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Multiple indices of the 'bounce' phenomenon obtained from the same human ears
M Drexl1, M Uberfuhr, T D Weddell
1ENT Department and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders (IFB), University Hospital Munich, Marchioninistr.15, 81377, Munich, Germany, markus.drexl@med.uni-muenchen.de.
Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology : JARO
|November 21, 2013
Summary
Loud low-frequency sounds cause temporary changes in hearing sensitivity, known as the bounce phenomenon. These changes in cochlear sensitivity are likely due to homeostatic fluctuations within the cochlea.
Area of Science:
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Otoacoustic Emissions
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Loud low-frequency sounds can induce temporary changes in cochlear sensitivity, termed the 'bounce' phenomenon.
- These changes are hypothesized to originate from slow fluctuations in cochlear homeostasis affecting outer hair cell function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively investigate the bounce phenomenon using objective and subjective measures in normal-hearing humans.
- To analyze cochlear sensitivity changes and associated auditory sensations after low-frequency sound exposure.
Main Methods:
- Measured distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and auditory thresholds in 22 subjects.
- Applied a 30 Hz sine wave stimulus (120 dB SPL, 90 s) and tracked changes over time.
- Assessed perceived loudness of temporary tinnitus-like sensations post-stimulation.
Main Results:
- 70% of subjects showed significant biphasic changes in quadratic DPOAEs (3-4 dB).
- 86% exhibited significant hearing threshold alterations, including monophasic and biphasic sensitisations and desensitisations.
- All subjects reported temporary tinnitus-like sensations.
Conclusions:
- The similar time course of different measures suggests a common origin for the bounce phenomenon.
- Findings support the hypothesis that cochlear homeostasis oscillations drive these sensitivity changes.
- Outer hair cell operating point shifts are implicated in the bounce phenomenon.
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