MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Noise and Health' source. Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:01:19 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3285124&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20160385%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bronzaft AL From the latter part of the 19 th century, when New York City trains began to operate, until the present time, New York City's Transit Authority has received train noise complaints from riders and residents living near its transit system. The growing body of literature demonstrating the adverse effects of noise on physical and mental health raises the question as to whether transit noise is hazardous to the health of New York City's transit riders and residents living near the transit system. Several studies have examined the impacts of the noise of New York's transit system on hearing, health and learning. Despite the Transit Authority's efforts to remedy transit noise in response to complaints, the noise problem has not yet been satisfactorily ameliorated. This p... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3285124 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3285124 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3285123&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20160386%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, the reported physical and mental health variables were not associated with noise exposure but with noise annoyance, and were interpreted to reflect nonspecific codeterminants of annoyance rather than noise effects. Noise sensitivity was found to influence total noise annoyance and aircraft noise annoyance but to a lesser degree annoyance due to road traffic noise. Noise sensitivity was associated with reported physical health, but not with reported mental health. Noise-sensitive persons reported poorer environmental quality in their residential area than less sensitive persons in particular with regard to air traffic (including the facets noise, pollution, and contaminations) and quietness. Other aspects of the perceived quality of the environment were scarcely associated wi... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3285123 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3285123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3285122&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20160387%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kroesen M, Molin EJ, Wee B In this paper, an attempt is made to establish the direction of causality between a range of psychological factors and aircraft noise annoyance. For this purpose, a panel model was estimated within a structural equation modeling approach. Data were gathered from two surveys conducted in April 2006 and April 2008, respectively, among the same residents living within the 45 Level day-evening-night contour of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the largest airport in the Netherlands (n=250). A surprising result is that none of the paths from the psychological factors to aircraft noise annoyance were found to be significant. Yet 2 effects were significant the other way around: (1) from 'aircraft noise annoyance' to 'concern about the negative health effects of n... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3285122 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3285122 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3285121&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20160388%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Elliott RM, McKinley SM, Eager D High technology and activity levels in the intensive care unit (ICU) lead to elevated and disturbing sound levels. As noise has been shown to affect the ability of patients to rest and sleep, continuous sound levels are required during sleep investigations. The aim of this pilot study was to develop a robust protocol to measure continuous sound levels for a larger more substantive future study to improve sleep for the ICU patient. A review of published studies of sound levels in intensive care settings revealed sufficient information to develop a study protocol. The study protocol resulted in 10 usable recordings out of 11 attempts to collect pilot data. The mean recording time was 17.49 +/- 4.5 h. Sound levels exceeded recommendations made by ... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3285121 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3285121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3285120&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20160389%26dopt%3DAbstract This study was undertaken to assess heat and noise exposure and occupational safety practices in small and medium scale casting and forging units (SMEs) of Northern India. We conducted personal interviews of 350 male workers of these units through a comprehensive questionnaire and collected information on heat and noise exposure, use of protective equipment, sweat loss and water intake, working hour. The ambient wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT index) was measured using quest temp 34/36o area heat stress monitor. A-weighted Leq ambient noise was measured using a quest sound level meter "ANSI SI. 43-1997 (R 2002) type-1 model SOUNDPRO SE/DL". We also incorporated OSHA norms for hearing conservation which include - an exchange rate of 5dB(A), criterion level at 90dB(A), criterion time of eig... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3285120 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3285120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3285119&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20160390%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Karimi A, Nasiri S, Kazerooni FK, Oliaei M Hearing sense is one of the key elements which may have impact on the driver's task quality. This cross-sectional study investigates the hearing status of 500 truck drivers by pure tone audiometry (AC) in one of the cities in Fars province, Iran. Hearing threshold levels of the subjects were measured in frequencies of 500Hz-8000Hz. Screening and determination of permanent threshold shift (PTS) was the first aim of this study. Hence tests were done at least 16 hours after any exposure to noticeable sound. The effect of age as a confounding factor was considered using ISO equation and subtracted from whole hearing threshold. The threshold of 25 dB HL and above was considered abnormal but the calculation of hearing was also carried out u... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3285119 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3285119 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3285116&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20160391%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Saini R, Saini G, Saini S, PMID: 20160391 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3285116 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3285116 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2872598&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19805925%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Borchgrevink HM It is well established that intermittent noise exposure characteristically produces less hearing loss than equal energy/intensity continuous noise in animal models. Ongoing different shift work regimes open for direct studies on hearing effects of intermittent noise exposure in man without ethical concern. Amazingly, few such studies are reported. In one recent study in the present volume, noise-exposed employees working 12 hours a day for two consecutive days followed by two days off, the cycle then repeated, had significantly lower permanent hearing loss than employees working nine-hour shifts from 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. This commentary refers to the few studies reported, gives a short overview of the mechanisms behind noise-induced hearing loss and t... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2872598 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2872598 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2872597&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19805926%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, working a 12-hour shift followed by a day off is best for workers and hearing protection should be provided in high noise areas. PMID: 19805926 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2872597 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2872597 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2872596&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19805927%26dopt%3DAbstract The objective of this study is to develop an empirical noise prediction model for the evaluation of equivalent noise levels (Leq) under interrupted traffic flow conditions. A new factor tendency to blow horn (A H ) was introduced in the conventional federal highway administrative noise prediction (FHWA) model and a comparative study was made between FHWA and modified FHWA models to evaluate the best suitability of the model. Monitoring and modeling of Leq were carried out at four selected intersections of Jaipur city. After comparison of the results, it was found that the modified FHWA model could be satisfactorily applied for Indian conditions as it gives acceptable results with a deviation of 3 dB (A). In addition, statistical analysis of the data comprising measured and estimated values... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2872596 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2872596 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2872595&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19805928%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ljung R, Sorqvist P, Hygge S Irrelevant speech in classrooms and road traffic noise adjacent to schools have a substantial impact on children's ability to learn. Comparing the effects of different noise sources on learning may help construct guidelines for noise abatement programs. Experimental studies are important to establish dose-response relationships and to expand our knowledge beyond correlation studies. This experiment examined effects of road traffic noise and irrelevant speech on children's reading speed, reading comprehension, basic mathematics, and mathematical reasoning. A total of 187 pupils (89 girls and 98 boys), 12-13 years old, were tested in their ordinary classrooms. Road traffic noise was found to impair reading speed (P < 0.01) and basic mathematics (P... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2872595 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2872595 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2872594&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19805929%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Abel SM, Boyne S, Roesler-Mulroney H Conventional hearing protection devices result in decrements mainly in the ability to distinguish front from rearward sound sources. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of wearing an earplug with advanced communications capability, in combination with an army helmet, on horizontal plane speaker identification. Ten normal-hearing male subjects were tested in a semi-reverberant sound proof booth under eight conditions defined by combinations of two levels of ear occlusion (unoccluded and occluded by the earplug) and four levels of the helmet (head bare and fitted with the helmet modified to give no, partial and full ear coverage). Percent correct speaker identification was assessed using a horizontal array of eight loudspeaker... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2872594 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2872594 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2872593&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19805930%26dopt%3DAbstract This study aims to develop a neuro-fuzzy model to predict the effects of noise pollution on human work efficiency as a function of noise level, exposure time, and age of the operators doing complex type of task. PMID: 19805930 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2872593 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2872593 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2872592&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19805931%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Breimhorst M, Marks A, Robens S, Griefahn B This analysis is on the hypothesis that nocturnal traffic noise affects sleep quality whereas performance decrement is avoided by increased effort expressed by a decrease in blink rates (BRs) during a visual task. Twenty-four persons (12 women, 12 men; 19-28 years, 23.56 +/- 2.49 years) slept during three consecutive weeks in the laboratory while exposed to road, rail, or aircraft noise with weekly permuted changes. Each week consisted of a random sequence of a quiet night (32 dBA) and three nights with equivalent noise levels of 39, 44 and 50 dBA respectively. The polysomnogram was recorded during all nights. Every morning the participants rated their sleep quality and then completed two executive tasks (Go/Nogo-, Switch-task). Neit... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2872592 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2872592 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2872591&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19805932%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, impulses produced outdoors by consumer firecrackers were recorded, described, and analyzed with respect to the amount of the auditory risk they pose to the unprotected listener under various listening conditions. Risk estimates were obtained using three contemporary damage risk criteria (DRC), including a waveform parameter-based approach (peak SPL and B duration), an energy-based criterion (A-weighted sound exposure level and equivalent continuous level), and a physiological model (the AHAAH model developed by Price and Kalb). Results from these DRC were converted into numbers of maximum permissible unprotected exposures to facilitate comparison. Acoustic characteristics of firecracker impulses varied with the distance, but only subtle differences were observed across firec... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2872591 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2872591 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2872590&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19805933%26dopt%3DAbstract This study records, describes and analyzes impulses produced outdoors by civilian firearms with respect to the amount of auditory risk they pose to the unprotected listener under various listening conditions. Risk estimates were obtained using three contemporary damage risk criteria (DRC) including a waveform parameter-based approach (peak SPL and B-duration), an energy-based criterion (A-weighted SEL and equivalent continuous level) and a physiological model (AHAAH). Results from these DRC were converted into a number of maximum permissible unprotected exposures to facilitate interpretation. Acoustic characteristics of firearm impulses differed substantially across guns, ammunition, and microphone location. The type of gun, ammunition and the microphone location all significantly affected... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2872590 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2872590 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2611753&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19602764%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fligor BJ PMID: 19602764 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2611753 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2611753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2611752&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19602765%26dopt%3DAbstract This study looked at output levels produced by new generation personal music systems (PMS), at the level of eardrum by placing the probe microphone in the ear canal. Further, the effect of these PMS on hearing was evaluated by comparing the distortion product otoacoustic emissions and high frequency pure tone thresholds (from 3 kHz to 12 kHz) of individuals who use PMS to that of age matched controls who did not use PMS. The relationship between output sound pressure levels and hearing measures was also evaluated. In Phase I output SPLs produced by the PMS were measured in three different conditions - a) at volume control setting that was preferred by the subjects in quiet b) at volume control setting that was preferred by the subject in presence of 65 dB SPL bus noise c) at maximum volume... