Pilot study on individual dose-response relationship evaluated through otoacoustic emission measurements in controlled noise exposure: influence of circadian rhythm
Abstract
Over 22 million of North American workers are exposed daily to noise doses that may induce hearing loss. Unfortunately, current practices to prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) based on group average of exposure/damage relationships do not account for the individual’s susceptibility. Consequently, NIHL remains one of the biggest cause of invalidity and indemnity in North America.To improve hearing conservation in the workplace, a procedure to continuously measure hearing fatigue using otoacoustic emissions (OAE) has been developed using a portable and robust OAE system designed for noisy field use.
A pilot study has been conducted on human subjects in laboratory, playing back pre-recorded noise samples at realistic levels while recording the accumulated individual noise dose. To monitor the temporary effects (response) on the individuals’ inner-ear during the exposure, OAEs were measured periodically on subjects using either the designed OAE system or a reference OAE system. Audiometric thresholds, stapedius and medial olivocochlear reflex were also measured pre and post-exposure to monitor other potential effects on hearing. The potential effects of circadian rhythm on pre and post-exposure measurements are briefly studied here.
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