Features of the alterative effect of impulse noise on the auditory analyzer in athletes: prognosis, correction and prevention

Aim. This paper aims to study the alterative effects of impulse noise on the auditory analyzer in athletes based on audiological studies, as well as to define prognostic criteria for hearing loss and to improve therapeutic and preventive measures. Materials and methods. Twenty-two skeet shooters at the age of 19-55 years were examined between March and October 2019 at the department of otorhinolaryngology of South Ural State Medical University. All participants provided their informed consent for examination and treatment. General clinical and audiological research was conducted in accordance with the current regulatory and legal documents on the danger and harm of impulse noise. The obtained data allowed us to conduct corrective (drug) therapy aimed at improving general and cellular metabolism and hemodynamics. Measures for hearing loss prevention were recommended. Objective and subjective indicators of the auditory analyzer, as well as the effect of drug therapy and preventive measures on the duration of recovery and athletic performance were studied. Asymptomatic hearing loss, which does not affect speech intelligibility, provokes a chronic progressive course of the disease, negatively affects athletic performance, health status and quality of life. Results. The majority of skeet shooters, regardless of age, often have auditory disorders due to noise-induced auditory overload (gunshot). Drug therapy contributes to both hemodynamics and microcirculation of the cochlea, improves general and cellular metabolism and leads to the improvement of the auditory analyzer and concentration of attention in athletes. Conclusion. The use of objective and subjective methods for studying the auditory analyzer combined with audiological research and medical examinations allows to perform sports selection among skeet shooters, to monitor the physiological state of their ear labyrinth and contributes to the timely implementation of therapeutic and preventive measures.