Authors: Hannah Guest¹; Rebecca Dewey²; Karolina Kluk¹; Rebecca Millman¹; Kevin Munro¹; Carlyn Murray¹; Garreth Prendergast¹; Stephen Roberts¹; Chris Plack¹
¹The University of Manchester; ²University of Nottingham
Background: Research on subclinical noise effects has often been inconsistent due to small sample sizes, retrospective exposure estimates, and cross-sectional designs. To address these limitations, this study employed a prospective, longitudinal approach with repeated measures and pre-registration to investigate the impact of recreational noise on the auditory system of young adults.
Method: A cohort of 191 normally hearing teenagers (initial age 16–17) completed a comprehensive battery of physiological and behavioral measures at two timepoints, three years apart. Noise exposure was self-reported at 18-month intervals. Primary hypotheses focused on longitudinal changes in extended high-frequency audiometry, DPOAEs, ABR wave I amplitude, and the middle-ear muscle reflex. Exploratory analyses examined speech perception, tinnitus, and episodes of temporary threshold shift (TTS).
Results: Participants reported a wide range of noise exposures (equivalent to 0–690 high-intensity concerts) and frequent instances of TTS (median = 11). Despite this high level of exposure, no significant associations were found between noise exposure or TTS and longitudinal changes in any physiological or behavioral outcome measures.
Conclusion: These findings suggest a need for a cautious reappraisal of the assumption that recreational noise exposure causes widespread subclinical cochlear damage in youth. While no immediate damage was detected over a three-year period, this cohort remains a vital platform for longer-term follow-up to determine if cumulative effects emerge later in life.
