Date of Award

Spring 2012

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Audiology (AuD)

Department

School of Communication

First Advisor

Melinda F. Bryan

Abstract

The present project evaluated the effect of cardiovascular exercise on the selection of preferred listening levels using iPods. The participants in this study included 15 Louisiana Tech University students ranging in age from 19 and 30 years. The inclusion criteria for participants was as follows: (1) normal hearing sensitivity; (2) no known neurological, cognitive, or otologic impairment; (3) removal from excessive noise for at least 48 hours prior to testing; and (4) endurance in running on a treadmill for the duration of ten minutes.

Pre-test audiometric thresholds and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were obtained in a sound treated booth. Participants were then instructed to set the level of an iPod to his/her preferred listening level while running on a treadmill. Real ear SPL measurements of the iPod output were obtained. Lastly, post-test audiometric thresholds and DPOAEs were re-obtained in the sound treated booth. Mean data results showed that when listeners' set their iPod at their preferred listening level while running on a treadmill, hazardous music intensity levels may not have been selected. However, results of the individual data analysis revealed that five of 15 listeners set their iPods at intensity levels above 90 dB SPL. Results of pre- and post-test audiometric thresholds revealed that participants selected iPod intensity levels that resulted in a clinically significant temporary threshold shift at 2000 and 4000 Hz in the right ear and at 1000 and 8000 Hz in the left ear. Results of the pre- and post-test DPOAEs revealed that participants selected iPod intensity levels that resulted in a clinically significant decrease in DPOAE amplitude responses at 1001, 1501, 2002, 4004, and 6006 Hz in the right ear and at 1501, 3003 and 4004 Hz in the left ear. Collectively, these results indicate that when selecting music intensity levels while running on a treadmill, temporary noise-induced hearing loss may occur.

Lastly, the effect of environment on the selection of preferred listening levels using iPods was evaluated. The results indicated that participants selected louder intensity levels when in an indoor, gymnasium environment as compared to a quiet, outside listening environment. Therefore, environment/level of background noise affects the loudness intensity level selected when listening to iPods.

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