noise induced vestibular damage

There are increasing evidences about the vestibular damage caused by the exposure to noise. Histological and functional derangements of the vestibular system have been reported in laboratory animals exposed to high levels of noise. However, clinical series describe contradictory results with regard to vestibular disturbances in industrial workers and military personnel suffering from noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). Animal studies have proved that crista ampullaris bears the most disturbances, though some damages have been also detected in macula of the utricle and saccule and utricle. These changes have been induced due to acoustical pressure on the vestibular labyrinth. The findings from the experiments regarding vestibular function in patients suffering NIHL have shown a paramount diminish in vestibulo-occular Reflex (VOR). The correlation among NIHL, VOR and unilateral caloric weakness were statistically significant which can be due to a common mechanism of disturbances in the function of cochlea and vestibule.