Effect of low level acoustic stimulation on temporary threshold shift in young humans

• Published in: Hearing research Vol. 60; no. 2; pp. 149 - 155
• Main Authors: Miyakita, Takashi, Hellström, Per-Anders, Frimanson, Eva, Axelsson, Alf
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.07.1992; Elsevier
• Subjects: Acoustic Stimulation - methods; Adaptation, Physiological; Adolescent; Audiometry; Auditory Threshold - physiology; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Ear and associated structures. Auditory pathways and centers. Hearing. Vocal organ. Phonation. Sound production. Echolocation; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Hearing - physiology; Humans; Male; Motility; Noise induced hearing loss; Susceptibility; Temporary threshold shift; Time Factors; Training; Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs; Training; Motility; Noise induced hearing loss; Susceptibility; Temporary threshold shift; Human; Hearing; Acoustic stimulus; Noise; Perception threshold; Noise level; Sound pressure
• ISSN: 0378-5955; 1878-5891
• DOI: 10.1016/0378-5955(92)90017-H

To assess the effect of a low level acoustic stimulation on the susceptibility to noise, young human subjects were exposed to music at 70 dBA for 6 h per day during 9 days (training period). Noise sensitivity was assessed by measuring temporary threshold shift (TTS) induced by 105 dBSPL, 1/3 octave band noise at 2 kHz for 10 min. On the fifth day of the training period, a significant decrease of TTS was observed in the frequency range 3–3.5 kHz, in comparison with the baseline TTS obtained before being trained. As the training continued, the frequency range which showed a significant reduction of TTS expanded to 2–5 kHz.