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Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) in tobacco smokers
1Department of Physiology, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi.
Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Chronic tobacco smoking significantly prolongs brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) latencies in young men. This suggests early, subclinical auditory pathway impairment, potentially due to nicotine
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Tobacco smoke contains nicotine and toluene, known neurotoxins.
- Chronic smoking may affect the auditory pathway, but subclinical effects are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate early subclinical auditory pathway impairments in chronic male tobacco smokers.
- To assess the impact of smoking on brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs).
Main Methods:
- Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) were recorded in 10 chronic male smokers and 28 age-matched non-smoker controls.
- BAEP latencies of wave I and III were analyzed and compared between groups.
Main Results:
- Significant prolongation of wave I and III latencies was observed in chronic smokers compared to controls.
- These findings indicate impaired conductivity along the acoustic nerve and pons.
Conclusions:
- Chronic tobacco smoking adversely affects the auditory pathway, even in young individuals.
- Nicotine and toluene in tobacco smoke may impact myelination, leading to subclinical auditory deficits.