Sanal Gerçeklik Ortamında Uzamsal Öğrenme ve Hafıza Görevlerinin Gürültülü Ortamlarda Çalışan Yetişkinlerde Araştırılması

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the possible effects of functional impairments on spatial learning and memory abilities, which may be caused by exposure to noise in the daily working environment. For this purpose, a total of 4 groups consisting of individuals between the ages of 18-40 working in a noisy environment without hearing loss, working in a noisy environment with noise-induced hearing loss, whose hearing loss is not due to noise, and who do not work in noisy environment and without hearing loss, were included in the study. There are 15 individuals in each group. The virtual Morris water maze test based on virtual reality was used to evaluate the spatial learning and memory abilities of individuals. In the test setup consisting of a total of 4 blocks, the groups’ time to reach the goal (latency) and path length were evaluated, and there was no significant difference amongst groups (latency block1 p=0.636; block2 p=0.171 block3 p=0.435; block4 p=0.729, path score block1 p=0.970, block2 p=0.897, block3 p=0.116, block4 p=0.577). In addition, there was no significant difference amongst the groups in terms of time spent in the correct quarter of the pool at the stage when spatial memory ability was evaluated (p=0.730). In conclusion, when evaluating spatial learning and memory abilities of individuals exposed to noise in the daily working environment, it may be beneficial to support the results with imaging methods instead of using only behavioural tests. In addition, since it is very important for successful aging to ensure that individuals exposed to noise in the daily working environment are directed to appropriate intervention/protection programs, auditory system and vestibular system controls should be done regularly.