Research
Assessment of the influence of whole body vibration on Cochlear function
1 Department of Occupational Health, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Occupational Health, Health promotion research center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences (ZUMS), Zahedan, Iran
3 Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Iran
4 Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2012, 7:12 doi:10.1186/1745-6673-7-12
Published: 21 June 2012Abstract
Background
Whole body vibration (WBV) is a potentially harmful consequence resulting from the dissipation of energy by industrial machineries. The result of WBV exposure on the auditory system remains unknown. The objective of the present research was to evaluate the influence of WBV on cochlear function, in particular outer hair cell function. It is hypothesized that WBV impairs cochlear function resulting in decreased Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission (DPOAE) levels (Ldp) in rabbits subjected to WBV.
Methods
Twelve rabbits were equally divided into vibration and control groups. Animals in vibration group were exposed to 1.0 ms-2 r.m.s vertical WBV at 4–8 Hz for 8 h/day during 5 consecutive days. Outer hair cell function was assessed by comparing repeated-measurements of DPOAE levels (Ldp) across a range of f2 frequencies in rabbits both exposed and unexposed to WBV. DPOAE level shifts (LSdp) were compared across ears, frequencies, groups, and times.
Results
No differences were seen over time in DPOAE levels in the non-exposed rabbits (p = 0.082). Post-exposure Ldp in rabbits exposed to WBV were significantly increased at all test frequencies in both ears compared to baseline measures (p = 0.021). The greatest increase in Ldp following exposure was seen at 5888.5 Hz (mean shift = 13.25 dB). Post-exposure Ldp in rabbits exposed to WBV were not significantly different between the right and left ears (p = 0.083).
Conclusion
WBV impairs cochlear function resulting in increased DPOAE responses in rabbits exposed to WBV. DPOAE level shifts occurred over a wide range of frequencies following prolonged WBV in rabbits.
