A comprehensive finite-element human ear model to estimate noise-induced hearing loss associated with occupational noise exposure. 2022

You-Cheng Yu, and Tang-Chuan Wang, and Tzu-Ching Shih
Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Science, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan.

OBJECTIVE Noise is a common occupational and environmental hazard; however, little is known about the use of computational tools to quantitively analyze data on basilar membrane (BM) damage in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Here, we established a comprehensive three-dimensional finite-element human ear model to quantify the impact of noise exposure on BM and perilymph fluid. METHODS We used auditory risk units (ARUs) to evaluate the BM damage for subjects (3 men and 5 women; mean age, 32.75 ± 8.86 years; age range, 24-44 years). A 90-dB sound pressure level (SPL) was normally applied at the external auditory canal (EAC) entrance to simulate sound transmission from the EAC to the cochlea at frequencies of 0.2-10.0 kHz. RESULTS The pressure distribution of perilymph fluid is totally different on frequency responses under low and high sound-evoked (0.013-10.0 kHz). The highest ARUs were 18.479% at the distance of 1 mm from the base, and the second-highest to fourth-highest ARUs occurred at distances of 5-7 mm from the base, where their ARUs were 9.749%, 9.176%, and 11.231%. The total of the ARUs reached 81.956% at external frequencies' sounds of 3.2-5.0 kHz. Among these, the 3.8-kHz and 3.6-kHz frequencies yielded the highest and second-highest ARUs of 20.325% and 19.873%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study would inform our understanding of NIHL associated with occupational noise exposure. We present a FE modelling and describe how it might provide a unique way to unravel mechanisms that drive NIHL due to loud noises.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D009623 Noise, Occupational Noise present in occupational, industrial, and factory situations. Occupational Noise,Noises, Occupational,Occupational Noises
D003051 Cochlea The part of the inner ear (LABYRINTH) that is concerned with hearing. It forms the anterior part of the labyrinth, as a snail-like structure that is situated almost horizontally anterior to the VESTIBULAR LABYRINTH. Cochleas
D005260 Female Females
D006317 Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced Hearing loss due to exposure to explosive loud noise or chronic exposure to sound level greater than 85 dB. The hearing loss is often in the frequency range 4000-6000 hertz. Acoustic Trauma,Hearing Loss, Noise Induced,Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D055815 Young Adult A person between 19 and 24 years of age. Adult, Young,Adults, Young,Young Adults

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