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2611752 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2611752 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2611751&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19602766%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Prasher D Heavy metals are chemical elements with a specific gravity that is atleast five times that of water which is 1 at 4 degrees C. The commonly encountered heavy metals are lead,mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. Lead levels in children continue to be a health hazard as the current limit of 10ug/dL is considered too high with the WHO estimate of 40% of children having blood levels greater than 5ug/dL. Some authors have suggested a new limit should be set at 2ug/dL. There are substantial differences in the literature regarding the effects of lead on hearing as assessed by pure tone audiometry. Mercury causes hearing loss and neurological dysfunction in Humans and animals. Methyl mercury is considered a more toxic compound to mercuric chloride. Cadmium causes a range of health... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2611751 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2611751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2611750&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19602767%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Achutan C In March 2007, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) was asked to evaluate the noise exposure of employees in the Nutrition and Food Services Department of a large hospital, because of noise concerns raised after the installation of the PowerSoak (R) dishwashing system. Eleven employees (two cooks, eight food service workers, and a materials handler) contributed 13 full-shift and two task-based personal noise dosimetry measures over two days. The noise levels for two food service workers assigned to the pots and pans room (85.1 and 85.2dBA), a cook working in the food preparation area (85.9 dBA), and a food service worker assigned to the dishwashing room (89.5 dBA) exceeded the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL); however, none of the m... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2611750 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2611750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2611749&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19602768%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Prasher D Noise is a stressor. Noise-induced stress can lead to release of stress hormones. Acute stress whether physical or psychological is necessary for adaptation to change. However, chronic stress can lead to the persistent elevation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical hormones, which are detrimental to health and can lead to disease states. It has also been suggested that there may be multiple interactions between the sympathetic and the complex feedback neuroendocrine systems, which interact with the immune system, in the genesis of the observed effects. Thus noise stress may be a factor contributing to the mechanisms of noise-induced hearing loss through alterations in the cell-mediated immune response. Other than the noise stress acting directly, it may also have... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2611749 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2611749 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2611748&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19602769%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ratnayake SA, Jayarajan V, Bartlett J There have been several studies that have demonstrated a link between the hearing loss of subjects and tinnitus. However, there has been no systematic evaluation of the link between perceived tinnitus distress and an underlying hearing loss. The purpose of the current study is to explore this association, and ascertain whether a subject's hearing loss contributes to the handicap caused by tinnitus. A group of 96 adults were evaluated with Pure Tone Audiometry and a questionnaire that included the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). In 58% of the subjects, the side of the unilateral or worse tinnitus corresponded with the ear with poorer hearing thresholds. A subset of the THI, the Two Question Mean (TQM) that was related to questions with r... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2611748 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2611748 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2611747&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19602770%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Babisch W, Kamp I Noise is a stressor that affects the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system. Under conditions of chronic noise stress the cardiovascular system may adversely be affected. Epidemiological noise studies regarding the relationship between aircraft noise and cardiovascular effects have been carried out on adults and on children focussing on mean blood pressure, hypertension and ischemic heart diseases as cardiovascular endpoints. While there is evidence that road traffic noise increases the risk of ischemic heart disease, including myocardial infarction, there is less such evidence for such an association with aircraft noise. This is partly due to the fact that large scale clinical studies are missing. There is sufficient qualitative evidence, however,... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2611747 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2611747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2611746&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19602771%26dopt%3DAbstract This study examines whether the reduction in road traffic noise following the introduction of a bypass leads to reduction in noise annoyance and common mental disorder and an improvement in quality of life. Repeated measures field study with intervention in three small towns in North Wales, UK. Participants were residents 16 to 90 years living in areas of high or low exposure to road traffic noise. At baseline there was no difference in annoyance, quality of life or common mental disorder between traffic noise exposed and quiet areas. There was a small reduction in noise exposure (2-4 dBA) with the opening of the bypass. There was no reduction in noise annoyance and no change in levels of common mental disorder and quality of life following the introduction of the bypass. Traffic noise red... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2611746 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2611746 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2611745&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19602772%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Jensen A, Lund SP, Lucke TH, Clausen OV, Svendsen JT The possibility of non-auditory health effects in connection with occupational exposure to high level sound is supposed by some researchers, but is still debated. Crew chiefs on airfields are exposed to high-level aircraft sound when working close to aircraft with running engines. We compared their health status with a similar control group who were not subject to this specific sound exposure. Health records of 42 crew chiefs were compared to health records of 42 aircraft mechanics and 17 former crew chiefs. The specific sound exposure of crew chiefs was assessed. The number of reported disease cases was generally small, but generally slightly higher among mechanics than among crew chiefs. Diseases of the ear were more frequ... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2611745 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2611745 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2524502&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19414928%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Clausen T, Christensen KB, Lund T, Kristiansen J Self-reported noise exposure is on the rise in Denmark. Little is known, however, about the social consequences, including sickness absence, of noise exposure. The aim of this paper was to investigate the association between self-reported noise exposure and long-term sickness absence. The association was investigated using the Cox proportional hazards model to analyze outcomes in Danish register data on the basis of Danish survey data (5357 employees aged 18-69 in 2000). The analyses showed that self-reported noise exposure was significantly associated with long-term sickness absence for both men and women when adjusting for demographic factors and health behavior. After further adjustment for physical workload at work the assoc... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2524502 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2524502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2524501&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19414929%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mallick Z, Badruddin IA, Khaleed Hussain MT, Salman Ahmed NJ, Kanesan J Over the last few years, interaction of humans with noisy power-driven agricultural tools and its possible adverse after effects have been realized. Grass-trimmer engine is the primary source of noise and the use of motorized cutter, spinning at high speed, is the secondary source of noise to which operators are exposed. In the present study, investigation was carried out to determine the effect of two types of grass-trimming machine engines (SUM 328 SE and BG 328) noise on the operators in real working environment. It was found that BG-328 and SUM-328 SE produced high levels of noise, of the order of 100 and 105 dB(A), respectively, to which operators are exposed while working. It was also observed that s... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2524501 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2524501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2524500&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19414930%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Korres GS, Balatsouras DG, Tzagaroulakis A, Kandiloros D, Ferekidou E, Korres S Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) is an objective sensitive test of cochlear function. The aim of this study was the evaluation of noise-induced hearing loss in a group of industrial workers, using this method in conjunction with standard puretone audiometry (PTA). One hundred and five subjects (210 ears) were included in the study. PTA, tympanometry, and DPOAEs were performed. Results were analyzed using a mixed analysis of variance model, and compared with the data of 34 normal persons of similar age and sex. We found statistically significant lower DPOAE levels in the noise-exposed group than in the control group. Additionally, the effect of frequency was significant, indicating ... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2524500 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2524500 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2524499&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19414931%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kishikawa H, Matsui T, Uchiyama I, Miyakawa M, Hiramatsu K, Stansfeld SA A questionnaire study was conducted in a residential area along trunk roads in Kusatsu, Japan, in order to investigate the association between noise exposure, noise sensitivity, and subjective health. Subjective health of the respondents was measured by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) which yields the total score as an index of psychiatric disorder and four subscales. Noise sensitivity was measured by the improved version of the Weinstein's noise sensitivity scale named WNS-6B. The original WNS and a single question directly asking respondents' noise sensitivity were also applied to confirm the validity of the WNS-6B for investigating the effects of road traffic noise on subjective health. Respo... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2524499 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2524499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2524498&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19414932%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Oliveira MJ, Monteiro MP, Ribeiro AM, Pignatelli D, Aguas AP Chronic exposure to industrial noise and its effects on biological systems. Occupational exposure to noise may result in health disorders. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of chronic exposure to high-intensity noise of textile industry cotton rooms on the adrenal morphology. The environmental noise of a cotton-mill room from a large textile factory of Northern Portugal was recorded and reproduced by an adopted electroacoustic setup in a sound-insulated animal room where the rats were housed. The sounds were reproduced at the original levels of approximately 92 dB, which was achieved by equalization and distribution of sound output in the room. Wistar rats were submitted to noise exposure, in the same time schedule... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2524498 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2524498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2524497&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19414933%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ryberg JB The highest recommended sound pressure levels for leisure sounds (music) in Sweden are 100 dB LAeq and 115 dB LAFmax for adults, and 97 dB LAeq and 110 dB LAFmax where children under the age of 13 have access. For arrangements intended for children, levels should be consistently less than 90 dB LAeq. In 2005, a national project was carried out with the aim of improving environments with high sound pressure levels from music, such as concert halls, restaurants, and cinemas. The project covered both live and recorded music. Of Sweden's 290 municipalities, 134 took part in the project, and 93 of these carried out sound measurements. Four hundred and seventy one establishments were investigated, 24% of which exceeded the highest recommended sound pressure levels for leis... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2524497 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2524497 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2249478&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19265247%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Suter AH It has been twenty-five years since the final version of the Hearing Conservation Amendment was issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the U.S. Department of Labor. Since that time, some things have changed and others have stayed exactly the same. Certainly the noise-exposed workforce is more knowledgeable about the hazards of noise, and the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) has greatly increased. There have been significant strides in the technology for measuring noise and for protecting hearing through HPDs. But there is considerable room for improvement. Some of the noise regulation's provisions are embarrassingly outdated, some are in dire need of improvement, and others, such as the requirements for engineering noise control, are no... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2249478 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2249478 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2249477&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19265248%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Stewart M, Borer SE, Lehman M Exposure to high-intensity impulse noise from the recreational use of firearms is a common cause of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Although recreational firearm users who shoot firearms without proper hearing protection are at risk for NIHL, a specific subgroup involved in hunting waterfowl may also be at risk due to their particular shooting habits. The goal of the present study was to investigate the shooting habits of this particular group of U.S. recreational firearm users. A 23-item written survey was sent to waterfowl hunting club members regarding their shooting behaviors, use of hearing protective devices (HPDs), and auditory status. Results indicated that waterfowl hunters in this study typically used large bore semiautomatic shotguns... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2249477 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2249477 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2249476&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19265249%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Saunders GH, Griest SE Currently, there are more than 445,000 veterans receiving compensation for hearing loss associated with military service, and 395,000 receiving compensation for service-related tinnitus. In addition to compensation payments, service-related hearing disorders cost the US Department of Veterans Affairs in terms of provision of hearing aids, hearing aid-related services, and clinical services at its 220 facilities nationwide. It is imperative that hearing conservation among military personnel and veterans be addressed. In this paper, we describe the rationale for and the development of a multimedia Hearing Loss Prevention Program aimed at preventing the progression of hearing loss among veterans associated with social, recreational, and nonmilitary occupati... