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Showing papers in "Noise & Health in 2020"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Experimental results show that certain noise can enhance environmental comfort and it is feasible, in the future, to use knowledge of colour noises to improve productivity in a workplace with a healthy environment.
Abstract: Introduction: As part of an effort to enhance the efficiency of workers, experiments relating to three types of noise exposure were conducted. Previous studies have proved that pink noise can cause a brain wave to reach a lower potential. In this study, we utilized physical methods, in cognitive experiments, to understand the impacts that three colour noises have on working efficiency. Subjects and Methods: All 22 participants were exposed to a sound environment of quiet, red, pink and white noises respectively. After a laboratory experiment, details of psychomotor speed, continuous performance, executive function and working memory were recorded. Results: Red, pink and white noises were significantly positive in comparison with the quiet environment of the psychomotor speed test. As for the continuous performance test, pink noise gave the only significantly positive result. Red, pink and white noise resulted in a better executive function test. Red and pink noise showed significantly positive improvement, while white noise was significantly positive in comparison with the quiet environment of the working memory test. In addition, the results from the comfort questionnaires showed that red and pink noise increase the possibility of better judgment, implementation, and overall environment. Conclusion: At present time, it is considered that noise has negative effects on hearing and health. However, experimental results show that certain noise can enhance environmental comfort. It is feasible, in the future, to use knowledge of colour noises to improve productivity in a workplace with a healthy environment.

9 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A systematic review of studies available in Pubmed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases was performed to assess whether epigenetic alterations may serve as biomarkers of noise exposure or early effect as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Background: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the leading causes of acquired sensorineural hearing loss. However, molecular mechanisms responsible for its pathogenesis remain to be elucidated. Epigenetic changes, i.e. DNA methylation, histone and microRNA expression modifications may function as a link between noise exposure and hearing loss. Therefore, the aim of the present review was to assess whether epigenetic alterations may serve as biomarkers of noise exposure or early effect. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of studies available in Pubmed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases was performed. Results: Noise exposure was able to induce alterations in DNA methylation levels in workers and animal models, resulting in expression changes of genes related to hearing loss and also to extra-auditory effects. Differently expressed microRNAs were determined in NIHL workers compared to noise-exposed subjects with normal hearing, supporting their possible role as biomarkers of effect. Acoustic trauma affected histon acethylation and methylation levels in animals, suggesting their influence in the pathogenesis of acute noise-induced damage and their role as targets for potential therapeutic treatments. Conclusions: Although preliminary data suggest a relationship between noise and epigenetic effects, the limited number of studies, their different methodologies and the lack of adequate characterization of acoustic insults prevent definite conclusions. In this context, further research aimed to define the epigenetic impact of workplace noise exposure and the role of such alterations in predicting hearing loss may be important for the adoption of correct risk assessment and management strategies in occupational settings.

4 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a Serbian version of YANS has been published, which is usable in Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, using a standard procedure: English-Serbian-English-Consensus (people fluent in English)-Pilot assessment (20 students).
Abstract: Context: Several language variations of YANS have been published. There is a rationale in grouping languages where one variation is usable for several countries. The people of four ex-Yugoslavian countries do speak practically one language whatever its present name. Aim: To make a Serbian version of YANS which would be usable in Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. Settings and Design: Translation and test-retest survey in a secondary school. Material and Methods: The translation process was performed according to the relevant guidelines through a standard procedure: English-Serbian-English-Consensus (people fluent in English)-Pilot assessment (20 students). The survey was performed in a Belgrade high school. Test YANS was completed by 244 students (response rate 98,8%, males 44%). Retest YANS was carried out among 60 randomly chosen students from the primary sample (response rate 96.7%, males 58%). In the statistical analysis we used the Olsen’s model of classification as well as previous validation of YANS. A reliability measure for analyzing survey items was Cronbach’s alpha. Determination of the mean differences between test and retest with respect to normal distribution of data was performed with the Student’s paired t-test. Results: Factor analysis between items grouped into four factors showed no significant association, except for a weak but negative one between two specific factors. The internal reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) was 0.721 and assessed as acceptable. The test-retest comparison did not reveal any significant differences. Mean overall YANS score was 2.76, which is higher than on testing in Sweden, very similar to the Brazilian one, and lower than in Belgium and China. Conclusion: Serbian version of YANS is a valid and reliable research instrument. It may also be used in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.

