Karen Reuter

Distortion product otoacoustic emission fine structure analysis of 50 normal-hearing humans

When distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) are measured with a high-frequency resolution, the DPOAE shows quasi-periodic variations across frequency, called DPOAE fine structure. In this study the DPOAE fine structure is determined for 50 normal-hearing humans using fixed primary levels of L1/L2 = 65/45 dB. An algorithm is developed, which characterizes the fine structure ripples in terms of three parameters: ripple spacing, ripple height, and ripple prevalence. The characteristic patterns of fine structure can be found in the DPOAE of all subjects, though the DPOAE fine structure characteristics are individual and vary from subject to subject. On average the ripple spacing decreases with increasing frequency from 1/8 oct at 1 kHz to 3/32 oct at 5 kHz. The ripple prevalence is two to three ripples per 1/3 oct, and ripple heights of up to 32 dB could be detected. The 50 normal-hearing subjects were divided into two groups, the subjects of group A having slightly better hearing levels than subjects of group B. The subjects of group A have significantly higher DPOAE levels. The overall prevalence of fine structure ripples do not differ between the two groups, but are higher and narrower for subjects of group B than for group A.

Distortion product otoacoustic emission of symphony orchestra musicians before and after rehearsal

The 2f1-f2 distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) and hearing levels are obtained for 12 normal-hearing symphony orchestra musicians both before and after their rehearsal. The DPOAE fine structures are determined and analyzed according to the character and prevalence of ripples. Hearing levels, DPOAE levels, and DPOAE fine structures before and after rehearsal are similar, indicating that no or marginal temporary change of the state of hearing were caused by the exposure. The data were further compared to similar data for occupationally nonexposed subjects, one group which was age and gender matched, and other two groups of younger individuals (one group with better hearing levels than the other). The data for the age and gender matched group compared well with the musicians data (and the data for the group of better-hearing younger individuals). In general, the analyses of hearing thresholds and DPOAE data thus lead to the same conclusions concerning the state of hearing.

Overexposure effects of a 1-kHz tone on the distortion product otoacoustic emission in humans

The effects of overexposure on the properties of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) are investigated. In total, 39 normal-hearing humans were monaurally exposed to a 1-kHz tone lasting for 3 min at an equivalent threshold sound-pressure level of 105.5 dB. The effects of overexposure were studied in two experiments (1) on the broadband DPOAE and (2) on the DPOAE fine structure, measured using a higher frequency resolution in a narrower frequency range. The obtained DPOAE shifts were compared to temporary threshold shift (TTS) obtained after a similar exposure. Similarities between DPOAE shifts and TTS were found in the affected frequency range and the time course of recovery. The amount of TTS was higher in the early recovery time (1-4-min postexposure), but similar to the DPOAE shift (even in absolute terms) at later recovery times (5-20-min postexposure). The DPOAE fine structure was not systematically changed after the exposure.

Recovery of distortion-product otoacoustic emissions after a 2-kHz monaural sound-exposure in humans: Effects on fine structures

A better understanding of the vulnerability of the fine structures of distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) after acoustic overexposure may improve the knowledge about DPOAE generation, cochlear damage, and lead to more efficient diagnostic tools. It is studied whether the DPOAE fine structures of 16 normal-hearing human subjects are systematically affected after a moderate monaural sound-exposure of 10 min to a 2-kHz tone normalized to an exposure level L(EX,8h) of 80 dBA. DPOAEs were measured before and in the following 70 min after the exposure. The experimental protocol allowed measurements with high time and frequency resolution in a 1/3-octave band centered at 3 kHz. On average, DPOAE levels were reduced approximately 5 dB in the entire measured frequency-range. Statistically significant differences in pre- and post-exposure DPOAE levels were observed up to 70 min after the end of the sound exposure. The results show that the effects on fine structures are highly individual and no systematic change was observed.

Is it necessary to penalize impulsive noise +5 dB due to higher risk of hearing damage?

It is studied whether the +5 dB penalty for impulsiveness established by ISO 1999:1990 accounts for a higher risk of noise-induced hearing loss. A total of 16 normal-hearing human subjects were exposed for 10 min to two types of binaural industrial-recordings: (1) a continuous broad-band noise normalized to L(EX,8 h)=80 dBA and (2) the combination of the previous stimulus with an impulsive noise normalized to L(EX,8 h)=75+5(db penalty)=80 dBA (peak level 117 dBC and repetition rate of 0.5 impacts per second). Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were measured in a broad frequency range before and in the following 90 min after the exposure. The group results show that the continuous exposure had a bigger impact on DPOAE levels, with a maximum DPOAE shift of approximately 5 dB in the frequency range of 2-3.15 kHz during the first 10 min of the recovery. No evident DPOAE shift is seen for the impulsive + continuous stimulus. The results indicate that the penalty overestimated the effects on DPOAE levels and support the concept that the risk of hearing loss from low-level impulses may be predicted on an equal-energy basis.

