Investigation of the effect of explosive noise on the efferent system in individuals using firearms

In this study, the effect of noise on the efferent system was investigated by the contralateral suppression test (MOC) in individuals using firearms. A total of 90 volunteers between the ages of 18-55, 45 using firearms and 45 healthy individuals, participated in the study. Pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry high frequency audiometry, Distorsion Product Otoacoustic Emission (DPOAE) test were performed in the absence and presence of contralateral noise in Başkent University Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) outpatient clinic, after a general ENT examination was performed on all individuals participating in the study. The results obtained were compared between both groups. When pure tone audiometry and speech audiometry results were compared, although the hearing, speech acquisition and discrimination thresholds of individuals using firearms were obtained within normal hearing limits, it was found to be significantly higher than the control group (p <0.05). When the groups were evaluated separately in terms of contralateral suppression values according to the frequencies, a significant difference was obtained between the groups at all frequencies except 8 kHz (p <0.05). In line with the data obtained, it was observed that the noise had a disruptive effect on the efferent auditory system as a result of the exposure of individuals using firearms to explosive noise. Considering that both hearing and psychological and physiological health of individuals exposed to intense noise may be impaired, the importance of protection and early detection in terms of human health is understood. Therefore, we think that more research is needed in this area.