3 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This is the first study to explain the noise effects on sleep with the consideration of neurophysiology and epidemiology, and the mean of the sound level above 60 dB can be successfully used, irrespective of the duration of noise exposure.
Abstract: Background: The effects of environmental noise on sleep are of great interest to public health. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate these effects; however, these previous studies applied existing sound-level statistics that were not based on neurophysiology. Aims: This study aimed to develop a new night-time noise index based on neurophysiology and epidemiology. Methods: First, we derived a formula for predicting the noise effects on sleep based on a neurophysiological model of brainstem sleep regulation, where awakening was associated with greater electrical potentials in the brainstem. Second, we investigated the noise effects on sleep using the results of an epidemiological study conducted in the vicinity of the Kadena military airfield in Okinawa, Japan. Thirty volunteers participated in the study. Vibrations of whole-body movements were recorded using sheet-shaped sleep monitors for 26 consecutive nights. The onset of motility, which was defined by monitor vibrations, was used to index awakening reactions. Results: Our statistical model could properly predict the fluctuating risk of motility onset. The new index, which is the mean of the sound level above 60 dB, can be successfully used, irrespective of the duration of noise exposure. Additionally, it out-performed existing event-related noise indices. Conclusions: We derived a new night-time noise index for evaluating the noise effects on sleep. To our knowledge, this is the first study to explain the noise effects on sleep with the consideration of neurophysiology and epidemiology.

2 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The combined influence of road and railway noise showed an increase of total annoyance.
Abstract: Context: The aim of this study was to verify the contributing effect in the cases of combined road traffic noise and railroad traffic noise on total noise annoyance. Materials and Methods: After opening the four-track railway of the Lower Inn Valley Route in Austria, an evaluation study was conducted by an interview survey (n=1003). The data of this survey included answers on annoyance caused by railroad, road traffic noise and total annoyance as well as self-evaluated noise sensitivity. Results: When annoyance is only related to one of these sources, a 10% share of highly annoyed persons was observed at 59 dB for road noise and 60 dB for railroad noise. The annoyance model including both noise sources with a coefficient of 0.145 for road noise, 0.034 for railroad noise and 0.431 for noise sensitivity (all p-values

2 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the relationship between chronic noise exposure and the effects of adrenergic alpha-2 receptor antagonists, beditin and mesedin, on the anxiety and oxidation of plasma proteins and fibrinogen in rats.
Abstract: Background: Noise is one of the environmental factors, which is considered as a powerful stressor for the organism. Generally, the acoustic stress affects the behavior and physiological state of humans and animals. Aims: The goal of this study is to investigate the relationship between chronic noise exposure and the effects of adrenergic alpha-2 receptor antagonists, beditin and mesedin, on the anxiety and oxidation of plasma proteins and fibrinogen in rats. Methods: The experiments were carried out on non-linear albino male rats, divided into four groups (six animals in each): 1. Healthy controls 2. Exposed to noise of a level 91 dB(A), eight hours daily, during 7, 30 and 60 days; 3. Injected with 2 mg/kg of beditin (2-(2-amino-4-thiazolyl)-1,4-benzodioxane hydrochloride)); 4. Injected with 10 mg/kg mesedin (2-(2-methyl-amino-thiozolyl)-1,4-benzodioxane hydrochloride). For evaluating the cognitive impairment, the Any-maze test was applied. The level of carbonylation of proteins was assessed by reaction with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine, spectrophotometrically. Results: Chronic noise decreased locomotor activity and increased anxiety and oxidation of plasma protein and fibrinogen. Intensity of these changes were dependent on the duration of noise exposure. Conclusion: The Alpha 2 adrenoblockers alleviate oxidative modification of plasma proteins and reduce the cognitive impairment caused by chronic exposure to noise.

2 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 military personnel during their routine medical examinations to estimate the prevalence of hearing loss (HL) among military personnel, to analyse associations between HL and self-reported occupational and leisure noise exposure, and use of PPEs.
Abstract: Context: Hearing loss (HL) is a major health concern among military personnel due to noise from shooting, blasts, military vehicles, and noisy training environments. Nevertheless, one’s exposure can be partially reduced by using personal protective equipment (PPE). The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of HL among military personnel, to analyse associations between HL and self-reported occupational and leisure noise exposure, and use of PPEs. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 military personnel during their routine medical examinations. First, all participants filled in a questionnaire about their exposure to noise and later the respondents went through an audiometric test. The diagnostic criteria for slight, moderate, and severe HL was HL of 25–40, 41–60, and >60 dB at 4 and 6 kHz, respectively. The associations between noise exposure and HL were studied with multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of slight to severe HL in high frequencies (4 and 6 kHz) among study participants was 62.7%. Nevertheless, the majority of it was slight, as the prevalence of severe HL was 9.3%. The prevalence of any kind of HL was highest in the Navy and the prevalence of severe HL was highest in the Central Command Units. The relative risk ratios (RRRs) for HL were higher among those who had been working for a long time in a noisy environment, working with noise-producing equipment, driving in a PASI or a Bandvagn or had been shooting with blanks at least once per week. It also appeared that military personnel who had HL, reported tinnitus more often. Respondents’ previous health problems, music-listening habits, and amount of exposure to loud noise in non-military environments were not independently associated with HL, but in several cases it increased the RRRs together with military exposure. We also found significantly more frequent HL among those never using PPEs. Conclusion: HL loss was more prevalent among personnel who are more often exposed to military noise, especially among those who never use PPEs. The effect was enhanced by leisure time noise, but it was not independently associated to HL.

