Examining the Profile of Noise-Induced Cochlear Synaptopathy Using iPhone Health App Data and Cochlear and Brainstem...

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Objective classification of noise exposure risk in personal listening device (PLD) users is limited.
• Electrophysiologic evidence of cochlear synaptopathy at very fast click rates requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To objectively classify noise exposure risk using the iPhone Health app.
• To identify signs of cochlear synaptopathy using behavioral and electrophysiologic measures in PLD users.

Main Methods:

• Thirty normal-hearing females (18-26 years) were grouped into low-risk and high-risk categories based on iPhone Health app data.
• Assessments included questionnaires, extended high-frequency audiometry, QuickSIN, DPOAE, and simultaneous ECochG and ABR at fast click rates.

Main Results:

• High-risk participants reported more tinnitus and showed abnormal ECochG and ABR measures at fast click rates.
• Abnormalities included larger summating potential to action potential amplitude/area ratios and smaller wave I/V amplitudes.
• No significant differences were found in extended high-frequency hearing thresholds or DPOAEs between groups.

Conclusions:

• The high-risk group exhibited behavioral and objective signs of cochlear synaptopathy.
• The iPhone Health app may serve as a valuable tool for identifying cochlear synaptopathy in PLD users.