VOCALIZATION ACTIVITY OF PET PARROTS AS A POTENTIAL FACTOR OF SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS: PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS AND CLINICAL OBSERVATION

Abstract

Relevance: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) remains one of the most prevalent auditory disorders among adults, with etiologies encompassing both endogenous and exogenous factors. While the deleterious effects of occupational and impulse noise have been extensively studied, the role of domestic acoustic sources—particularly loud vocalizations of companion birds—remains largely overlooked.

Results: This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the potential auditory impact associated with vocalizations of pet parrots, especially larger species from the Cacatuidae and Psittacidae families, whose calls can exceed 120-140 dB. The article outlines the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cochlear damage due to chronic noise exposure, including outer hair cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and synaptopathy. A clinical case of high-frequency SNHL in a long-term owner of a Senegal parrot (Poicephalus senegalus) is described, which served as the basis for the initial research hypothesis. Additionally, behavioural and environmental factors contributing to increased vocal activity in parrots are examined.

 Preventive strategies are proposed to mitigate auditory risks for individuals living in close proximity to loud bird species. The findings underscore the need for further interdisciplinary research at the intersection of otology, animal behaviour, and residential acoustic hygiene.