Summary
Effects of noise exposure on the difference between ART1k (acoustic reflex threshold) and ARTWN ([ART1k-ARTWN]), and on the critical bandwidth (CBW) in acoustic reflex (AR) were investigated. One hundred and eleven workers using hand-held vibrating tools (exposed group) served as subjects. The results were compared with the values obtained in the control group reported by the authors previously (Miyakita and Miura 1985). The exposed group was classified into four groups according to their hearing levels (HL) at 4 and 8 kHz; i.e. Group A (HL(4k+8k)/2 < 25 dB), Group B (25 dB ≦ HL((4k+8k)/2 < 50 dB), Group C (50 dB ≦ HL((4k + 8k)/2 < 75 dB), and Group D (HL((4k+8k)/2 ≧ 75 dB). [ART1k-ARTWN] was reduced significantly (p < 0.001) in the exposed groups; i.e. 12.4 dB in the control group, 6.7 dB in Group A, 2.3 dB in Group B, −0.3 dB in Group C, and −1.3 dB in Group D. On the other hand, a significant widening of the CBW was observed in the exposed group compared to that of the control group (p < 0.05); i.e. 1138 Hz in the control group, 1410 Hz in Group A, 3287 Hz in Group B, and ≧ 4000 Hz in Groups C and D. In addition, we confirmed that the reduction of [ART1k-ARTWN] might be the result of the widening of the CBW in AR. However, there are few findings on the relationship between the widening of the CBW in AR and functional or morphological damage to the inner ear. Therefore, further investigation will be needed to establish a reliable index for noise susceptibility.
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Miyakita, T., Miura, H. Study on an evaluation index for noise susceptibility. Int. Arch Occup Environ Heath 55, 295–303 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00377688
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00377688