An Exploratory Study of Peripheral Vestibular System in Users of Personal Listening Devices
- Author:
Teja Deepak DESSAI
1
;
Kaushlendra KUMAR
;
Rashmi J. BHAT
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Audiology & Otology 2025;29(1):22-30
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background and Objectives:The widespread use of mobile phones and personal listening devices (PLDs) poses potential health risks, particularly noise-induced hearing loss. Among younger generations, high-volume PLD use is associated with auditory and vestibular system changes. Clinical vestibular testing, including vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) and the video head impulse test (vHIT), may reveal peripheral vestibular impacts from prolonged PLD exposure at volumes over 60%. This study examines VEMP and vHIT results in individuals with normal hearing who have had extended high-volume PLD exposure.
Subjects and Methods:A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on individuals aged 15-24 years. All the participants had normal pure tone thresholds with “A” type tympanogram, present acoustic reflexes, and history of PLD usage. Participants were divided into groups according to PLD exposure of <1 year (group A), 1.1-2 years (group B), 2.1-3 years (group C), and 3.1-4 years (group D). The output sound pressure level (dB SPL) near the tympanic membrane was measured. Furthermore, cervical VEMP, ocular VEMP, and vHIT were assessed.
Results:The VEMP and vHIT findings were statistically analyzed and compared across groups. The peak-to-peak amplitudes of VEMP showed a statistically significant difference between groups A and D.
Conclusions:Potential subclinical damage to the otolith organs can be associated with increased PLD exposure. No damage to the semi-circular canals was observed as the participants used lower dBA values by the PLDs.
