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SHIMP Findings in Individuals Using Personal Listening Devices
Teja Deepak Dessai1,2,3, Fathima Shahla3, Rashmi J Bhat1,2,3
1Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.
Summary
Prolonged exposure to personal listening devices (PLDs) at high volumes may affect the vestibular system. The study found no significant difference in vestibular function using the SHIMP test between individuals with and without high-volume PLD use, suggesting current usage levels may not pose a critical risk.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Neuroscience
- Vestibular System Research
Background:
- Personal Listening Devices (PLDs) can cause subclinical auditory and vestibular damage at high volumes.
- Vestibular dysfunction may precede cochlear damage from PLD exposure.
- The Short-Interval Harmonicity Measurement Protocol (SHIMP) is a novel tool for assessing vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain suppression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate SHIMP test findings in individuals with and without prolonged exposure to PLDs at volumes exceeding 60%.
- To investigate the potential link between high-volume PLD use and early vestibular dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional comparative study involving 128 participants aged 15-24 years.
- Participants were categorized based on their history of PLD usage (volume and duration).
- Measured sound pressure levels (dBSPLs) using the microphone-in-ear method and administered the SHIMP test for vestibular assessment.
Main Results:
- dBSPL levels for both groups were within the established limits for occupational noise exposure.
- No statistically significant differences in SHIMP test results were observed between the groups.
- Participants using PLDs within the defined dBSPL limits did not show a crucial risk of vestibular dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Current personal listening device usage within occupational noise exposure limits may not pose a significant risk to vestibular function.
- Despite findings, precautionary measures are advised to prevent potential subclinical or long-lasting inner ear damage.
- Further research may be warranted to explore long-term effects and different usage patterns.
