Effect of passive smoking on auditory temporal resolution in children

Abstract

Objective:To determine the effect of passive smoking on auditory temporal resolution in primary schoolchildren, based on the hypothesis that individuals who are exposed to smoking exhibit impairedperformance.Design:Auditory temporal resolution was evaluated using the Gaps In Noise (GIN) test. Exposure topassive smoking was assessed by measuring nicotine metabolite (cotinine) excreted in thefirst urine ofthe day.Study sample:The study included 90 children with mean age of 10.2±0.1 years old from a public schoolin S~ao Paulo. Participants were divided into two groups: a study group, comprising 45 children exposedto passive smoking (cotinine>5 ng/mL); and a control group, constituting 45 children who were notexposed to passive smoking. All participants had normal audiometry and immittance test results.Results:Statistically significant differences (p<0.005) in performance on the GIN test were found be-tween the two groups, with mean thresholds of 5.3 ms and 68.9% correct responses in the study groupversus 4.6 ms and 74.0% in the control group.Conclusion:The children exposed to passive smoking had poorer performance both in terms ofthresholds and correct responses percentage on auditory temporal resolution assessment.