise mechanisms and clinical implications.