“Testing the Equal Energy Hypothesis in Noise-exposed Fishes.”

Michael E. Smith , Ph.D., Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101

There is current interest in the effects of loud, man-made sounds (such as those produced by sonar, seismic surveys, and shipping) on aquatic organisms. Since data on the effects of such noise on fishes is lacking, we will test the Equal Energy Hypothesis (EEH) as a predictive model of noise-induced hearing loss in three species of fishes. This hypothesis states that the same magnitude of noise-induced hearing loss is expected from various sound sources as long as they have equivalent total energy. Fish will be exposed to various combinations of intensity and duration of white noise that result in the same total energy. Electrophysiological hearing tests (via recording auditory evoked potentials) will be performed on each fish before and after noise exposure to quantify hearing loss. The ability to predict hearing loss in fishes will allow fisheries managers to better assess environmental impacts of anthropogenic underwater sounds.

Michael E. Smith, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology
Western Kentucky University
1906 College Heights Blvd., #11080
Bowling Green, KY 42101
Phone: 270-745-2405
Fax: 270-745-6856
michael.smith1@wku.edu