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2249476 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2249476 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2249475&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19265250%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ohlin D PMID: 19265250 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2249475 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2249475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2249474&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19265251%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Li H, Steyger PS Acoustic exposure to high intensity and/or prolonged noise causes temporary or permanent threshold shifts in auditory perception, reflected by reversible or irreversible damage in the cochlea. Aminoglycoside antibiotics, used for treating or preventing life-threatening bacterial infections, also induce cytotoxicity in the cochlea. Combined noise and aminoglycoside exposure, particularly in neonatal intensive care units, can lead to auditory threshold shifts greater than simple summation of the two insults. The synergistic toxicity of acoustic exposure and aminoglycoside antibiotics is not limited to simultaneous exposures. Prior acoustic insult which does not result in permanent threshold shifts potentiates aminoglycoside ototoxicity. In addition, exposure to ... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2249474 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2249474 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2249473&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19265252%26dopt%3DAbstract This article provides an overview of the methods of counseling used with PATM and provides details concerning the overarching principles of collaborative adult learning that are believed to be most important in facilitating self-management by patients who complain of tinnitus. PMID: 19265252 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2249473 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2249473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2249472&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19265253%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chesky K, Pair M, Lanford S, Yoshimura E The effectiveness of a hearing loss prevention program within a college may be dependent on attitudes among students majoring in music. The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes of music majors toward noise and to compare them to students not majoring in music. Participants ( N = 467) filled out a questionnaire designed to assess attitudes toward noise in youth culture and attitudes toward influencing their sound environment. Results showed that students majoring in music have a healthier attitude toward sound compared to students not majoring in music. Findings also showed that music majors are more aware and attentive to noise in general, likely to perceive sound that may be risky to hearing as something negative, and are ... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2249472 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2249472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2249471&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19265254%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chen H, Huang M, Wei J The purposes of the study were to investigate children's knowledge about hearing conservation, the types of protective behaviors they would adopt in noise, the agreement between children's knowledge and intended behaviors in hearing protection, and reasons why they would not take any protective action in noise. A questionnaire was administered to 479 fourth and fifth graders in their school classrooms. Results indicated that children scored low (62.0%) on this hearing conservation questionnaire. They scored the highest in strategies of hearing protection (69.9%), followed by their knowledge in general hearing health (62.6%) and noise hazards (49.6%). Only 55% of children knew that hearing protective devices could protect them against noise. Approximately... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2249471 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2249471 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2249470&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19265255%26dopt%3DAbstract This study was undertaken to research whether certified audiometric technicians without practical hands-on training could reliably use insert earphones when compared to a clinically experienced audiologist. Hearing thresholds were obtained on 60 human ears by six certified audiometric technicians using insert earphones for the first time. Technician-acquired audiometric thresholds were compared to thresholds obtained under the same conditions by a clinical audiologist experienced in the use of the insert earphones. Statistical analyses of audiometric thresholds were performed to investigate the relationships between audiometric threshold values at each frequency obtained by certified technicians vs. the audiologist. These relationships were examined for the group as a whole as well as when... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2249470 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2249470 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2249469&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19265256%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Casali JG, Ahroon WA, Lancaster JA Operational hearing protection and maintenance of audibility of signals and speech are considered force multipliers in military operations, increasing Soldier survivability and lethality. The in-field research described in this paper was conducted to examine operational performance effects of three different hearing enhancement protection systems (HEPS) that are intended to provide both protection and audibility. The experiment utilized operationally-defined measures in full-scale, simulated combat scenarios with Army ROTC Cadet Soldiers as subjects. The Soldiers' operational performance was evaluated in two missions: reconnaissance and raid (attack on enemy camp). Both missions had substantial hearing requirements, including communications, ... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2249469 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2249469 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2047744&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19075456%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Twardella D, Wellhoefer A, Brix J, Fromme H While no legal rules or regulations exist in Germany, voluntary measures were introduced to achieve a reduction of sound pressure levels in discotheques to levels below 100 dB(A). To evaluate the current levels in Bavarian discotheques and to find out whether these voluntary measures ensured compliance with the recommended limits, sound pressure levels were measured in 20 Bavarian discotheques between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. With respect to the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level for each 30-minute period (L Aeq,30min ), only 4/20 discotheques remained below the limit of 100 dB(A) in all time periods. Ten discotheques had sound pressure levels below 100 dB(A) for the total measurement period (L Aeq,180min ). None of the ... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2047744 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 2047744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2047743&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19075457%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chen H, Huang M, Wei J The purposes of the study were to investigate children's knowledge about hearing conservation, the types of protective behaviors they would adopt towards noise, the agreement between children's knowledge and intended behaviors in hearing protection, and reasons why they would not take any protective action against noise. A questionnaire was administered to 479 4 th and 5 th graders in their school classrooms. Results indicated that children scored low (62.01%) on this hearing conservation questionnaire. They scored the highest in strategies of hearing protection (69.89%), followed by their knowledge in general hearing health (62.56%) and noise hazards (49.65%). Only 55% of the children knew that hearing protective devices could protect them against noise... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2047743 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 2047743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2047742&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19075458%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusion: Noise levels measured in the ward and in the ICU were high, significantly exceeding the highest permitted values for hospitals. The latter was more obviously recorded in the ICU. PMID: 19075458 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2047742 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 2047742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2018192&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19052438%26dopt%3DAbstract Discussion: The causes of this association as well as its implications in the prevention of work accidents are discussed. PMID: 19052438 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2018192 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 2018192 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2018191&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19052439%26dopt%3DAbstract This study investigated hearing and auditory processing in seven individuals with a history of exposure to industrial solvents. A battery of audiological tests was administered to all subjects: pure tone, speech, and impedance audiometry, otoacoustic emissions tests, auditory brainstem responses, middle latency responses, as well as the SCAN-A and R-SPIN tests with low predictability sentence lists. All individuals in this study exhibited findings consistent with retrocochlear and/or central abnormality. Two of the seven subjects in this study had normal pure tone thresholds at all frequencies bilaterally, yet showed abnormal retrocochlear/central results on one or more tests. The auditory test battery approach used in this study appears to be valuable in evaluating the pathological condit... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2018191 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 2018191 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2018190&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19052440%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Davis RR The purpose of the present article is to review comfort studies on hearing protector devices. Comfort is probably the most important dimension for long-term worker acceptance and effective wear of hearing protectors in noise. A short digression has been made to introduce comfort work from the textile and clothing industries where models of comfort have been attempted and comfort research is much more sophisticated. Finally, presented are some recent efforts by NIOSH to examine issues of hearing protector comfort in greater detail. These efforts include a field study of a semi-custom earplug hearing protector. PMID: 19052440 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2018190 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 2018190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2018189&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19052441%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mahendra Prashanth KV, Sridhar V A corollary to industrialization and urbanization is a significant increase in noise levels. In many industrial settings, the noise levels are such that they are potential health hazards. There are many studies which suggest that prolonged exposures to high noise levels have a negative impact on various aspects of human physiology. However, not much work has been conducted in studying the effects of various noise frequencies in the industrial environment. This paper has made an attempt to identify various noise frequency components to which the workers of six major industries in Mysore (Karnataka State, India) are being exposed, and their effects on the physical, physiological, and psychological systems of the working community with respect to ... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2018189 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 2018189 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1551998&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18580037%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions: These findings indicate that hearing problems are frequent among men who work in the engine rooms on ships. Long-term cumulative effects of employment were not shown. PMID: 18580037 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1551998 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1551998 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1551997&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18580038%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusion: Sleep undisturbed by noise has a remarkably high monetary value for people, which should be considered in political decision-making. PMID: 18580038 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1551997 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1551997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1551996&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18580039%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions: The workers in the rice mills are exposed to high noise, which will have detrimental effect on their health. Apart from undertaking appropriate noise control measures, preventive maintenance of machines needs to be given due importance in all the rice mills. PMID: 18580039 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1551996 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1551996 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1232093&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18270402%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rawool VW, Colligon-Wayne LA The purpose of this study was to evaluate the auditory life styles and beliefs of college students with reference to exposure to loud sounds in the context of the health belief model. A survey was administered to 238 (40 men, 198 women) students in the USA. Results suggest that 44% of the students use noisy equipment without ear protection and 29% (69/238) of the students work in noisy environments. Of the 69 who worked in noisy surroundings, only ten reported wearing hearing protection devices although 50 (72.46%) reported tinnitus. The use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) was associated with previous experience with hearing loss and tinnitus. Although 75% of the students were aware that exposure to loud sounds could cause hearing loss, 50% of... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1232093 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1232093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1232092&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18270403%26dopt%3DAbstract This study highlights the need for noise monitoring and control measures inside hospital areas. PMID: 18270403 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1232092 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1232092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1232091&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18270404%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions: The subject of hearing protection in orchestral musicians should be investigated with a multidimensional approach which considers the following in equal measure: legal regulations, the requirements and limits of the music sector and the individual characteristics of the musicians involved. PMID: 18270404 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1232091 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1232091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1232090&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18270405%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Babisch W Studies on the association between community noise and cardiovascular risk were subjected to a meta-analysis for deriving a common dose-effect curve. Peer-reviewed articles, objective assessment of exposure and outcome as well as control for confounding and multiple exposure categories were all necessary inclusion criteria. A distinction was made between descriptive (cross-sectional) and analytical (case-control, cohort) studies. Meta-analyses were carried out for two descriptive and five analytical studies for calculating a pooled dose-effect curve for the association between road traffic noise levels and the risk of myocardial infarction. No increase in risk was found below 60 dB(A) for the average A-weighted sound pressure levels during the day. An increase in ris... