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Stochastic Noise Application for the Assessment of Medial Vestibular Nucleus Neuron Sensitivity In Vitro
Published on: August 28, 2019
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Vestibular suppression of normal bodily sounds
Neil S Longridge1, Anielle Lim2, Arthur Ian Mallinson1,3
1Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|February 19, 2020
Summary
Vocalizations and oral activities like chewing produce sounds that are attenuated before reaching the ear, preventing vestibular stimulation. This protects the sensitive vestibular system for optimal threat detection.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Auditory and Vestibular System Physiology
Background:
- Vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) are nearly ubiquitous, suggesting functional overlap between cochlear and vestibular systems.
- The close anatomical proximity of the cochlea and vestibular end organs implies shared responses to stimuli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the sound intensity of shouting relative to the external auditory canal (EAC).
- To investigate methods for preventing overstimulation of the cochlea and vestibular system.
- To explore the relationship between vocalizations, oral activities, and vestibular stimulation.
Main Methods:
- Compared sound loudness and frequency during shouting, biting, and chewing.
- Measured sound loudness and frequency in the EAC using a calibrated minishaker applied to the forehead and incisor teeth.
Main Results:
- Vibratory sounds generated by vocalizations and oral activities were significantly attenuated upon reaching the ear.
- These attenuated sounds were insufficient to act as vestibular stimulants.
Conclusions:
- Chewing elicits a stapedius reflex, suppressing internal sounds to enhance external auditory perception.
- This reflex also suppresses vestibular stimulation, thereby optimizing vestibular system sensitivity for precise threat response.
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