Impacts of broadband sound on silver (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead (H. nobilis) carp hearing thresholds determined using auditory evoked potential audiometry

Invasive silver (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead (H. nobilis) carp, collectively referred to as bigheaded carps, threaten aquatic ecosystems of the Upper Midwestern USA. Due to the extensive ecological impacts associated with these species, prevention of their further range expansion is the aim for fisheries management. Recent behavioral studies indicate bigheaded carps are deterred by acoustic barriers and exhibit negative phonotaxis in response to anthropogenic sound sources (≥ 150 dB re 1 μPa). However, the impact of long-term exposure to these sounds on the hearing capabilities of bigheaded carps has not been well documented. In this study, the auditory evoked potential (AEP) technique was used to determine auditory thresholds among bigheaded carps before and after exposure to high intensity (155.7 ± 4.7 dB re 1 μPa SPL_rms; − 8.0 ± 4.7 dB re 1 ms⁻² PAL_rms; mean ± SD) broadband sound. Fish were exposed to sound for 30 min or 24 h and AEP measurements were taken at three time points: immediately after exposure, 48 h, or 96 h later. Results indicate that silver and bighead carp experience temporary threshold shifts (TTSs) in frequency detection following sound exposure with the magnitude and length of TTS correlated with exposure duration. The findings from this study will be used to increase the long-term efficacy of acoustical deterrent measures aimed at preventing further range expansion of bigheaded carps.