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1232090 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1232090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1104519&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18087114%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Carmichel EL, Harris FP, Story BH The effects of electronic hearing protector devices (HPDs) on localization and response time (RT) to stimuli were assessed at six locations in the horizontal plane. The stimuli included a firearm loading, telephone ringing and .5-kHz and 4-kHz tonebursts presented during continuous traffic noise. Eight normally hearing adult listeners were evaluated under two conditions: (a) ears unoccluded; (b) ears occluded with one of three amplitude-sensitive sound transmission HPDs. All HPDs were found to affect localization, and performance was dependent on stimuli and location. Response time (RT) was less in the unoccluded condition than for any of the HPD conditions for the broadband stimuli. In the HPD conditions, RT to incorrect responses was signifi... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1104519 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 1104519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1104518&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18087115%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Schutte M, Sandrock S, Griefahn B The Noise Sensitivity Questionnaire (NoiSeQ) aims at the measurement of global noise sensitivity as well as the sensitivity for five domains of everyday life namely 'Leisure', 'Work', 'Habitation', 'Communication' and 'Sleep'. The present investigation examined the factorial validity of the NoiSeQ to determine whether the items of the NoiSeQ cover the different factors as assumed. The analysis was done using the method of Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The linear structural model took into consideration only the scales of the NoiSeQ for which reliability could be demonstrated, namely, 'Sleep', 'Communication', 'Habitation' and 'Work'. The linear structural model presumed that each of the 28 items has a relation only to one corresponding f... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1104518 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 1104518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1104517&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18087116%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Abel SM, Tsang S, Boyne S Studies have demonstrated that conventional hearing protectors interfere with sound localization. This research examines possible benefits from advanced communications devices. Horizontal plane sound localization was compared in normal-hearing males with the ears unoccluded and fitted with Peltor H10A passive attenuation earmuffs, Racal Slimgard II communications muffs in active noise reduction (ANR) and talk-through-circuitry (TTC) modes and Nacre QUIETPRO TM communications earplugs in off (passive attenuation) and push-to-talk (PTT) modes. Localization was assessed using an array of eight loudspeakers, two in each spatial quadrant. The stimulus was 75 dB SPL, 300-ms broadband noise. One block of 120 forced-choice loudspeaker identification trials wa... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1104517 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 1104517 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1041957&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18025756%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bohlin MC, Erlandsson SI Adolescents in Western society often expose themselves to high levels of sound in gyms, rock concerts, discotheques etc. As these behaviours are as threatening to young people's health as more traditional risk behaviours are, our aim in the present study was to analyze the relationship between self-exposure to noise, risk behaviours and risk judgements among 310 Swedish adolescents aged 15-20 (167 men; 143 women). Adolescents' behaviour in different traditional risk situations correlated with behaviour in noisy environments, while judgements about traditional risks correlated with judgements regarding noise exposure. It is an interesting finding that although young women judge risk situations as generally more dangerous than young men do, they neverthe... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1041957 Sun, 01 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 1041957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1041956&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18025757%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Klatte M, Meis M, Sukowski H, Schick A The effects of background noise of moderate intensity on short-term storage and processing of verbal information were analyzed in 6 to 8 year old children. In line with adult studies on "irrelevant sound effect" (ISE), serial recall of visually presented digits was severely disrupted by background speech that the children did not understand. Train noises of equal Intensity however, had no effect. Similar results were demonstrated with tasks requiring storage and processing of heard information. Memory for nonwords, execution of oral instructions and categorizing speech sounds were significantly disrupted by irrelevant speech. The affected functions play a fundamental role in the acquisition of spoken and written language. Implications con... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1041956 Sun, 01 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 1041956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1041955&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18025758%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Omokhodion FO, Adeosun AA, Fajola AA This cross-sectional study was conducted among mill workers in a large market in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria. These workers are engaged in small scale businesses with little or no regulation of work exposures. Questionnaires administered to mill workers sought information on personal characteristics, length of time engaged in the job, type of milling done and symptoms of hearing impairment. Noise exposure and hearing impairment were assessed among 85 mill workers. Audiometry was done on mill workers and 45 controls with no known exposure to noise and no history of aural disease. Noise levels at work stations ranged from 88-90dB for small mills and 101-105 for larger mills. None of the workers used hearing protection. Analysis based on total n... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1041955 Sun, 01 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 1041955 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1041961&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18025752%26dopt%3DAbstract Conclusions : The level of noise in both facilities was above the recommended limit and presents an environmental stressor for a frail elderly patient. With transfer from NH to TH exposure to this stressor is increased. Time- and place-patterns of noise in both institutions suggest that human factor is a major source of noise pollution. This pollution is, therefore, potentially modifiable. PMID: 18025752 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1041961 Sun, 01 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 1041961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1041960&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18025753%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nakashima A, Abel SM, Duncan M, Smith D An experiment was performed to study auditory perception and cognitive function in the presence of low-frequency dominant armoured vehicle noise (LAV III). Thirty-six normal hearing subjects were assigned to one of three noise backgrounds: Quiet, pink noise and vehicle noise. The pink and vehicle noise were presented at 80 dBA. Each subject performed an auditory detection test, modified rhyme test (MRT) and cognitive test battery for three different ear conditions: Unoccluded and fitted with an active noise reduction (ANR) headset in passive and ANR modes. Auditory detection was measured at six 1/3 octave band frequencies from 0.25 to 8 kHz. The cognitive test battery consisted of two subjective questionnaires and five performance tasks.... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1041960 Sun, 01 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 1041960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1041959&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18025754%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gjestland T Norwegian authorities have developed and adopted a method for assessing the magnitude of noise impact on a community in quantitative terms. The method takes into account all levels of noise annoyance experienced by all the residents in an area and transforms these data into a single quantity that can also be expressed in monetary terms. This method is contrary to other commonly used assessment methods where only a certain fraction of the impacted people, e.g. those "highly annoyed," is considered. PMID: 18025754 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1041959 Sun, 01 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 1041959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1041958&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18025755%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Williams W Some individuals must wear hearing protectors in order to reduce their noise exposure even after all other avenues of exposure control have been exhausted. However, is it reasonable to expect these individuals to wear earmuffs for long, continuous periods? Measurements of 39 commonly available earmuffs show that in all cases, the pressures experienced on the side of the head are sufficient to restrict blood flow and hence over time produce discomfort. For better results and compliance with earmuff use, breakout times may be necessary to alleviate feelings of discomfort. PMID: 18025755 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1041958 Sun, 01 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 1041958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952349&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17851221%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Marks A, Griefahn B In order to determine the influence of noise sensitivity on sleep, subjective sleep quality, annoyance, and performance after nocturnal exposure to traffic noise, 12 women and 12 men (age range, 19-28 years) were observed during four consecutive nights over a three weeks period. After a habituation night, the participants were exposed with weekly permuted changes to air, rail and road traffic noise. Of the four nights, one was a quiet night (32 dBA), while three were noisy nights with exposure to equivalent noise levels of 39, 44, and 50 dBA in a permuted order. The traffic noise caused alterations of most of the physiological parameters, subjective evaluation of sleep, annoyance, and performance. Correlations were found between noise sensitivity and subjec... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952349 Mon, 01 Jan 2007 05:00:00 +0100 952349 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952348&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17851222%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sandrock S, Schutte M, Griefahn B Noise sensitivity is regarded as a relevant predictor for annoyance reactions. Since many studies have focused on noise sensitivity at an international level, the present analysis was conducted to detect national peculiarities concerning noise sensitivity. Using the approach of the generalizability theory, reliability of the noise sensitivity questionnaire was analyzed taking into consideration relevant facets assumed to contribute to the measurement error. A total of 126 individuals from seven European countries participated in this study. The reliability coefficients for the global noise sensitivity score ranged from 0.90 to 0.91. It was determined that the translated questionnaires are comparable. PMID: 17851222 [PubMed - as supplied by... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952348 Mon, 01 Jan 2007 05:00:00 +0100 952348 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952347&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17851223%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, a significant difference in annoyance rates was observed between the low and high noise sensitive groups for both the subscales habitation and work. This data support the validity of NoiSeQ. PMID: 17851223 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952347 Mon, 01 Jan 2007 05:00:00 +0100 952347 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952352&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17851218%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sorensen AM, Shapiro AU, Lund SP, Brun B, Rosenberg T, Lykke J In several laboratory animal studies, it has been documented that the hearing, vision, and brain can be injured due to exposure to organic solvents. This finding formed the background for a pilot study (n = 16) aimed at identifying new ways of qualifying diagnostics, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients suffering from brain injury due to exposure to organic solvents, also referred to as toxic encephalopathy. Diagnosing toxic encephalopathy is complicated because the symptoms of this type of diffuse brain injury are non-specific. So, it was initially hypothesised that some of the difficulties involved in diagnosing toxic encephalopathy could be minimized by extending the diagnostic procedure. Apart from clinica... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952352 Sun, 01 Oct 2006 04:00:00 +0100 952352 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952351&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17851219%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nondahl DM, Cruickshanks KJ, Dalton DS, Klein BE, Klein R, Tweed TS, Wiley TL A population-based study to assess the use of hearing protection devices by older adults during noisy recreational activities was performed. The population-based Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study was designed to measure the prevalence of hearing loss in adults residing in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. The use of hearing protection devices during noisy recreational activities was assessed by performing three examinations over a period of 10 years (1993-1995, no. of participants (n) = 3753, aged 48-92 years; 1998-2000, n = 2800, aged 53-97 years; 2003-2005, n = 2395, aged 58-100 years). The recreational activities included hunting, target shooting, woodworking/carpentry, metalworking, driving loud recreation... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952351 Sun, 01 Oct 2006 04:00:00 +0100 952351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952350&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17851220%26dopt%3DAbstract This study was designed to investigate the validity of each question in WNS and to develop a more valid noise sensitivity measurement scale. A questionnaire study was conducted in a residential area along trunk roads in Kusatsu, Japan, and 301 responses were collected. In this paper, noise sensitivity was defined as the factor that induced individual variability in reactions caused by noise exposure and that is not affected by the noise exposure. The relationship between noise exposure and answers to each question in WNS was investigated by multiple logistic regression analysis, and the influence of response bias on the score of WNS was examined. The results showed that WNS contained some questions that were inappropriately related to noise exposure level and that the score was affected by... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952350 Sun, 01 Oct 2006 04:00:00 +0100 952350 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952355&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17704600%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Prakash A, Joute K, Jain VK Measurements of noise levels associated with different types of vehicles plying the roads in Delhi were made. From the data, noise level indices L(10) , L(90) and Leq were determined. In addition, spectra of noise for different vehicles at 1- octave band frequencies were also obtained. The time-averaged noise spectra reveal that the noise intensities are significantly higher in the frequency range of 0.5 kHz to 2 kHz for all types of vehicles. Perceived noise levels (PNdB) and the total noisiness measured on NOY scale indicate that rural transport vehicles (RTVs) are most annoying, followed by buses, auto-rickshaws and taxis. PMID: 17704600 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952355 Sat, 01 Jul 2006 04:00:00 +0100 952355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952354&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17704601%26dopt%3DAbstract This study included 20 male subjects with normal hearing; their ages ranged from 21 to 24 years. Prior to the experiment, the subjects were asked to answer a questionnaire containing the 28-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and Weinstein's noise sensitivity scale. White noise at 90 dB was presented to the subjects for 15 min with 15-minute-rest periods before and after noise exposure. It was shown that salivary CgA levels increased significantly during noise exposure and decreased immediately after it (Friedman's test, p = 0.001, two tailed). This result suggests that salivary CgA can be used to measure the stress response to noise. Furthermore, individual differences in the change in salivary CgA levels were discussed in relation to the subjective responses of the participants to... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952354 Sat, 01 Jul 2006 04:00:00 +0100 952354 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952353&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17704602%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hodgkinson L, Prasher D Industrial hearing loss has generally been associated with noise exposure, but there is a growing awareness that industrial solvents can have an adverse effect on the auditory and vestibular systems in man. Both animal experiments and human studies point to an ototoxic effect of industrial solvents, as well as some central auditory and vestibular disturbances. This review examines the research from the last four decades in an attempt to get an overview of the available evidence. Research shows that industrial solvents are ototoxic in rats. The majority of the solvents studied cause a loss of auditory sensitivity in the mid-frequencies in rats, affecting outer hair cells in the order OHC 3 > OHC 2 > OHC 1 . Inner hair cells are generally unaffected... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952353 Sat, 01 Jul 2006 04:00:00 +0100 952353 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952358&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17687182%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Niemann H, Bonnefoy X, Braubach M, Hecht K, Maschke C, Rodrigues C, Röbbel N Traffic noise (road noise, railway noise, aircraft noise, noise of parking cars), is the most dominant source of annoyance in the living environment of many European countries. This is followed by neighbourhood noise (neighbouring apartments, staircase and noise within the apartment). The subjective experience of noise stress can, through central nervous processes, lead to an inadequate neuro-endocrine reaction and finally lead to regulatory diseases. Within the context of the LARES-survey (Large Analysis and Review of European housing and health Status), noise annoyance in the housing environment was collected and evaluated in connection with medically diagnosed illnesses. Adults who indicated c... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952358 Sat, 01 Apr 2006 05:00:00 +0100 952358 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952357&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17687183%26dopt%3DAbstract This study reports on the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss in a population sample of 788 workers from 11 trades with expected high noise exposure levels and a reference group examined according to the same protocol. Full-shift A-weighted equivalent sound levels were recorded and pure tone audiometric examinations were conducted at the work sites in soundproof booths. Data were analyzed with multivariate regression techniques and adjusted for age, sex, ear disease, smoking and environmental noise exposure. An overall two-fold increased risk of hearing handicap (hearing threshold above 20 dB averaged across 2, 3 and 4 kHz for either ear) was observed in the noise exposed workers [odds ratio (OR) 1.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91-4.34]. Workers exposed for more than 20 years to ... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952357 Sat, 01 Apr 2006 05:00:00 +0100 952357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952356&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17687184%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rosenhall U, Sundh V A review of the literature studying possible correlations between hearing function and cardiovascular disease (CVD) reveals a complex and somewhat contradictory picture. Most studies favor the concept of an association between hearing loss and CVD. The issue of interactions between noise-induced hearing loss and CVD, as well as between age-related hearing loss and CVD, has been discussed in numerous publications. The present study utilizes information from an epidemiological study of elderly people in Gothenburg, Sweden. We found a probable correlation between high systolic blood pressure and hearing loss in the low and mid frequencies in elderly women, 79 years old. A tendency of a similar correlation was also found in a group of 85-year-old women. An ass... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952356 Sat, 01 Apr 2006 05:00:00 +0100 952356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952362&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17513892%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Babisch W The review provides an overview of epidemiological studies that were carried out in the field of community noise and cardiovascular risk. The studies and their characteristics are listed in the tables. Risk estimates derived from the individual studies are given for 5 dB(A) categories of the average A-weighted sound pressure level during the day. The noise sources considered in the studies are road and aircraft noise. The health endpoints are mean blood pressure, hypertension and ischaemic heart disease, including myocardial infarction. Study subjects are children and adults. The evidence of an association between transportation noise and cardiovascular risk has increased since the previous review published in Noise and Health in the year 2000. PMID: 17513892 [Pu... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952362 Sun, 01 Jan 2006 05:00:00 +0100 952362 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952361&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17513893%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Michaud DS, Miller SM, Ferrarotto C, Konkle AT, Keith SE, Campbell KB The goals of this study were twofold. First, we assessed if waking salivary hormone profiles are altered by nighttime noise exposure in a laboratory environment. Second, we evaluated the potential influence that sleeping in the lab in itself may have had on salivary biomarkers, by comparing results obtained following sleep at home. Twelve adults (7 males, 5 females) between 19-25 yrs slept at home and in a sleep laboratory. Subjects provided six saliva samples during waking hours on the day prior to sleep in the lab, on both days after sleeping in the lab and on the day following the resumption of sleep at home. Following one night of adaptation, subjects were exposed throughout the 2nd night to simulated ba... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952361 Sun, 01 Jan 2006 05:00:00 +0100 952361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952360&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17513894%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rosenhall U, Pyykkö I, Rasmussen F, Muhr P In the present retrospective register study a very large data base consisting of screening audiograms obtained at military conscription of 18-year-old Swedish men was used. The study group comprised 450,175 men, aged 18 years, tested at conscription to military service. There were nine age groups covering a 24-year period, from 1971 to 1995. This database was compared with a number of different pre- and postnatal factors with possible influence on the hearing function. This ecologic methodology gives tentative clues (but no proof) of possible ototraumatic influences. The hearing capacity was fairly similar during the entire span of the study and only small variations were observed. There was a slight tendency of better hearing ca... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952360 Sun, 01 Jan 2006 05:00:00 +0100 952360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952359&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17513895%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Johnson AC, Morata TC, Lindblad AC, Nylén PR, Svensson EB, Krieg E, Aksentijevic A, Prasher D Audiological testing, interviews and exposure measurements were used to collect data on the health effects of styrene exposures in 313 workers from fiberglass and metal-product manufacturing plants and a mail terminal. The audiological test battery included pure-tone audiometry, distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE), psychoacoustic modulation transfer function, interrupted speech, speech recognition in noise and cortical response audiometry (CRA). Workers exposed to noise and styrene had significantly poorer pure-tone thresholds in the high-frequency range (3 to 8 kHz) than the controls, noise-exposed workers and those listed in a Swedish age-specific database. Even th... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952359 Sun, 01 Jan 2006 05:00:00 +0100 952359 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952367&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17478963%26dopt%3DAbstract This study investigated the effect of chronic workplace exposure to excessive noise on sleep quality. It involved 40 male workers aged 33 to 50 years, 20 of whom had been exposed to environmental workplace noise levels of 85 dB or more on 40-hour-a-week jobs. Another 20 workers who were not exposed to excessive noise were used as controls. All subjects were interviewed and submitted to physical examination, pure tone and speech audiometry, immittance testing and nocturnal polysomnography. Comparative analysis demonstrated that the two groups were similar, except for the exposure to noise. Fisher's test comparison of pure tone and speech audiometry and immittance testing revealed mild to moderate noise-induced hearing loss (P < 0.001) in the > or = 85-dB group. Indicators of sleep con... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952367 Sat, 01 Oct 2005 04:00:00 +0100 952367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952366&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17478964%26dopt%3DAbstract This study investigated the occurrence of hearing loss among workers of a petrochemical industry during a period of five years. The records of environmental noise and solvents measurements and the results of annual audiometry performed by the company were examined. The audiometric results of workers from olefin operational areas 1 and 2 and aromatic plant areas exposed to solvents and noise and utility area workers exposed only to noise were analyzed for the standard threshold shift (STS). Despite the low exposures to solvents and a moderate exposure to noise, 45.3% of workers had hearing losses and 29.6% had STS. PMID: 17478964 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952366 Sat, 01 Oct 2005 04:00:00 +0100 952366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952365&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17478965%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Svard I, Spens KE, Back L, Ahlner BH, Barrenas ML The most common complaint among individuals with hearing impairment is the inability to follow a conversation when several people are talking simultaneously, a noisy listening situation which is completely different from the quiet surrounding of the conventional pure tone audiometry used as basis for the hearing aid settings. The purpose of this report was to present important characteristics of the BeneFit Method (BFM), a procedure that fits the hearing aid under simulated conditions of competing speech and also a clinical pilot evaluation study comparing the BFM to the NAL-R recommendations and also to the Logic procedure, a GN resound proprietary fitting algorithm representing a modern digital hearing aid fitting procedure. ... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952365 Sat, 01 Oct 2005 04:00:00 +0100 952365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952364&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17478966%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bielefeld EC, Hynes S, Pryznosch D, Liu J, Coleman JK, Henderson D Both the antioxidant, n-l-acetyl cysteine (L-NAC) and the Src inhibitor, KX1-004, have been used to protect the cochlea from hazardous noise. To date, KX1-004 has only been used locally on the round window. In the current study, the two drugs were administered systemically. LNAC was delivered intraperitoneally at a dose of 325 mg/kg while KX1-004 was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 50 mg/kg. The noise exposure consisted of a 4 kHz octave band of noise at 100 dB SPL for 6 hours/day for 4 days. The drugs were administered once each day, 30 minutes prior to the onset of the noise exposure. The animals' hearing was estimated using the evoked response records from surgically-implanted chronic electrodes in ... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952364 Sat, 01 Oct 2005 04:00:00 +0100 952364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952363&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17478967%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Prasher D, Al-Hajjaj H, Aylott S, Aksentijevic A Aircraft maintenance workers are exposed to a mixture of solvents in the presence of intermittent noise. For this study these workers exposed to solvent mix and noise, were compared with mill workers exposed to noise alone, printed circuit board operatives exposed to solvents alone and those exposed to none who acted as controls. Tympanometry, acoustic reflex thresholds, transient and distortion product otoacoustic emissions, auditory brainstem potentials, nystagmography and posturography were examined. There was a significant effect on pure tone thresholds for both noise and solvents+noise. The distortion product otoacoustic emissions declined with frequency and exhibited lower DP amplitude with noise compared to solvents and n... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952363 Sat, 01 Oct 2005 04:00:00 +0100 952363 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952372&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D16417702%26dopt%3DAbstract The Nord-Trøndelag Norway Audiometric Survey 1996-98: unscreened thresholds and prevalence of hearing impairment for adults > 20 years. Noise Health. 2005 Jul-Sep;7(28):1-15 Authors: Borchgrevink HM, Tambs K, Hoffman HJ As supplement to a general health screening examination (HUNT-II), we conducted a puretone audiometry study in 1996-98 on adults (>20 years) in 17 of 23 municipalities in Nord-Trøndelag, Norway, including questionnaires on occupational and leisure noise exposure, medical history, and symptoms of hearing impairment. The study aims to contribute to updated normative hearing thresholds for age and gender, while evaluating the effects of noise exposure, medical history, and familial or genetic influences on hearing. This paper presents the unscreened... