Objective: To determine possible changes in the outer hair cell (OHC) function related to drill noise exposure. Methods: Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) were measured at frequencies of f2 = 2, 3, 4 and 5 kHz, and a frequency ratio f1/f2 = 1.22. The f1 and f2 levels were delivered at 65 dB SPL. DPOAE amplitudes were compared in 13 patients both before and after mastoidectomy, and between these patients and 5 patients who underwent tympanoplasty. Results: The DPOAE amplitudes were significantly decreased at 2 and 4 kHz (p = 0.01 and p = 0.013, respectively) immediately after the mastoidectomy, and still differed from the preoperative results at these frequencies on the first post-mastoidectomy day. After the various individual fluctuations, the DPOAE amplitudes remained decreased in some of the patients at the end of the study. Conclusions: Drill-induced noise during mastoidectomy can cause reversible changes in DPOAE in the non-operated ear. OHC function may be diminished during the period after mastoid surgery, and last >1 month.

Keywords:
Mastoidectomy, Hearing loss, Noise
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© 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel
2009
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