Heightened visual attention does not affect inner ear function as measured by otoacoustic emissions.

ABSTRACT: Previous research has indicated that inner ear function might be modulated by visual attention, although the results have not been totally conclusive. Conceivably, modulation of hearing might occur due to stimulation of the cochlea via descending medial olivocochlear (MOC) neurons. The aim of the present study was to test whether increased visual attention caused corresponding changes in inner ear function, which was measured by the strength of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) recorded from the ear canal in response to a steady train of clicks. To manipulate attention, we asked subjects to attend to, or ignore, visual stimuli delivered according to an odd-ball paradigm. The subjects were presented with two types of visual stimuli: standard and deviant (20% of all stimuli, randomly presented).

SUBMITTER: Jedrzejczak WW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5742277 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature