A polymorphism in human estrogen-related receptor beta (ESRRβ) predicts audiometric temporary threshold shift.
Ishan Bhatt, Susan Phillips, Scott Richter and 4 others
PMID 27399974WHAT IT FOUND
Music students carrying a specific ESRRβ gene variant showed greater temporary hearing loss after brief noise exposure than those without it.
This suggests the variant may increase susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, though the study did not test permanent damage or general populations.
Key findings
01Participants with the ESRRβ CT genotype acquired an average 3.509 dB more temporary threshold shift (TTS) than those with the CC genotype.
02Those with the CT genotype also had significantly elevated pre-exposure hearing thresholds from 3000 to 6000Hz in both ears.
03The genotype did not significantly predict distortion product otoacoustic emission temporary level shifts (DPTLS), suggesting the primary effect was on hearing thresholds rather than cochlear amplifier function.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The sample was limited to college-aged music majors with self-reported European ancestry, so results may not generalize to other populations or occupational groups. The study used a volunteer sample which may not be representative of all musicians. The rare TT genotype was not included. Music exposure in the 48 hours prior to testing was not quantified, which could have influenced pre-exposure thresholds. The study measured temporary threshold shift, not permanent hearing loss.
Declared interests
Funding was provided by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the 3.509 dB greater temporary threshold shift as proof of permanent hearing loss or as a diagnostic test for the general population. The study measured short-term changes in a specific group of musicians, and the genetic variant is rare.