Effects of personal stereo use: pilot results from 20 university students

Modern personal stereo systems have the ability to store thousands of music files in small, relatively low‐cost, compact devices. The popularity and widespread presence of the MP3 player cannot go unnoticed in contemporary society. Given a sufficient noise level and listening duration, consumers are at risk of developing a noise‐induced hearing loss. A study into the effects of personal stereo use will be carried out with the intention of investigating common noise exposure levels in realistic settings, user listening habits and the hearing status in a group of listeners. Noise exposure levels are to be obtained by using the manikin technique described in the ISO 11904‐2 standard. The questionnaire to be presented to interested participants is designed to report personal stereo listening habits and to screen subjects for the hearing status evaluation. The hearing status of selected subjects will be evaluated through the use of conventional and possibly extended high‐frequency audiometry, transient‐evoked ...

Recovery of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) after impulse vs. continuous equal-energy exposures

The correct assessment of impulse noise from occupational environments for hearing‐conservation purposes is still a controversial issue. Currently, no universally accepted standard defines impulse noise accurately nor does a standard method exist to measure impulses. Moreover, current impulse‐damage risk‐criteria suffer from lack of empirical data needed to quantify impulse noise exposures and assess potential damage. In this experiment human subjects are exposed to binaural recordings of noises from industrial environments. Stimuli consist of impulse noise, continuous noise, and combinations of impulse and continuous noise. Noise exposures are normalized to have the same energy (LAeq,8h= 80dB). The effects in the hearing of the subjects are monitored by measuring the recovery of the distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) with high‐time resolution. The results can be used to investigate the validity of current assessment methods and descriptors of the temporal characteristics of sound exposures ...

Recovery of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) with high time-resolution from a moderate monaural-exposure to 2-kHz in human subjects

The amplitude of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) decreases temporarily after exposure to a sound of moderate level. These changes show similarities to the changes observed in absolute hearing thresholds after similar sound exposures. This paper presents the experimental protocol to study how DPOAEs in human subjects are affected after a monaural exposure of ten minutes to a pure tone of 2 kHz. The experimental protocol allows to measure fine structures of the DPOAE with high time‐resolution in a limited frequency range. Thus, the results give a detailed description of the DPOAE recovery process and can be used to develop a mathematical model of the recovery. This is the first approximation to study the recovery of more complex exposures. [Work supported by the Danish Research Council for Technology and Production.]

Does overexposure modify the fine structure of distortion product otoacoustic emissions

It is investigated, whether the pattern of distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) fine structure (quasiperiodic variations across frequency) is altered by an acoustical overexposure. DPOAE fine structures are determined in 16 normal‐hearing humans using a high frequency‐resolution and primary levels of L1/L2=65/45 dB. DPOAEs are measured both before and after the subjects are monaurally exposed to a 1 kHz tone lasting for 3 min at an equivalent threshold sound pressure level of 105.5 dB. After the exposure the DPOAE levels are shifted to lower values and recover to the initial levels within 20 min. The DPOAE fine structure pattern is analyzed by an automatic classification algorithm, which determines ripple center frequency, ripple spacing, ripple height, and ripple prevalence. For some individuals, an alteration of some of the parameters could be observed after the exposure, i.e., either a more pronounced or a less pronounced fine structure could be observed after the exposure. Across subjects, ...

Distortion product otoacoustic emission fine structure as an early hearing loss predictor

Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are a promising method to monitor early noise‐induced hearing losses. When distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) are obtained with a high‐frequency resolution, a ripple structure across frequency can be seen, called DPOAE fine structure. In this study DPOAE fine structures are obtained from 74 normal‐hearing humans using primary levels of L1/L2=65/45 dB. The subjects belong to groups with different ages and exposure histories. A classification algorithm is developed, which quantifies the fine structure by the parameter’s ripple place, ripple width, ripple height, and ripple prevalence. Temporary changes of the DPOAE fine structure are analyzed by measuring DPOAE both before and after exposing some of the subjects to an intense sound. The characteristic patterns of fine structure can be found in the DPOAE of all subjects, though they are individual and vary from subject to subject within groups. The results do not indicate that the DPOAE fine structure alters with t...