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Main M, Skoe E. Heightened OAEs in young adult musicians: Influence of current noise exposure and training recency. Hear Res 2024; 442:108925. [PMID: 38141520 PMCID: PMC10843712 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2023.108925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are a non-invasive metric of cochlear function. Studies of OAEs in musicians have yielded mixed results, ranging from evidence of diminished OAEs in musicians-suggesting noise-induced hearing loss-to no difference when compared to non-musicians, or even a trend for stronger OAEs in musicians. The goal of this study was to use a large sample of college students with normal hearing (n = 160) to compare OAE SNRs in musicians and non-musicians and to explore potential effects of training recency and noise exposure on OAEs in these cohorts. The musician cohort included both active musicians (who at the time of enrollment practiced at least weekly) and past musicians (who had at least 6 years of training). All participants completed a questionnaire about recent noise exposure (previous 12 months), and a subset of participants (71 musicians and 15 non-musicians) wore a personal noise dosimeter for one week to obtain a more nuanced and objective measure of exposure to assess how different exposure levels may affect OAEs before the emergence of a clinically significant hearing loss. OAEs were tested using both transient-evoked OAEs (TEOAEs) and distortion-product OAEs (DPOAEs). As predicted from the literature, musicians experienced significantly higher noise levels than non-musicians based on both subjective (self-reported) and objective measures. Yet we found stronger TEOAEs and DPOAEs in musicians compared to non-musicians in the ∼1-5 kHz range. Comparisons between past and active musicians suggest that enhanced cochlear function in young adult musicians does not require active, ongoing musical practice. Although there were no significant relations between OAEs and noise exposure as measured by dosimetry or questionnaire, active musicians had weaker DPOAEs than past musicians when the entire DPOAE frequency range was considered (up to ∼16 kHz), consistent with a subclinical noise-induced hearing loss that only becomes apparent when active musicians are contrasted with a cohort of individuals with comparable training but without the ongoing risks of noise exposure. Our findings suggest, therefore, that separate norms should be developed for musicians for earlier detection of incipient hearing loss. Potential explanations for enhanced cochlear function in musicians include pre-existing (inborn or demographic) differences, training-related enhancements of cochlear function (e.g., upregulation of prestin, stronger efferent feedback mechanisms), or a combination thereof. Further studies are needed to determine if OAE enhancements offer musicians protection against damage caused by noise exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Main
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, United States; Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, United States; University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, United States; University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, United States
| | - Erika Skoe
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, United States; Department of Psychological Sciences, Cognitive Sciences Program, Connecticut Institute for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, United States; University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, United States.
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Kornisch M, Barton A, Park H, Lowe R, Ikuta T. Prevalence of hearing loss in college students: a meta-analysis. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1282829. [PMID: 38249585 PMCID: PMC10796826 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1282829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hearing loss among college students, specifically noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), appears to be increasing. This may be particularly challenging for this population as college students are required to listen to lectures in classrooms that may have suboptimal listening environments. College-aged musicians are at a particularly high risk due to repeated and extended exposure to loud noise. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was (1) to examine the prevalence of hearing loss in college students and (2) to emphasize the importance of detecting hearing loss at 6,000 Hz. Methods A meta-analysis was conducted using the PRISMA model. The literature search yielded 8 studies (1,950 subjects) that tested hearing loss using an audiogram and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs). All studies used audiologic tests to detect hearing loss among college students between the ages of 17-35 years. Results Results indicate that the prevalence of hearing loss in college students is 19%. In addition, the prevalence of hearing loss at 6,000 Hz is 85% among student musicians. For this meta-analysis, slight sensorineural hearing loss, or thresholds greater than 20 dB bilaterally or unilaterally, qualified as hearing loss. Discussion Decreased hearing at 6,000 Hz may lead to an individual's inability to hear important environmental factors and high frequency speech sounds. College students without full auditory function at this frequency may have difficulties performing in class based on decreased attention, comprehension, and memory. Although students may not realize the influence of their 6,000 Hz hearing loss or be unaware of its presence, it could significantly change their likelihood to succeed in college. Therefore, implementing a hearing conservation program may be advised for colleges and universities to help prevent hearing loss in students, particularly for collegiate musicians. In addition, it may be beneficial to screen hearing in college students at 6,000 Hz for better detection of hearing loss overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Kornisch
