Functional impairment of the vestibular end organ resulting from impulse noise exposure.

摘要: Objectives/Hypothesis To assess the effect of exposure to impulse noise, known cause damage cochlea, on vestibular part inner ear using short latency evoked potentials (VsEPs), which is a direct and objective test for evaluating function end organs. Study Design Prospective animal study. Methods Sand rats (Psammomys obesus) underwent baseline measurements VsEPs in response linear angular acceleration stimuli measurement auditory nerve brainstem (ABR). The animals were then exposed 10 gunshots generating noise at an intensity approximately 160 dB sound pressure level (SPL). Repeat conducted 2 4 hours, 1 week, 6 weeks after exposure. amplitude first wave stimuli, reflecting otolith organs semicircular canals respectively, compared between post-exposure measurements, as ABR thresholds. Results was significantly (P <.001) reduced <.005) prolonged hours comparison measurements. prolongation persisted follow-up whereas showed partial recovery. unchanged long-term. thresholds elevated long-term by 60 dB. Conclusion It seems that not only damages but also causes clear functional impairment organs, mainly organs.