EFFECTS OF SUBMAXIMAL EXERCISE AND NOISE EXPOSURE ON HEARING-LOSS

A recent Scandinavian study reported that persons cycling at moderate intensity for 10 min suffered hearing loss when the exercise was accompanied by noise. The noise consisted of a‘A octave band-filtered noise with a 2000 Hz centerfrequency at 104 dB SPL. In the present study, adults cycled at 50 rev-min1 against a force that elicited an oxygen cost equal to 70% of V02max—an intensity frequently recommended in exercise prescriptions—with and without noise administered via headphones. Repeated measures ANOVA with three factors revealed that although a temporary hearing loss occurred following exerdse-and noise, a similar and slightly greater hearing loss occurred following noise-only. Hearing sensitivity was not significantly altered by exercise-only (p >. 05). In general, hearing loss values were greatest between 3000 and 4000 Hz. In conclusion, temporary hearing loss was driven by noise exposure, not exercise. However, persons who choose to exercise with personal headphones or in a noisy environment should be aware of potential premature hearing loss. © 1991 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.