This study investigates the potential impact of obesity on auditory efferent system function in individuals diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Specifically, it focuses on assessing contralateral suppression of Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs), a non-invasive, objective method for evaluating the integrity of the cochlear outer hair cells and the medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferent system.
Participants will undergo a brief and painless auditory test, during which DPOAEs are recorded both in quiet and with contralateral acoustic stimulation. This approach allows for the assessment of the brainstem's ability to suppress cochlear responses, which reflects central auditory processing capabilities.
By comparing suppression patterns across participants with different body mass index (BMI) classifications, the study aims to identify whether obesity contributes to functional changes in the auditory efferent system among MS patients.
The outcomes of this research may enhance the understanding of how metabolic factors such as obesity interact with neurological conditions like MS, potentially guiding more personalized clinical monitoring and interventions.
