Optimal frequency for oVEMP in users of personal listening devices

Abstract

The use of personal listening devices (PLDs) has increased markedly among youth, particularly for leisure activities and during the pandemic. Nearly one in four college students listens to PLDs at free-field equivalent levels exceeding 80 dBA, with a majority being unaware of the associated risks. Exposure to loud sounds can induce anatomical and physiological changes in both the auditory and vestibular systems, and previous studies have demonstrated cellular damage across the peripheral vestibular system following noise exposure. This study aimed to identify the optimal stimulus frequency for recording ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMP) in individuals using PLDs. A cross-sectional comparative design was adopted, involving individuals aged 15–24 years with normal pure-tone thresholds who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were categorized into control and experimental groups. In-ear microphone measurements were obtained, followed by oVEMP recordings using tone-burst stimuli at 500 Hz, 750 Hz, and 1000 Hz. oVEMP latency, amplitude, and amplitude asymmetry ratio (AAR) was compared within and between groups. Statistical analysis using Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests revealed higher output dBA levels in the experimental group. Significant differences in amplitude of N1P1 were observed within groups. Although 500 Hz was optimal for oVEMP testing with highest amplitude of N1P1, no significant differences were observed between the groups. This finding suggests a potential negative influence of prolonged high-volume PLD exposure on the vestibular system.