Medial Olivocochlear Reflex Strength in Ears With Low-to-Moderate Annual Noise Exposure

Studies in lower mammals demonstrate enhancement of the medial olivocochlear reflex (MOCR) following noise exposure. A similar effect may occur in humans, and there is some evidence of an individual's acoustic history affecting the MOCR. The current work evaluates the relationship between an individual's annual noise exposure history and their MOCR strength. Given the potential role of the MOCR as a biological hearing protector, it is important to identify factors associated with MOCR strength.

Data were collected from 98 normal-hearing young adults. Annual noise exposure history was estimated using the Noise Exposure Questionnaire. MOCR strength was assayed using click-evoked otoacoustic emissions (CEOAEs) measured with and without noise presented to the contralateral ear. MOCR metrics included the MOCR-induced otoacoustic emission (OAE) magnitude shift and phase shift. A CEOAE signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of at least 12 dB was required for estimation of the MOCR metrics. Linear regression was applied to evaluate the relationship between MOCR metrics and annual noise exposure.

Annual noise exposure was not a statistically significant predictor of the MOCR-induced CEOAE magnitude shift. However, annual noise exposure was a statistically significant predictor of the MOCR-induced CEOAE phase shift-the MOCR-induced phase shift decreased with increasing noise exposure. Additionally, annual noise exposure was a statistically significant predictor of OAE level.

Findings contrast with recent work that suggests MOCR strength increases with annual noise exposure. Compared with previous work, data for this study were collected using more stringent SNR criteria, which is expected to increase the precision of the MOCR metrics. Additionally, data were collected for a larger subject population with a wider range of noise exposures. Whether findings generalize to other exposure durations and levels is unknown and requires future study.