1 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the auditory functions of cochleovestibular diseases were investigated in hyperinsulinemic individuals. But, the authors focused on the auditory function of the patients.
Abstract: Context: Hyperinsulinemia is the most common metabolic change associated with cochleovestibular diseases. Aim: We aimed to investigate the auditory functions in hyperinsulinemic individuals. Settings and Design: A total of 164 patients were included in this case-control study. While 76 patients with insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] of ≥2.5) constituted the case group, 88 patients with HOMA-IR values of

1 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Though the public is aware of some of the basic facts related to noise in hospitals, there is a need to create public awareness and to train Audiologists regarding hearing conservation program in hospital setups.
Abstract: Introduction: Hospitals are categorized under silent zone, but noise pollution in this setup is inevitable. The noise in hospitals may have adverse effects on the patients, caregivers and professionals working in hospitals. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine awareness of public regarding noise pollution in hospitals, its health effects and mitigation measures. Method: The present study was an internet-based questionnaire survey. The questionnaire consisted of a common Section-I for all participants and an additional Section-II for participants of the study who were Audiologists. Descriptive statistical analysis was done on the acquired data. Results: 174 completed questionnaires were received and analysed, out of which 108 were general public and 66 were Audiologists. The data analysis revealed that the public is aware of the presence of noise in hospitals, some of its overt health effects and measures that can be taken to control the noise pollution in hospitals. Only 22.7% Audiologists who participated in the study were aware of the more technical aspects like permissible noise level in hospitals and their response was similar to that of the general public. Conclusion: Though the public is aware of some of the basic facts related to noise in hospitals, there is a need to create public awareness and to train Audiologists regarding hearing conservation program in hospital setups.

1 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, two aspects of noise annoyance were addressed: (1) the disturbance produced by vehicle pass-by noise while engaging in a challenging non-auditory task, and (2) the evaluative response elicited by the same sounds while imagining to relax at home in the absence of a primary activity.
Abstract: Introduction: Two aspects of noise annoyance were addressed in the present laboratory study: (1) the disturbance produced by vehicle pass-by noise while engaging in a challenging non-auditory task, and (2) the evaluative response elicited by the same sounds while imagining to relax at home in the absence of a primary activity. Methods and Material: In Experiment 1, N = 29 participants were exposed to short (3-6 s) pass-by recordings presented at graded levels between 50 and 70 dB(A). Concurrent with each sound presentation, they performed a visual multiple-object tracking task, and subsequently rated the annoyance of the sounds on a VAS scale. In Experiment 2, N = 30 participants judged the sounds while imagining to relax, without such a cognitive task. Results and Discussion: Annoyance was reduced when participants were engaged in the cognitively demanding task, in Experiment 1. Furthermore, when occupied with the task, annoyance slightly, but significantly increased with task load. Across both experiments, the magnitude of simultaneously recorded skin conductance responses in the first 1-4 s after the onset of stimulation increased significantly with sound pressure level. Annoyance ratings tended to be elevated across all sound levels, though significantly only in Experiment 2, in participants classified as noise sensitive based on a 52-item questionnaire. Conclusions: The results suggest that noise annoyance depends on the primary activity the listener is engaged in. They demonstrate that phasic skin conductance responses may serve as an objective correlate of the degree of annoyance experienced. Finally, noise sensitivity is once more shown to augment annoyance ratings in an additive fashion.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the insertion loss of an ear plug was measured using the E-A-Rfit procedure by 3M on a large sample of 36 female and 64 male subjects.
Abstract: Introduction: In order to establish the acceptability of a hearing protector device (HPD) used in a given noisy environment, two key elements must be known with the highest possible accuracy: the insertion loss of the HPD and the associated variability. Methods leading to objective field measurements of insertion loss have become widely available in the last decade and have started to replace the traditional subjective “Real-Ear Attenuation at Threshold” (REAT) laboratory measurements. The latter have long been known to provide a gross overestimate of the attenuation, thus leading to a strong underestimate of the worker’s exposure to noise. Methods: In this work we present objective measurements of the insertion loss of an ear plug, carried out using the E-A-Rfit procedure by 3M on a large sample of 36 female and 64 male subjects. This large number of independent measurements has been exploited to calculate the distribution function of effective noise levels, that is noise levels that take into account the use of the HPD. The knowledge of the distribution function has in its turn allowed the calculation of the uncertainty on the effective noise levels. Results: This new estimate of uncertainty (6 to 7 dB) is significantly larger than most previous estimates, which range between 4 and 5 dB when using objective data but with an improper uncertainty propagation, and around 3 dB when using REAT subjective data. We show that the revised new estimate of uncertainty is much more realistic as it includes contributions that are missed by the other methods. Conclusions: By plugging this revised estimate of uncertainty into the criterion for checking the acceptability of the HPD, a better assessment of the actual protection provided by the HPD itself is possible.