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, United States
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Feder K, Marro L, Portnuff C. Leisure noise exposure and hearing outcomes among Canadians aged 6 to 79 years. Int J Audiol 2023; 62:1031-1047. [PMID: 36036440 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2114022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between individual and cumulative leisure noise exposure in addition to acceptable yearly exposure (AYE) and hearing outcomes among a nationally representative sample of Canadians. DESIGN Audiometry, distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and in-person questionnaires were used to evaluate hearing and leisure noise exposure across age, sex, and household income/education level. High-risk cumulative leisure noise exposure was defined as 85 dBA or greater for 40 h or more per week, with AYE calculations also based on this occupational limit. STUDY SAMPLE A randomised sample of 10,460 respondents, aged 6-79, completed questionnaires and hearing evaluations between 2012 and 2015. RESULTS Among 50-79 year olds, high-risk cumulative leisure noise was associated with increased odds of a notch while high exposure to farming/construction equipment noise was associated with hearing loss, notches and absent DPOAEs. No associations with hearing loss were found however, non-significant tendencies observed included higher mean hearing thresholds, notches and hearing loss odds. CONCLUSION Educational outreach and monitoring of hearing among young and middle-aged populations exposed to hazardous leisure noise would be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katya Feder
- Non-Ionizing Radiation Health Sciences Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Program, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leonora Marro
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cory Portnuff
- UCHealth Hearing and Balance Clinic, Aurora, CO, USA
- Otolaryngology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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Trabanco JCS, Morita B, Matas CG, de Paiva KM, Moreira RR, Sanches SGG, Samelli AG. Effects of Noise and Chemical Exposure on Peripheral and Central Auditory Pathways in Normal-hearing Workers. Noise Health 2022; 24:182-190. [PMID: 36124528 PMCID: PMC9743305 DOI: 10.4103/nah.nah_10_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To assess the effects of noise and chemical exposure on peripheral and central auditory pathways in normal-hearing workers exposed to chemicals or high noise levels and compare the groups with each other and with workers not exposed to either of these agents. Methods A total of 54 normal-hearing workers were divided into three groups (chemical, noise, control) and submitted to the following assessments: conventional and extended high-frequency pure-tone audiometry; transient and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions, the inhibitory effect of the efferent auditory pathway; and Staggered Spondaic Word (SSW) and Pitch Pattern Sequence (PPS) test. Results There were no significant differences between the groups in extended high-frequency hearing thresholds. Significantly lower amplitudes were observed in the noise group for otoacoustic emissions. There were significantly more absences of the inhibitory effect of the efferent system in the noise group. There was no difference between the groups in the SSW test, while in PPS, the noise group performed worse than the control group. Conclusion These findings suggest that noise exposure produced deleterious effects on the workers' peripheral and central auditory systems, despite their normal hearing thresholds. The chemical group did not have significantly different results from those of the control group. It is important that individuals exposed to noise or chemicals have their auditory pathways monitored with complementary assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio CS Trabanco
- Department of Physical Therapy, Speech-language Pathology and Audiology, and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine (FMUSP), University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno Morita
- Department of Physical Therapy, Speech-language Pathology and Audiology, and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine (FMUSP), University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla Gentile Matas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Speech-language Pathology and Audiology, and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine (FMUSP), University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karina Mary de Paiva
- Department of Speech-language Pathology and Audiology, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Renata R Moreira
- Audiological Service, University Hospital, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Seisse GG Sanches
- Department of Physical Therapy, Speech-language Pathology and Audiology, and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine (FMUSP), University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alessandra G Samelli
- Department of Physical Therapy, Speech-language Pathology and Audiology, and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine (FMUSP), University of São Paulo, Brazil,Address for correspondence: Alessandra G Samelli, Rua Cipotânea, 51, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05360-160, Brazil.
