| Several theories exist regarding the relationship between noise induced hearing loss and presbycusis. These theories suggest that presbycusis may lead to an increased, decreased or equivalent susceptibility to noise exposure. The dB additivity theory which general consensus supports, suggests the relationship between noise exposure and presbycusis is independent and additive. Previous animal studies findings show inconclusive results regarding this relationship. Human studies are rare and limited to pure tone audiometry and auditory brainstem response (ABR). Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are a sensitive measure of both presbycusis and noise induced hearing loss, and may offer a detailed assessment of the relationship. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between presbycusis and noise exposure, and to examine the sensitivity of DPOAEs compared to pure tone audiometry at describing this relationship. Results were compared for four groups of 14 participants each (young no noise, young noise, old no noise and old noise). (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
