Functional impairment of the vestibular end organ resulting from impulse noise exposure

Objectives/Hypothesis: To assess the effect of exposure to impulse noise, known to cause damage to the cochlea, on the vestibular part of the inner ear using short latency vestibular evoked potentials (VsEPs), which is a direct and objective test for evaluating the function of the vestibular end organs. Study Design: Prospective animal study. Methods: Sand rats (Psammomys obesus) underwent baseline measurements of VsEPs in response to linear and angular acceleration stimuli and measurement of the auditory nerve and brainstem evoked response (ABR). The animals were then exposed to 10 gunshots generating impulse noise at an intensity of approximately 160 dB sound pressure level (SPL). Repeat measurements of the evoked potentials were conducted 2 to 4 hours, 1 week, and 6 weeks after the exposure. The amplitude and latency of the first wave of VsEPs in response to linear and angular acceleration stimuli, reflecting the function of the otolith organs and semicircular canals respectively, were compared between baseline and post-exposure measurements, as were ABR thresholds. Results: The amplitude of the first wave of the VsEPs in response to linear acceleration was significantly (P <.001) reduced and the latency significantly (P <.005) prolonged 2 to 4 hours after the exposure in comparison to baseline measurements. The latency prolongation persisted in follow-up measurements, whereas the amplitude showed partial recovery. The first wave of VsEPs in response to angular acceleration was unchanged long-term. ABR thresholds were elevated in the long-term by 60 dB. Conclusion: It seems that impulse noise not only damages the cochlea, but also causes clear functional impairment to the vestibular end organs, mainly the otolith organs.