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Acute Recreational Noise-Induced Cochlear Synaptic Dysfunction in Humans With Normal Hearing: A Prospective Cohort
Qixuan Wang1,2,3, Lu Yang1,4, Minfei Qian1,2,3
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
High-intensity recreational noise exposure can cause temporary auditory function changes, specifically in auditory brainstem response (ABR) wave I amplitudes, impacting speech perception in noise. These changes highlight potential cochlear synaptopathy, even with normal hearing thresholds.
Area of Science:
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Occupational Health
- Audiology
Background:
- Recreational noise exposure, such as at music festivals, poses a risk to auditory health.
- Assessing subclinical auditory effects, like cochlear synaptopathy, is crucial for early detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute effects of high-intensity recreational noise on auditory function in young adults with normal hearing.
- To identify changes in cochlear synaptopathy-related audiological metrics following noise exposure.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study involving 32 young adults attending an outdoor music festival.
- Auditory examinations included pure-tone audiometry (PTA), otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), and auditory brainstem response (ABR) before and after noise exposure.
Main Results:
- No significant changes were observed in PTA, DPOAE, or speech-in-noise tests (MHINT) 1 and 14 days post-exposure.
- A significant decrease in ABR wave I amplitude was noted 1 day after exposure, recovering by 14 days.
- The ABR wave I amplitude reduction correlated with changes in speech perception in noise.
Conclusions:
- Acute high-intensity recreational noise can cause temporary auditory nerve dysfunction (cochlear synaptopathy) not detected by standard audiometry.
- Auditory electrophysiological metrics, like ABR, are sensitive indicators of early noise-induced cochlear damage.
- Increased awareness and monitoring of recreational noise-induced cochlear synaptopathy are recommended.
