Effect of regular noise exposure on the balance function of the inner ear and the burden of balance dysfunction due to regular noise exposure among the traffic police personnel and automobile drivers.
- Conditions
- Vestibular function
- Registration Number
- CTRI/2021/02/031143
- Lead Sponsor
- DHR ICMR
- Brief Summary
**Introduction:**
Noise pollution is an important health hazard and affects the hearing threshold in chronic exposure. There are various non-auditory effects of chronic noise exposure which can affect the cardiovascular system, sleep pattern and cognitive function (Basner, et al. 2014). The balance system though functionally independent from the auditory system is intricately embedded within the bony labyrinth of the inner ear and has complex neural network that connect the peripheral receptors with the higher centres. The saccule which is a part of the balance system has been found to respond to sound and plays a key role in the equilibrium. There are concerns that chronic noise exposure can affect the vestibular system. Traffic policemen and automobile drivers are exposed to high noise levels. Unlike industrial workers where there are regulations on the safe noise levels and usage of noise prevention strategies, traffic policemen and automobile workers are exposed to unregulated levels of noise exposure during their daily activities. Further the effect of noise in the vestibular function on these group has not been studied. Vestibular dysfunction if any in these group can be dangerous and have widespread implications in the routine performance of daily activities. Hence the need for this present study.
**Research Question** :
1 Does noise exposure affect the vestibular function?
2. What is the burden of the vestibular dysfunction due to chronic noise exposure?
**The aims and objectives of the study are:**
- 1. Tocompare the vestibular function between noise exposed andcontrols by estimating the latency andamplitude of the Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials ( VEMP)
- 2. To determine the effect of chronic noise exposure on dynamic posturography.
- 3. To determine the effect of chronic noise exposure on the caloric function during videonystagmography (VNG)
- 4. To determine the effect of chronic noise exposure on the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR).
- 5. To estimate the burden of vestibular dysfunction due to chronic noise exposure among the study group.
**Expected outcome of the study**:
- 1. We will be able to find out whether chronic noise exposure has any effect on the vestibular system.
- 2. We will be able to identify the noise level , and the duration of exposure at which such changes take place.
- 3. There can be far reaching effect in regularizing the safe level of noise at workplace.
- 4. It will be possible to take preventive measures to prevent noise induced vestibulardysfunction.
- 5. We will be able to estimate the burden of vestibular dysfunction inchronic noise exposure.
**Novelty**:
The effect of noise exposure on the auditory system is well documented. However the long term effect of the noise exposure on the vestibular system is not conclusive and most of the studies have evaluated the vestibular system in presence of noise induced hearing loss. Moreoversuch studies in the Indian population are lacking. There are no studies done on the traffic policemen and automobile drivers who are vulnerable to chronic noise exposure and where vestibular dysfunction can have serious implications in the day to day discharge of duties. Further early changes get compensated and may not manifest as vestibular dysfunction. It is not clear which part of the vestibular function is actually affected and whether the changes are temporary or permanent. Our study aim to evaluate the vestibular function in cases of chronic noise exposure and also find the levels of noise exposure at which such changes occur. This can have a far reaching effect in regularizing the safe sound levels at workplace and lead to better occupational health by minimizing or avoiding the hazards of noise pollution.
- Detailed Description
Not available
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- Closed to Recruitment of Participants
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 242
- Exposed group: 1.All individuals within 25 -50 years of age group 2.Traffic policemen and automobile drivers working in a noisy environment for atleast 5 hours per day for the last 5 years or more.
- 3.No history of any vestibular crisis in the past.
- 4.Persons willing to undergo complete vestibular evaluation tests.
- For Non exposed group: 1.Healthy volunteers within 25 – 50 years age 2.Not exposed to any form of acute or chronic noise exposure.
- 1.Non consent 2.Known case of anemia, diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism ,cardiac ailment and or chronic kidney disease.
- 3.Known case of vestibular dysfunction 4.Individuals with history of Tullio phenomenon in the past.
- 5.Known case of Psychiatric disorders 6.Persons who have taken vestibular suppressant medications.
Study & Design
- Study Type
- Observational
- Study Design
- Not specified
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Vestibular functions at baseline
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Burden of vestibular dysfunction in noise exposed at baseline
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri
🇮🇳Guntur, ANDHRA PRADESH, India
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri🇮🇳Guntur, ANDHRA PRADESH, IndiaDrSoumyajit DasPrincipal investigator9864371311drsoumya_entamch@rediffmail.com