Sex Difference in Susceptibility and Resistance to Noise-induced Hearing Loss in Chinchillas
Abstract
Considerable evidence points to gender differences in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), a major occupational hazard for military personnel. However. the precise nature of these differences and how they apply to the types of noises found in military settings is unknown. Five experiments were conducted to explore these issues. Experiments conducted during Year I showed that chinchillas exhibit sex differences in basic auditory sensitivity and susceptibility to temporary and permanent hearing loss caused by exposure to simulated Ml 6 rifle tire. Sound conditioning experiments completed during Year 2 show that pre-exposing animals to a low-frequency (0.5 kHz octave band) noise at 90-95 dB SPL for 5 days provides significant protection from subsequent exposure to M16 rifle fire. whereas exposing animals to simulated Blackhawk helicopter noise at 112 dB SPL for 5 days has little protective effect. The results of the five experiments point to sex differences in the response of the cochlea to noise and the ability to develop resistance to noise through prophylactic conditioning exposures. which could have important implications for military assignments and hearing conservation programs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA368326
Entities
People
- Sandra L. Mcfadden
Organizations
- University at Buffalo