PP1008 - Auditory Processing and Hearing Health in University Musicians: Cognitive Benefits and Hidden Risks

Abstract:
This cross-sectional study explores the impact of musical training on auditory processing in university-level musicians. By comparing musicians and non-musicians, we aim to assess P300 event-related potentials as indicators of enhanced auditory attention and memory in musicians. Additionally, we examine potential cochlear stress using otoacoustic emissions to detect early signs of damage from noise exposure. We hypothesize that musicians will exhibit superior P300 responses but may show decreased otoacoustic emissions, suggesting cochlear hair cell damage. The study will provide insights into both the cognitive benefits and auditory health risks associated with intensive musical training at the university level.

Summary:
Objective
This study explores the relationship between musical training and auditory processing in university music students, focusing on central auditory function and cochlear health. By comparing musicians and non-musicians through P300 event-related potentials (P300) and otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), we aim to assess both cognitive benefits and risks of noise exposure. We hypothesize that musicians will exhibit enhanced P300 responses, indicating improved auditory attention and memory, while potentially showing early signs of cochlear damage from noise exposure.

Rationale/Purpose
Musical training involves specialized auditory practice, improving a musician’s ability to perceive pitch, rhythm, and tempo. This training is linked to enhanced cognitive functions, particularly auditory attention and memory. The P300 component of ERPs, a measure of auditory attention and cognitive speed, is expected to be stronger in musicians, reflecting greater cognitive efficiency developed through training.

However, frequent exposure to loud sounds in practice and performance environments raises concerns about hearing health. Musicians are at higher risk for noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, and hyperacusis, which can affect their performance and quality of life. Otoacoustic emissions will help detect early cochlear damage, even when standard hearing tests show no issues. This research provides a comprehensive look at both the cognitive benefits and auditory health risks of musical training.

Hypotheses

P300

Results: Musicians will likely exhibit superior P300 responses, including higher amplitudes and shorter latencies, indicating better auditory attention and memory processing. This suggests that musical training enhances cognitive resilience in auditory tasks.
Cochlear Health: Musicians may show reduced otoacoustic emissions, suggesting early cochlear stress or damage from prolonged exposure to loud noise, despite not yet exhibiting hearing loss on standard audiometry.
Methods
This cross-sectional study includes university students, aged 18 and older, both musicians and non-musicians. Exclusion criteria include being under 18 or not currently enrolled. Auditory processing will be measured through P300 ERPs, and cochlear health will be evaluated using otoacoustic emissions. A questionnaire will also gather information on participants' musical training and noise exposure, allowing for an analysis of the relationship between musical experience and auditory outcomes.

Results and Conclusions
We anticipate that musicians will show enhanced P300 amplitudes and shorter latencies, reflecting improved auditory attention and faster cognitive processing. Musicians may also demonstrate better cortical inhibition, allowing them to focus on relevant sounds while ignoring distractions. However, otoacoustic emissions may reveal early cochlear damage in the musician group, indicating that intensive musical training could carry risks for long-term auditory health. These findings will provide new insights into the dual effects of musical training—highlighting both cognitive advantages and potential auditory risks.

Importance of Work
This study addresses gaps in the literature on university-level musicians, offering a deeper understanding of how musical training shapes both cognitive and auditory health. The findings could inform music education programs and highlight the importance of monitoring musicians' hearing health throughout their careers to prevent long-term damage.