Novel methods for early identification of noise-induced hearing loss

The overall aim of this report is to compare various methods that might be used to monitor cochlear function in people exposed to noise, including pyschophysical methods and new techniques that involve the recording of otoacoustic emissions. The project utilised a commercially available instrument for transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) and a prototype commercial instrument for the new technique of maximum length sequence (MLS-) TEOAEs. Distortion product evoked otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) were recorded with a novel laboratory system designed for the purpose. Psychophysical techniques included fine-structure self-recording audiometry and temporal integration at hearing threshold. This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.