Effect of Walking on Otoacoustic Emissions and Speech Perception in Noise

Abstract

Regular physical activity has been associated with a range of health benefits, including potential improvements in auditory function. This study investigated the effect of a short-term moderate intensity walking regime on cochlear functions and speech perception performance in noise among sedentary young adults. Specifically, the study evaluated the changes in speech perception in noise (SPIN), distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) in walking and non-walking groups over a period of 30 days. Sixty sedentary individuals aged 18–40 years were randomly assigned to the walking group and a non-walking group. The walking group engaged in 40 minutes of brisk walking (100 steps per minute) five days per week for a period of 30 days. Auditory outcomes, including SPIN, TEOAEs, and DPOAEs, were measured at baseline, 15 days, and 30 days. SPIN scores, DPOAE, and TEOAE were recorded and statistically analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. No significant changes in SPIN scores were found across time in both walking and non-walking groups, indicating that a short-term moderate walking regime did not enhance central auditory speech processing ability. No significant changes in TEOAEs and DPOAEs amplitude were also found across time in walking and non-walking groups. A short-term moderate intensity walking regime appears to be insufficient to elicit measurable changes in cochlear functions and central auditory processing of speech perception in noise. Longer and more intensive regimes may be needed to observe broader auditory benefits.