A pilot study-measurable changes in hearing threshold while hyperthermic
Document Type
Journal Article
Publisher
CCH Australia Limited
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
RAS ID
25700
Abstract
Elevated core body temperature (Tc) is known to evoke central fatigue and reported reductions in muscular contractions. A reduction in neurological signalling is therefore hypothesised to influence hearing acuity in hyperthermic individuals. The purpose of the study is to determine if hyperthermia induces a Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS). Air conduction hearing tests were performed on eight males and two females before and after exercising to a Tc of 38.5°C. All participants had at least 16 hours of quiet prior to audiometric assessment and no obstructions were found in the ear canal. A measured reduction of 10 to 15 dB in hearing threshold was observed between 3k and 8k frequencies in both ears. All participants began the experimental procedure with a Tc of 37.2°C ± 0.02°C (P > 0.05) and achieved an end Tc of 38.5°C. Reduction in neural excitation due to hyperthermia could possibly be attributed to TTS. Thus, maintaining optimum body temperature could help attenuate TTS. © CCH.
Access Rights
metadata only record
Comments
Maté, J., Passalacqua, D., Thomas, T., Oosthuizen, J. (2017) A pilot study-measurable changes in hearing threshold while hyperthermic. Journal of Health, Safety and Environment, 33(3).