The influence of eye colour upon temporary threshold shift.

Controversy has arisen over the claim that melanin content of the iris as determined by eye colouration bears a direct relationship to susceptibility to temporary threshold shifts (TTS). A more comprehensive investigation of TTS has now been carried out which not only confirms the relationship but also indicates that earlier discordant results can be attributed to differences in methodology. The new evidence suggests that for stimulus intensities below 110 dB. (HTL re ISO, 1964) melanin content of the iris exerts its influence predominantly upon auditory adaptation while fatigue effects only become apparent at intensities above this level. The relevance of these findings to hearing conservation measures aimed at the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss is discussed.