Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the relationship between noise sensitivity and evoked otoacoustic emission (OAE) responses in individuals using headphones at high volume.

METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 36 normal-hearing participants (25 females, 11 males; mean age: 21.4±1.8 years; range, 18 to 35 years) completed the Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale (WNSS) and underwent transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) testing at 1-5 kHz between May 27, 2025 and June 20, 2025. Correlations between age, WNSS scores, and OAE responses were analyzed. Participants were grouped by daily headphone use duration for between-group comparisons.

RESULTS: No significant correlations were found between WNSS scores or age and OAE responses at any frequency. However, a significant reduction in the DPOAE response at 5 kHz was observed in individuals using headphones for 6 to 8 h per day (p=0.038).

CONCLUSION: While noise sensitivity was not associated with cochlear response patterns, extended exposure to high-volume headphone use may lead to early subclinical changes, particularly in high-frequency cochlear regions. Otoacoustic emission testing may be useful in identifying early auditory effects in at-risk populations.