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Association Analysis of Candidate Gene Polymorphisms and Audiometric Measures of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Young Musicians. Otol Neurotol 2021; 41:e538-e547. [PMID: 32176153 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000002615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to investigate the association between candidate genetic variants and audiometric measures of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in young musicians. METHODS The study analyzed a database by Phillips et al. (Feasibility of a bilateral 4000-6000 Hz notch as a phenotype for genetic association analysis. Int J Audiol 2015;54:645-52.) which included behavioral hearing thresholds, distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE), tympanometric, and genetic data of 166 participants meeting the inclusion criteria. Nineteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 13 cochlear genes previously associated with NIHL in factory workers were included in the present investigation. The average hearing threshold at 3000 and 4000 Hz (AHT) and average DPOAE signal to noise ratio (DPOAE SNR) in both ears were calculated. RESULTS The regression analyses showed that two SNPs- one in KCNE1 (rs2070358) and the other in CAT (rs12273124) revealed a statistically significant relationship with DPOAE SNR in both ears. Two SNPs in MYH14 and one in GJB4 revealed a significant association with DPOAE SNR in the left ear. Two SNPs in HSP70, one in CDH23 and one in KCNJ10 showed significant association with DPOAE SNR in the right ear. None of the included SNPs showed association with AHT in both ears. CONCLUSIONS A genetic variant in KCNE1 was associated with the strength of the cochlear amplifier as assessed by DPOAE SNR. Musicians carrying causal genetic variants to NIHL might exhibit changes in their auditory functions early in the lifespan even when most subjects had their hearing thresholds within normal limits. These participants are likely to show the clinical manifestation of NIHL in the future if no preventive measures are applied.
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Pawlaczyk-Łuszczyńska M, Zamojska-Daniszewska M, Dudarewicz A, Zaborowski K. Pure-Tone Hearing Thresholds and Otoacoustic Emissions in Students of Music Academies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18031313. [PMID: 33535678 PMCID: PMC7908538 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the hearing of music students in relation to their exposure to excessive sounds. A standard pure-tone audiometry, transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were determined in 163 students of music academies, aged 22.8 ± 2.6 years. A questionnaire survey and sound pressure level measurements during solo and group playing were also conducted. The control group comprised 67 subjects, mainly non-music students, aged 22.8 ± 3.3 years. Study subjects were exposed to sounds at the A-weighted weekly noise exposure level (LEX,w) from 75 to 106 dB. There were no significant differences in the hearing thresholds between groups in the frequency range of 4000-8000 Hz. However, music students compared to control group exhibited lower values of DPOAE amplitude (at 6000 and 7984 Hz) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) (at 984, 6000, and 7984 Hz) as well as SNR of TEOAE (in 1000 Hz band). A significant impact of noise exposure level, type of instrument, and gender on some parameters of measured otoacoustic emissions was observed. In particular, music students having LEX,w ≥ 84.9 dB, compared to those with LEX,w < 84.9 dB, achieved significantly lower DPOAE amplitude at 3984 Hz. Meanwhile, both TEOAE and DPOAE results indicated worse hearing in students playing percussion instruments vs. wind instruments, and wind instrument players vs. students playing stringed instruments.
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Samelli AG, Rabelo CM, Silva LAF, Gonzaga D, Santiago JM, Magliaro FCL, Matas CG. Audiological and electrophysiological assessment of professional orchestral musicians. REVISTA CEFAC 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/1982-0216/202022216319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Purpose: to verify whether the frequent musical exposure can impair peripheral and central auditory pathway responses in professional orchestral musicians. Methods: 45 male individuals from 19 to 40 years old participated in the study. They were divided into two groups: one comprising 30 orchestral musicians who played strings or wind instruments, and another with 15 nonmusicians. The two groups were submitted to both conventional and high-frequency pure-tone audiometry, transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions, and frequency-following response. The results were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, using the one-way ANOVA unmatched samples parametric test, with a 5% significance level. Results: no significant differences were observed between the hearing thresholds in both conventional and high-frequency audiometry and frequency-following response. However, there were statistically significant differences between transient-evoked otoacoustic emission responses, with lower responses to musicians in comparison to the nonmusician group. Conclusion: the results suggest that frequent musical exposure experienced by orchestral musicians can impair the cochlear hair cells’ function. Therefore, audiological monitoring is important to detect subclinical impairments.
