Extensive hearing loss induced by low‐frequency noise exposure

Abstract

Background With little attention given to low‐frequency traffic noise and our understanding that cochlear function may be highly susceptible to low‐frequency noise, there is an urgent need to determine traffic noise‐induced hearing loss (NIHL), not only the hearing loss at low frequency but also the possible high‐frequency hearing loss. Methods The current study aims to investigate the potential for extensive hearing loss induced by exposure to 0.063 kHz octave band noise (OBN), which is an important component of low‐frequency traffic noise. The threshold of auditory brainstem response (ABR) was used to evaluate hearing function before and after noise exposure. Chinchillas were randomly assigned into seven different groups. Group 63‐3 h/6 h, Group 2 k‐3 h/6 h, and group 4 k‐3 h/6 h were exposed for either 3 or 6 h to 0.063, 2, and 4 kHz OBN at 90 dB SPL, respectively. The control group was not exposed to noise. Results Significant ABR threshold‐shifts (TS) were observed at 0.88, 2, 4, and 5.7 kHz in Group 63‐6 h, and at 2.8 and 4 kHz in Group 2 k‐6 h, and at 5.7 kHz in Group 4 k‐6 h. ABR‐TS were consistent with outer hair cell (OHC) losses, exposure to 0.063 kHz OBN at 90 dB SPL for 6 h induced large‐scale losses of OHC both in low‐ and high‐frequency region. Conclusions Exposure to 0.063 kHz low‐frequency OBN at 90 dB SPL for 6 h leads to significant hearing loss over an extensive range from low to high frequencies.

Sensitivity of Methods for Diagnosing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Cases of Exposures Including Intense Low-Frequency Noise

“…This leads to NIHL that tends to be greatest at low frequencies ( McCombe et al, 1995 ). Several studies involving animals have shown that exposure to intense low-frequency tones or bands of noise can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss and damage to the hair cells in the cochlea over a wide range of frequencies ( Burdick et al, 1978 ; Harding & Bohne, 2009 ; Liu et al, 2022 ; Mills et al, 1983 ).…”

Assessing Traffic Noise and Its Impact on High-Rise Apartment Buildings Adjacent to an Urban Expressway: A Case Study in Chengdu, China

“…The noise produced by passing vehicles poses a significant source of disturbance and annoyance for residents, leading to potential negative impacts on their quality of life and health. Several research reports have linked long-term exposure to traffic noise with various health issues, including hearing loss [7,8], cardiovascular disease [9,10], sleep disturbances [11][12][13], and impaired cognitive function [14]. Moreover, traffic noise can result in annoyance [15], stress [16], and tinnitus [17].…”

Bandgap properties and multi-objective optimization of double-cone pentamode metamaterials with curved side

“…Cai et al proposed four types of anisotropic PMs, which are constructed by changing the thin-end points along the space-diagonal, and further explored the effects of anisotropy on the acoustic properties and figure of merit [25]. A novel double-cone PM with hexagonal unit cell arrangements was examined by Li et al, to understand the effects of structural parameters on acoustic properties [26]. The influences of crosssection shapes of PMs (i.e., regular triangles, squares, hexagons, and others) on acoustic properties were investigated numerically, and the relationship between acoustic properties and cross-section shapes was revealed [27].…”