The Effects of Ultrasonic Noise Exposure on Human Hearing

The aim of this research is to investigate the effects of ultrasonic noise exposure on the human auditory system (how it effects hearing). Current international regulations concerning ultrasound exposure differs significantly and are based on scarce and outdated scientific data; hence the motivation for this research. A cohort of 20 audiometrically healthy volunteers will undergo pure tone audiometry (PTA); a standard test for hearing sensitivity, at both pre and post exposure to ultrasonic noise (40kHz for 15 min at 120 dB SPL). A subgroup of 10 subjects will be used as a control group. The resulting audiograms will establish the extent of any recoverable loss in hearing sensitivity known as temporary threshold shifts (TTS).