Functional Changes in the Auditory Analyser during a Temporary Impact of Low-Frequency Vibration for the Treatment Of Sagittal Malocclusion

Nataliia Rashchenko; Bohdan Melnyk

doi:10.64124/DMR-2025-3-4-1

Authors

Nataliia Rashchenko Bogomolets National Medical University Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5565-6849
Bohdan Melnyk Bogomolets National Medical University Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2232-8181

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64124/DMR-2025-3-4-1

Abstract

This study, considering the diverse views of researchers on the impact of vibration on human sensory systems, investigates its effect on the auditory system. Low-frequency mechanical oscillations increase cell membrane permeability and enhance the circulation of organic compounds in blood vessels, thereby accelerating or normalizing metabolism. Vibration also activates redox processes in muscle tissues. However, analysis of current literature reveals no consensus among domestic and foreign researchers regarding its clinical application.
Aim: To investigate the effect of low-frequency vibration on the auditory system and to evaluate functional changes in the acoustic reflex during a temporary five-minute exposure applied in the treatment of sagittal malocclusion.
Materials and Methods: The study involved 20 patients aged 12–17 years with distal malocclusion and normal hearing, confirmed by pure-tone and speech audiometry. Pure-tone threshold audiometry was performed within the frequency range of 125–8000 Hz, along with speech audiometry.
Results: Recording of the acoustic reflex of the middle ear muscles before and after five minutes of vibration—using ipsilateral and contralateral presentation of a 1.0 kHz sound stimulus (1000 ms)—showed a 15.8% increase relative to baseline. In 52.6% of ipsilateral and 36.8% of contralateral cases, the reflex remained unchanged or decreased. After a ten-minute rest, amplitudes returned to baseline in 61.6% (ipsilateral) and 57.9% (contralateral) cases. By the 20th minute, full recovery was observed in all patients.
Conclusions: A five-minute exposure to an orthodontic vibrating device does not affect auditory sensitivity. Instead, it promotes activation rather than inhibition of the neuromuscular mechanism of the acoustic reflex, likely at the brainstem level. This effect is transient and does not alter the functional state of the auditory system.

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