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Di Stadio A, Dipietro L, Ricci G, Della Volpe A, Minni A, Greco A, de Vincentiis M, Ralli M. Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, Hyperacusis, and Diplacusis in Professional Musicians: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15102120. [PMID: 30261653 PMCID: PMC6209930 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15102120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Professional musicians (PMs) are at high risk of developing hearing loss (HL) and other audiological symptoms such as tinnitus, hyperacusis, and diplacusis. The aim of this systematic review is to (A) assess the risk of developing HL and audiological symptoms in PMs and (B) evaluate if different music genres (Pop/Rock Music—PR; Classical Music—CL) expose PMs to different levels of risk of developing such conditions. Forty-one articles including 4618 PMs were included in the study. HL was found in 38.6% PMs; prevalence was significantly higher among PR (63.5%) than CL (32.8%) PMs; HL mainly affected the high frequencies in the 3000-6000 Hz range and was symmetric in 68% PR PMs and in 44.5% CL PMs. Tinnitus was the most common audiological symptom, followed by hyperacusis and diplacusis. Tinnitus was almost equally distributed between PR and CL PMs; diplacusis was more common in CL than in PR PMs, while prevalence of hyperacusis was higher among PR PMs. Our review showed that PR musicians have a higher risk of developing HL compared to CL PMs; exposure to sounds of high frequency and intensity and absence of ear protection may justify these results. Difference in HL symmetry could be explained by the type of instruments used and consequent single-sided exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Di Stadio
- Otolaryngology Department, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | | | - Giampietro Ricci
- Otolaryngology Department, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Antonio Della Volpe
- Santobono-Pousillipon Hospital, Cochlear Implant Center, 80129 Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonio Minni
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Marco de Vincentiis
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Science, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
- Center for Hearing and Deafness, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA.
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Di Stadio A. Which factors to induce hearing loss in professional musicians? Extensive literature review and histopathology findings can answer it. HEARING BALANCE AND COMMUNICATION 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/21695717.2017.1311505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Di Stadio
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
- Neuroscience department, University La Sapienza of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Bidelman GM, Schneider AD, Heitzmann VR, Bhagat SP. Musicianship enhances ipsilateral and contralateral efferent gain control to the cochlea. Hear Res 2016; 344:275-283. [PMID: 27964936 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Human hearing sensitivity is easily compromised with overexposure to excessively loud sounds, leading to permanent hearing damage. Consequently, finding activities and/or experiential factors that distinguish "tender" from "tough" ears (i.e., acoustic vulnerability) would be important for identifying people at higher risk for hearing damage. To regulate sound transmission and protect the inner ear against acoustic trauma, the auditory system modulates gain control to the cochlea via biological feedback of the medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferents, a neuronal pathway linking the lower brainstem and cochlear outer hair cells. We hypothesized that a salient form of auditory experience shown to have pervasive neuroplastic benefits, namely musical training, might act to fortify hearing through tonic engagement of these reflexive pathways. By measuring MOC efferent feedback via otoacoustic emissions (cochlear emitted sounds), we show that dynamic ipsilateral and contralateral cochlear gain control is enhanced in musically-trained individuals. Across all participants, MOC strength was correlated with the years of listeners' training suggested that efferent gain control is experience dependent. Our data provide new evidence that intensive listening experience(s) (e.g., musicianship) can strengthen the ipsi/contralateral MOC efferent system and sound regulation to the inner ear. Implications for reducing acoustic vulnerability to damaging sounds are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin M Bidelman
- School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA; Institute for Intelligent Systems, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Amy D Schneider
- School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Victoria R Heitzmann
- School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Shaum P Bhagat
- School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
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