Distortion product otoacoustic emission analysis in neonates exposed to secondhand smoke

Abstract

The habit of smoking puts the health of active and passive smokers at risk, with the damage to the auditory system in passive smokers, specifically neonates, being highlighted in this study. Studies have shown that passive smoking has a negative effect on cochlear function, with implications on damage to cochlear structures, and indicating a potential risk of hearing loss and impaired auditory skills. One means of identifying hearing impairment is by otoacoustic emissions, specifically distortionproduct otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE). A study by Durante As et al. (2013) showed that passive smoking has a negative effect on cochlear function, which is linked to damage to cochlear structures and indicates a potential risk of hearing loss and impairment of auditory skills. Thus, this study aims to investigate cochlear function by analyzing distortion-product otoacoustic emissions in neonates exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy and in the family environment. The hypothesis of this study is that cochlear function is reduced in the group of neonates exposed to secondhand smoke, and that the distortion product results are altered at 65/55 intensity.