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952372 Fri, 01 Jul 2005 04:00:00 +0100 952372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952371&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D16417703%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bombard F, Campo P, Lataye R The last ten years, the use of gentamicin has increased due to antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens. One of the side effects of gentamicin is its toxicity on hearing. Several authors had even pointed out synergistic effects of gentamicin and noise on hearing. It was therefore reasonable to think that the damaging effects of noise could be emphasized by a gentamicin treatment of the subjects. In order to test the applicability of the Leq8h for estimating the hazard of noise on animals treated with a non-ototoxic dose of gentamicin (40 mg/kg for 8 days), two experiments were carried out with guinea pigs. The animals were exposed to octave band noises centred at 8 kHz and treated with gentamicin either simultaneously or sequentially with re... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952371 Fri, 01 Jul 2005 04:00:00 +0100 952371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952370&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D16417704%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Schwela D, Kephalopoulos S, Prasher D Different scientific groups have studied and continue to study the health impacts of physical and chemical agents in the environment. In most cases, every study group has considered the health effect as being solely due to the air pollutant(s) under investigation, for example air pollution without due regard for the simultaneous presence of noise pollution whereas both have an impact on the cardiovascular system. Or in the case of noise studies the contribution of solvent, asphyxiant or metal exposures has not been considered, which can have an impact on hearing impairment. One can, therefore, question the stringency of the available evidence of epidemiological studies in both fields to warrant the consideration of air pollutants as confou... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952370 Fri, 01 Jul 2005 04:00:00 +0100 952370 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952369&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D16417705%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Williams W, Dillon H The attenuation performance of a hearing protector is used to estimate the protected exposure level of the user. The aim is to reduce the exposed level to an acceptable value. Users should expect the attenuation to fall within a reasonable range of values around a norm. However, an analysis of extensive test data indicates that there is a negative relationship between attenuation performance and the standard deviation. This result is deduced using a variation in the method of calculating a single number rating of attenuation that is more amenable to drawing statistical inferences. As performance is typically specified as a function of the mean attenuation minus one or two standard deviations from the mean to ensure that greater than 50% of the wearer popul... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952369 Fri, 01 Jul 2005 04:00:00 +0100 952369 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952368&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D16425460%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Maziul M, Job RF, Vogt J Complaining constitutes one facet of all reactions to noise annoyance and is one way to cope with annoyance due to aircraft noise. In order to value and to establish the usefulness of complaint data as an index of annoyance, four questions need to be answered: Which factors lead annoyed residents to complain about aircraft noise or related issues? Which factors keep annoyed residents from complaining? Are the existing ways to handle annoyance adequate and efficient (e.g. keeping track of complaints, reaction to complains, kinds of complaint services)? Which are new ways to handle annoyance adequately and efficiently? In this paper a first attempt to answer these questions is made. Obviously, complaint data do not reflect noise annoyance in the surround... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952368 Fri, 01 Jul 2005 04:00:00 +0100 952368 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952377&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D16105245%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Abel SM, Shelly Paik JE The effect of hearing protective earmuffs which incorporate active noise reduction (ANR) on sound source identification was studied. The purpose was determine whether ANR interfered with the encoding of cues normally used for directional hearing. Right/left, front/back and within quadrant confusions were assessed in quiet using a circular array of eight loudspeakers. Three stimuli, one-third octave bands centred at 0.5 kHz and 4 kHz and broadband noise, were presented. These enabled an assessment of the utilization of mainly interaural time-of-arrival and level differences, and binaural and spectral cues in combination, respectively. Two groups of normal hearing subjects aged 18-30 and 40-55 years, half male and half female, participated. Overall, age, ... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952377 Fri, 01 Apr 2005 05:00:00 +0100 952377 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952376&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D16105246%26dopt%3DAbstract The objectives in this paper were to analyse noise effects on episodic and semantic memory performance in different age groups, and to see whether age interacted with noise in their effects on memory. Data were taken from three separate previous experiments, that were performed with the same design, procedure and dependent measures with participants from four age groups (13-14, 18-20, 35-45 and 55-65 years). Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (a) meaningful irrelevant speech, (b) road traffic noise, and (c) quiet. The results showed effects of both noise sources on a majority of the dependent measures, both when taken alone and aggregated according to the nature of the material to be memorised. However, the noise effects for episodic memory tasks were stronger ... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952376 Fri, 01 Apr 2005 05:00:00 +0100 952376 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952375&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D16105247%26dopt%3DAbstract CONCLUSION: In school children, exposure to leisure noise is correlated with tinnitus and the risk increases with increasing noise exposure. Sensitivity to subjective hearing loss has similar risk factors as seen for metabolic syndrome and we suggest that this sensitivity may be another side of metabolic syndrome. PMID: 16105247 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952375 Fri, 01 Apr 2005 05:00:00 +0100 952375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952374&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D16105248%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Michaud DS, Keith SE, McMurchy D The present paper provides the results from two nation-wide telephone surveys conducted in Canada on a representative sample of 5,232 individuals, 15 years of age and older. The goals of this study were to gauge Canadians' annoyance towards environmental noise, identify the source of noise that is viewed as most annoying and quantify annoyance toward this principal noise source according to internationally accepted specifications. The first survey revealed that nearly 8% of Canadians in this age group were either very or extremely bothered, disturbed or annoyed by noise in general and traffic noise was identified as being the most annoying source. A follow-up survey was conducted to further assess Canadians' annoyance towards traffic noise usin... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952374 Fri, 01 Apr 2005 05:00:00 +0100 952374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952373&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D16105249%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, two investigations were carried out with adult Long-Evans rats exposed to increasing concentrations of styrene. In the first experiment, the hearing of rats, which were forced to walk in a special wheel during the exposure, was compared to that of rats which were sleepy in their cage. The active rats were exposed to styrene concentrations ranging from 300 to 600 ppm, whereas the sedentary rats were exposed from 500 to 1000 ppm for 4 weeks, 5 days per week, 6 hours per day. In the second experiment, designed to evaluate the hearing risks at threshold limit values, active rats were exposed either to a noise having a Leq8h of 85 dB (equivalent level of a continuous noise for a typical 8-h workday), or to 400-ppm styrene or to a simultaneous exposure to noise and styrene. In bot... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952373 Fri, 01 Apr 2005 05:00:00 +0100 952373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952385&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D16053600%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Toppila E, Pyykkö I, Starck J From 1953 to 1995 the usage rate of hearing protective devices (HPD) was tracked at a paper mill, a shipyard, and in selected areas of forestry work. For each work period, observations were made of HPD use among workers. In the paper mill, the usage rate increased steadily from 1965. In 1990, 39% of workers used HPDs full-time. At the shipyard, the usage rate remained low up to the mid-1980s, but thereafter the proportion of full-time users rose to 70%. A similar trend was noted in forest workers, with the full-time use at 97% by the 1990s. Due to the increased usage rate in all measured industries, the mean effective noise level at the ear has decreased to below 85 dB. PMID: 16053600 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Noise and Heal... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952385 Sat, 01 Jan 2005 05:00:00 +0100 952385 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952384&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D16053601%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pääkkönen R, Lehtomäki K Noise attenuation against military noises has been measured in several cases under practical field conditions. Commercial and military versions of earmuff noise attenuation were measured against rifle noise. All the tested earmuffs attenuated the C-weighted peak level to less than 135 dB, which is less than the proposed recommendation value. Combat and shooting exercises create a risk of hearing damage, reaching a peak level of 180 dB. Measurements were done during attack exercises with blank and normal cartridges and during a defence exercise with normal cartridges. The noise exposure levels were relatively moderate (outside the ear 95-97 dB, in ear canal 82-85 dB) for military exercises. Peak levels of 110-120 dB for military trai... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952384 Sat, 01 Jan 2005 05:00:00 +0100 952384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952383&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D16053602%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Laitinen H Classical musicians are often exposed to sound levels that exceed the Finnish national action limit value of 85 dB(A). Still, the use of hearing protectors is uncommon among musicians. The purpose of this study was to find out musician's attitudes towards hearing protectors, and under which conditions hearing protectors are used. The study group consisted of five major classical orchestras in the Helsinki region. The players were asked to fill out a questionnaire with questions on hearing protection, ear symptoms, including tinnitus, hearing loss, pain in the ears, and temporary ringing in the ears. Also, questions concerning stress and working environments were asked. Of those who responded, 94% were concerned about their hearing to some degree. Only 6% of the musi... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952383 Sat, 01 Jan 2005 05:00:00 +0100 952383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952382&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D16053603%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Liedtke M Comprehensive protection by use of PPE against the hazards at work requires more than proper selection based on the protection level needed: The PPE user directive (Council Directive 89/656/EEC, Official Journal of the European Communities L 393, 30/12/1989 p.0018 - 0028) requires an assessment of personal protective equipment itself, which has to consider the risks which may be introduced by use of PPE or use of combinations of PPE. As an example risks which may be introduced by use of hearing protectors are described. Assistance in the assessment required by PPE user directive (Council Directive 89/656/EEC, Official Journal of the European Communities L 393, 30/12/1989 p. 0018 - 0028) and in selection and use of hearing protectors with regard to this assessment is ... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952382 Sat, 01 Jan 2005 05:00:00 +0100 952382 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952381&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D16053604%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kotarbinska E Ear-muffs are commonly used as personal protectors against the effect of noise. The methods of calculation the A-weighted sound pressure level under the cups of ear-muffs are based on the results of laboratory measurements of noise attenuation, which are carried out in the certification process of the product on brand new samples. Hearing protectors are usually stored for certain periods of time. Next, workers use them in different ambient outdoor conditions as long as there are no signs of their physical damage. The question is. What is the influence of ambient outdoor conditions, usage and storage time of ear-muffs on their attenuation? To answer this question, a three-year study has been undertaken. Four types of ear-muffs, most popular in the Polish work envi... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952381 Sat, 01 Jan 2005 05:00:00 +0100 952381 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952380&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D16053605%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Starck J, Toppila E, Laitinen H The type test of hearing protectors (HPD) for certification purposes will be conducted in laboratory at room temperature. Optionally, the mechanical durability of HPDs will be tested in cold environment by a drop test. The purpose of this study was to find out the relevance of the drop test, the change of performance in HPD protection, and finally to estimate the possible change of protection efficiency against noise in cold environment. In total, 22 HPDs were selected to the measurements: 18 earmuffs, and 4 earmuffs attached to an industrial helmet. Attenuation of each earmuff cup was measured by applying insertion loss method for the test subjects in cold. The change of attenuation and temperature of cushion ring was followed up to nine minute... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952380 Sat, 01 Jan 2005 05:00:00 +0100 952380 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952379&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D16053606%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Korhonen E European legislation based on the New Approach requires that technical requirements for products are given in harmonised European standards. The Directive 89/686/EEC on Personal Protective Equipment came into force in 1995. The existence of product and testing standards is a prerequisite for the effective implementation of the directive. There was a need to develop several standards in a very short time period and the basic standards for hearing protectors have already been revised once. It is important to continue the validation of the standardised testing methods and requirement levels. This requires good co-operation and research between test laboratories and research institutes, especially as it is necessary to ensure new products comply with these technical req... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952379 Sat, 01 Jan 2005 05:00:00 +0100 952379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952378&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D16053607%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Vlek C European noise research and policy-making overall not so effective thus far is considered from a behavioural science perspective. First, an overview is given of a recent strategy paper by the EU's CALM network1, focused on perception-related and emission-related research. After a summary of noise effects on human well-being, environmental noise problems are discussed as socio-technical problems where the social part is just as important as the technical part. The behavioural and social components of noise emission, transmission, exposure and effect are explicated. Environmental stress is considered as a double-sided phenomenon involving subjects' threat appraisal and their coping appraisal, each comprising specific underlying variables. From the wider perspective explai... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952378 Sat, 01 Jan 2005 05:00:00 +0100 952378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952392&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15703144%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lataye R, Pouyatos B, Campo P, Lambert AM, Morel G The current experiments were undertaken to determine whether or not styrene-induced hearing loss in the rat depends more on the existence of a critical period between 14 and 21 weeks of age than on body weight. For these purposes, two experiments were carried out with mature Long-Evans rats. In the first experiment, two groups of 5-month old rats, but having different body weight (slim: 314 g vs. fat: 415 g) were exposed to 700 ppm styrene for 4 consecutive weeks, 5 days per week, 6 hours per day. In the second experiment, two groups of rats having the same weight: 345 g, but different ages (14- vs. 21- week old) were exposed to styrene in strictly identical experimental conditions. Auditory sensitivity was tested by recording... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952392 Fri, 01 Oct 2004 04:00:00 +0100 952392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952391&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15703145%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kjellberg A The paper presents a theoretical analysis of possible effects of reverberation time on the cognitive load in speech communication. Speech comprehension requires not only phonological processing of the spoken words. Simultaneously, this information must be further processed and stored. All this processing takes place in the working memory, which has a limited processing capacity. The more resources that are allocated to word identification, the fewer resources are therefore left for the further processing and storing of the information. Reverberation conditions that allow the identification of almost all words may therefore still interfere with speech comprehension and memory storing. These problems are likely to be especially serious in situations where speech has ... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952391 Fri, 01 Oct 2004 04:00:00 +0100 952391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952390&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15703146%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Feldmann J, Pitten FA Based on a real case effects of long-term exposure of infrasound on man are outlined. Beside a description of the background of the case together with remarks on the occurred health problems, the main view lies on the proceeding in identifying the special kind of exposure just as possible technical causes. As a source of annoyance a small heating plant was identified, which immitted into the house of the exposed people very low frequency airborne sound far below the common hearing thresholds. The results show clearly the general deficit of research on the effects of low level infrasound on man. PMID: 15703146 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952390 Fri, 01 Oct 2004 04:00:00 +0100 952390 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952389&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15703147%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Widén SE, Erlandsson SI It seems to be a common opinion among researchers within the field of audiology that the prevalence of tinnitus will increase as a consequence of environmental factors, for example exposure to loud noise. Young people are exposed to loud sounds, more than any other age group, especially during leisure time activities, i.e. at pop concerts, discotheques and gyms. A crucial factor for the prevention of hearing impairments and hearing-related symptoms in the young population is the use of hearing protection. The focus of the present study is use of hearing protection and self-reported hearing-related symptoms, such as tinnitus and noise sensitivity in a young population of high-school students (N=1285), aged 13 to 19 years. The results show that the p... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952389 Fri, 01 Oct 2004 04:00:00 +0100 952389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952388&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15703148%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Williams W Too often, in spite of the encouragement of those who advocate the removal of noise from the workplace as the preferred solution to noise exposure, hearing protectors are provided as the first line of defence against noise. Unfortunately hearing protectors are too often supplied with no real instruction or education in their use. This degrades their performance considerably. In this project the attenuation performance of one particular model of earplug was compared with and without instructions to test subjects. The instructions given were the most basic as commonly supplied on the plastic packaging containing the plugs. The attenuation performance (SLC80) of the plugs with the instructions was 16 dB greater than without the instructions. Overall performance was imp... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952388 Fri, 01 Oct 2004 04:00:00 +0100 952388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952387&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15703149%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Matsui T, Stansfeld S, Haines M, Head J The association of aircraft noise exposure with cognitive performance was examined by means of a cross-sectional field survey. Two hundred thirty six children attending 10 primary schools around Heathrow Airport in west London were tested on reading comprehension, immediate/delayed recall and sustained attention. In order to obtain the information about their background, a questionnaire was delivered to the parents and 163 answers were collected. Logistic regression models were used to assess performance on the cognitive tests in relation to aircraft noise exposure at home and possible individual and school level confounding factors. A significant dose-response relationship was found between aircraft noise exposure at home and performanc... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952387 Fri, 01 Oct 2004 04:00:00 +0100 952387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952386&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15703150%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Widén SE, Erlandsson SI The focus of the present study, of 1285 adolescents, was young people's attitudes towards noise and their use of hearing protection at discos and pop concerts. Comparisons were made between adolescents from different age groups, and with different socio-economic status. Logistic regressions indicated that "worry before attending noisy activities" and "hearing symptoms" such as tinnitus and noise sensitivity could, to some degree, explain the use of hearing protection in noisy environments. Another conclusion to be drawn from this study was that adolescents' attitudes and behaviours regarding hearing protection use differed between levels of socio-economic status. Individuals with high SES expressed more negative attitudes and used ear protection to... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952386 Fri, 01 Oct 2004 04:00:00 +0100 952386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952400&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15703136%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ising H, Michalak R Reactions to noise-induced communication disturbance of 42 men during a seminar were investigated. Stress reactions with or without road traffic noise (Lm = 60 dBA) were compared. Traffic noise was played back via loudspeakers during one day in the seminar room. The following parameters were measured: Fatigue and mental tension by questionnaire; blood pressure and heart rate; excretion of adrenaline, noradrenaline and cAMP from the collected urine. The same subjects participated in a laboratory test where the blood pressure was measured during 5 minutes of rest and after 5 minutes of exposure to intermittent white noise (Lm=97 dBA). It was found that the noise in the field experiment caused psychological and physiological stress effects in half of the subje... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952400 Thu, 01 Jul 2004 04:00:00 +0100 952400 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952399&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15703137%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wende H, Ortscheid J In preparation of the revised edition of the Air Traffic Noise Act the Federal Environmental Agency formulated targets for aircraft noise control. They were prepared oriented to the Federal Immission Control Act. The assessment periods were chosen analogously to the regulations on other traffic noise sources (rail traffic, road traffic). The control targets cover the following affected areas * aural, extra-aural health * night's sleep * annoyance * communication * recreation Considerable nuisance can be avoided by limiting the exposure to aircraft noise(outside) to equivalent levels below 55 dB(A) by day and 45 dB(A) at night, and impairment of health can be avoided by limiting the exposure to aircraft noise (outside) to equivalent levels below 60 dB(A) by... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952399 Thu, 01 Jul 2004 04:00:00 +0100 952399 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952398&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15703138%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Maschke C, Hecht K, Wolf U Night-time wake-up thresholds at noise levels of 60 dB(A) are frequently employed in Germany to establish "noise polluted areas". The criterion is, however, based on an incorrect processing of statistical data gathered from an evaluation of literature performed by Griefahn et al. (1976). This finding has emerged from an extensive revision of the study. Using appropriate statistical methods, maximum levels of under 48 dB(A) are assessed as waking-up thresholds at ear level in sleeping persons, in contrast to maximum levels of 60 dB(A) calculated by Griefahn et al. in 1976. The linear dose-response relationship, which in the course of the revision could be derived from the early publications, agrees with the results of more recent literature evaluation... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952398 Thu, 01 Jul 2004 04:00:00 +0100 952398 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952397&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15703139%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Johansson M, Arlinger S Relevant reference data are required in order to determine the effect from occupational noise exposure on hearing. Pure-tone averages (PTA) of hearing threshold levels simplify the evaluation for audiometric frequencies typically affected by noise. The present study provides reference data of high frequency (HF) PTA over 3, 4 and 6 kHz for a general adult population, aged from 20 to 79 years, not exposed to hazardous occupational noise. The results are presented as statistical distributions of HF PTA values as functions of age, and as prevalence of different degree of HF PTA in the age groups 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70-79 years. PMID: 15703139 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952397 Thu, 01 Jul 2004 04:00:00 +0100 952397 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952396&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15703140%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion traffic noise exposure, even at low levels, was associated with annoyance and sleep disturbance. Access to a quiet side seemed to be a major protective factor for noise related problems. PMID: 15703140 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952396 Thu, 01 Jul 2004 04:00:00 +0100 952396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952395&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15703141%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Griefahn B, Scheuch K, Jansen G, Spreng M Based on extensive and detailed reviews the present paper suggests evaluation criteria for aircraft noise for the prediction of noise effects and for the protection of residents living in the vicinity of (newly constructed or extended) civil airports. The protection concept provides graded evaluation criteria: Critical loads indicate noise loads that shall be tolerated only exceptionally during a limited time. Protection Guides are central evaluation criteria for taking actions to reduce noise immission. Threshold values inform about measurable physiological and psychological reactions due to noise exposures where long term adverse health effects are not expected. Evaluation criteria are provided for various protection goals, for heari... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952395 Thu, 01 Jul 2004 04:00:00 +0100 952395 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952394&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15703142%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, the kinds of sounds recollected by elderly people with dementia were investigated as a first step towards improving their sound environment. Onomatopoeias were presented to elderly people as keys to recollecting sounds, and they told what they imagined from each onomatopoeia. The results are summarized as follows. (1) Generally speaking, sounds from nature, such as the songs of birds and the sound of rain were recollected easily from onomatopoeias, regardless of gender. (2) Sounds of kitchen work were recollected by women only. (3) Sounds from old routines were recollected clearly. (4) Sounds that elicited feelings of nostalgia were also recollected intensely from onomatopoeias. These results show that elderly people suffering from dementia are able to recollect the sounds t... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952394 Thu, 01 Jul 2004 04:00:00 +0100 952394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952393&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15703143%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Williams W, Purdy SC, Murray N, Dillon H, Lepage E, Challinor K, Storey L Research and 'common knowledge' has for many years accepted that education and feedback supplied to individuals during and immediately after workplace health assessments provides valuable information to workers about their health. Further, if more relevant and detailed information could be supplied then awareness and preventative action may increase proportionately. This research carried out with a rural Australian population has shown that preventative action did not increase in proportion to a corresponding increase in the amount and variety of information provided in connection with hearing health status. Two research groups underwent hearing tests, both with pure tone audiometry (PTA) while the secon... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952393 Thu, 01 Jul 2004 04:00:00 +0100 952393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952408&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15273019%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Maschke C PMID: 15273019 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952408 Thu, 01 Apr 2004 05:00:00 +0100 952408 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952407&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15273020%26dopt%3DAbstract This report summarizes what is known to date on VAD, LFN-induced pathology, and related issues. In 1987, the first autopsy of a deceased VAD patient was performed. The extent of LFN induced damage was overwhelming, and the information obtained is, still today, guiding many of the associated and ongoing research projects. In 1992, LFN-exposed animal models began to be studied in order to gain a deeper knowledge of how tissues respond to this acoustic stressor. In both human and animal models, LFN exposure causes thickening of cardiovascular structures. Indeed, pericardial thickening with no inflammatory process, and in the absence of diastolic dysfunction, is the hallmark of VAD. Depressions, increased irritability and aggressiveness, a tendency for isolation, and decreased cognitive skills... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952407 Thu, 01 Apr 2004 05:00:00 +0100 952407 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952406&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15273021%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ising H, Lange-Asschenfeldt H, Moriske HJ, Born J, Eilts M A correlation of respiratory diseases to traffic related air pollution and noise was observed in an interview study. Since in that study the exposure was subjectively assessed, in the present field study nitrogen dioxide as indicator for vehicle exhausts and the mean night-time noise level were measured outside the children's windows in representative locations. Based on these measurements each child was placed in one of the following categories: low, medium or high traffic immission (ambient emissions). The physician contacts due to bronchitis of 68 children were assessed retrospectively from the files of the participating paediatricians. Saliva samples were collected from all children and the cortisol concentration w... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952406 Thu, 01 Apr 2004 05:00:00 +0100 952406 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952405&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15273022%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Findeis H, Peters E Noise immissions with predominant low frequency sound components may exert considerably disturbing effects in dwellings. This applies in particular to sounds which are excitated by transmission of structure-borne noise, and to low frequency sounds emitted by ventilators. Exposed persons usually declare such immissions as being "intolerable" even at very low A-weighted sound levels. If mechanical vibrations in the frequency range below 20 Hz (ground-borne vibrations) affect dwelling rooms, the annoying effects are perceived only by a small portion of exposed individuals as a physical effect. For the most part the immissions are observed as vibratory effects on the building and on objects inside the dwelling. The disturbing effects of vibration frequencies ab... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952405 Thu, 01 Apr 2004 05:00:00 +0100 952405 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952404&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15273023%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Møller H, Pedersen CS The human perception of sound at frequencies below 200 Hz is reviewed. Knowledge about our perception of this frequency range is important, since much of the sound we are exposed to in our everyday environment contains significant energy in this range. Sound at 20-200 Hz is called low-frequency sound, while for sound below 20 Hz the term infrasound is used. The hearing becomes gradually less sensitive for decreasing frequency, but despite the general understanding that infrasound is inaudible, humans can perceive infrasound, if the level is sufficiently high. The ear is the primary organ for sensing infrasound, but at levels somewhat above the hearing threshold it is possible to feel vibrations in various parts of the body. The threshold of hearing i... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952404 Thu, 01 Apr 2004 05:00:00 +0100 952404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952403&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15273024%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Leventhall HG Low frequency noise, the frequency range from about 10 Hz to 200 Hz, has been recognised as a special environmental noise problem, particularly to sensitive people in their homes. Conventional methods of assessing annoyance, typically based on A-weighted equivalent level, are inadequate for low frequency noise and lead to incorrect decisions by regulatory authorities. There have been a large number of laboratory measurements of annoyance by low frequency noise, each with different spectra and levels, making comparisons difficult, but the main conclusions are that annoyance of low frequencies increases rapidly with level. Additionally the A-weighted level underestimates the effects of low frequency noises. There is a possibility of learned aversion to low frequenc... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952403 Thu, 01 Apr 2004 05:00:00 +0100 952403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952402&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15273025%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Schust M This review concentrates on the effects of low frequency noise (LFN) up to 100 Hz on selected physiological parameters, subjective complaints and performance. The results of laboratory experiments and field studies are discussed in relation to the thresholds of hearing, of vibrotactile sensation and of aural pain. The effects of LFN may be mediated trough different ways. Temporary or permanent hearing threshold shifts seem to be due to acoustic stimuli above the individual hearing threshold. However, non-aural physiological and psychological effects may be caused by levels of low frequency noise below the individual hearing threshold. The dynamic range between the thresholds of hearing and of aural pain diminishes with decreasing frequency. This should be taken into a... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952402 Thu, 01 Apr 2004 05:00:00 +0100 952402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952401&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15273026%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Persson Waye K Low frequency noise (20-200 Hz) is emitted by numerous sources in the society. As low frequencies propagate with little attenuation through walls and windows, many people may be exposed to low frequency noise in their dwellings. Sleep disturbance, especially with regard to time to fall asleep and tiredness in the morning, are commonly reported in case studies on low frequency noise. However, the number of studies where sleep disturbance is investigated in relation to the low frequencies in the noise is limited. Based on findings from available epidemiological and experimental studies, the review gives indications that sleep disturbance due to low frequency noise warrants further concern. PMID: 15273026 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Noise and Health... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952401 Thu, 01 Apr 2004 05:00:00 +0100 952401 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952419&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15070522%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ising H PMID: 15070522 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Noise and Health) Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952419 Thu, 01 Jan 2004 05:00:00 +0100 952419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952418&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15070524%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ising H, Kruppa B Traffic noise is the most important source of environmental annoyance. According to the Environmental Expert Council of Germany, severe annoyance persistent over prolonged periods of time is to be regarded as causing distress. Previously, extraaural noise effects were mostly assessed using a paradigm in which the sound level played the major role. On the basis of this paradigm the relatively low sound level of environmental noise was not considered to be a potential danger to health. In contrast to this numerous empirical results have shown long-term noise-induced health risks. Therefore a radical change of attitude - a change of paradigm - is necessary. For an immediate triggering of protective reactions (fight/flight or defeat reactions) the information con... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952418 Thu, 01 Jan 2004 05:00:00 +0100 952418 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952417&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15070525%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Raschke F World wide rules for sleep staging originate to 1967. Since then many investigations aimed to give numbers for the degree of sleep disturbances due to air traffic noise. But the variables used, such as the amount of relative sleep stages, total sleep time, or sleep efficiency, could not explain impairment in health and performance sufficiently. The beginning of the eighties has given new insight into the restorative functions of sleep, according to sleep fragmentation by micro-arousals. These are originating in autonomous dysfunctions during sleep, leading to non-restorative sleep. Environmentally related sleep disturbances are described, EEG and vegetative (micro)-arousals, and the actual knowledge in sleep medicine is given in terms of the international classificat... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952417 Thu, 01 Jan 2004 05:00:00 +0100 952417 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952416&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15070526%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Griefahn B, Spreng M Due to the undisputable restorative function of sleep, noise-induced sleep disturbances are regarded as the most deleterious effects of noise. They comprise alterations during bedtimes such as awakenings, sleep stage changes, body movements and after-effects such as subjectively felt decrease of sleep quality, impairment of mood and performance. The extents of these reactions depend on the information content of noise, on its acoustical parameters and are modified by individual influences and by situational conditions. Intermittent noise, that is produced by air traffic, rail traffic and by road traffic during the night is particularly disturbing and needs to be reduced. Suitable limits are suggested. PMID: 15070526 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Sour... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952416 Thu, 01 Jan 2004 05:00:00 +0100 952416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952415&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15070527%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Spreng M Mainly dependent on level and dynamic increase sound produces over-shooting excitations which activate subcortical processing centers (e.g. the amygdala, functioning as fear conditioning center) besides cortical areas (e. g. arousing annoyance, awakenings) as well. In addition there exist very close central nervous connections between subcortical parts of the auditory system (e.g. amygdala) showing typical plasticity effects (sensitization) and the hypothalmic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis. Using that causal chain noise induce cortisol excretion even below the awakening threshold. Thus repeated noise events (e.g. overflights during night time) may lead to accumulation of the cortisol level in blood. This can happen because its time-constant of exponential decrease is a... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952415 Thu, 01 Jan 2004 05:00:00 +0100 952415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952414&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15070528%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Maschke C, Hecht K In noise effect research often the awakening reaction is maintained to be the only important health related reaction. The main argument is that sleep represents a trophotropic phase ("energy storing"). In contrast to this awakening reactions or lying awake belong to the ergotropic phase ("energy consuming"). Frequent or long awakening reactions endanger therefore the necessary recovery in sleep and, in the long-run, health. Findings derived from arousal and stress hormone research make possible a new access to the noise induced nightly health risk. An arousal is a short change in sleeping condition, raising the organism from a lower level of excitation to a higher one. Arousals have the function to prevent life-threatening influences or events through activa... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952414 Thu, 01 Jan 2004 05:00:00 +0100 952414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952413&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15070529%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hoeger R Disturbing effects of aircraft noise depend on the time of day at which the sound sources emerge. The reason can be seen in different human activities which vary qualitatively throughout the day. Especially in the evening and during the night people are more sensitive against noise induced disturbances which is a result of several field studies. Additionally there exists empirical evidence that human performance behaviour profits by keeping the night period free of sound exposure. As a consequence of these findings it is discussed whether the existing air traffic should be rescheduled to the daytime. It is argued that not only noise rescheduling needs to be considered, but also the spatial redistribution of air traffic volume. In using a mix of rescheduling techniques... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952413 Thu, 01 Jan 2004 05:00:00 +0100 952413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952412&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15070530%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Guski R When planning the development or reduction of large traffic facilities, acoustic calculation procedures are used to forecast the noise load in the affected residential areas. Then, existing dose/response relationships for steady state situations are used to predict noise effects in future years. Planners often assume that (1) noise annoyance reactions of residents do not change over the years, and (2) annoyance is not affected by the change itself. Both of these assumptions are questioned in this paper, and a procedure for estimating future annoyance in changed noise situations is proposed. This includes the analysis of possible statistical trends of the annoyance reactions over the years - even for steady-state noise loads, and with changing state situations, the effe... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952412 Thu, 01 Jan 2004 05:00:00 +0100 952412 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952411&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15070531%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Scheuch K The "Special Assessment of Environment and Health" (SAEH) by the Council of Experts for Environmental Questions of Federal Republic of Germany is presented regarding to it's statements concerning the consequences of aircraft noise during night. Considering the issue of sustainability it is emphasized that lower limit values of the validity of scientific results need to be accepted. As the discussion of the literature shows the statements of the Council are rather vague and warily. This is a question of used parameters of noise effects during the night as well as its interpretation. It seems necessary to utilize a hierarchical structure of limit values and with interpretation of the term "threshold" as normal physiological reactions. More investigations are necessary ... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952411 Thu, 01 Jan 2004 05:00:00 +0100 952411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952410&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15070532%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Babisch W The WHO definition of "health" is critically discussed in its broad context. Decision making in noise policy has to be made in the evaluation range between social and physical well-being. The term "adverse" is a crucial one in the process of risk characterization. In toxicological terms it refers to the single event itself; in psychosocial terms it refers to the relative number of people affected. The evidence of the association between community noise and cardiovascular outcomes is evaluated. The results of epidemiological studies in this field can be used for decision making when assessing maximum acceptable noise levels in the community. Since dose response relationships were mostly studied with respect to road traffic noise, inferences have to be made with respec... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952410 Thu, 01 Jan 2004 05:00:00 +0100 952410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952409&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D15070533%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Basner M, Samel A Noise protection associated with the construction and extension of airports in the Federal Republic of Germany has been regulated by the law for protection against aircraft noise since 1971. This legislation is due for revision because of different aspects. One aspect is the growth of air traffic which has led many airports to the limits of their capacity and in search of new ways of adaptation to the increasing demand for flight services. Another aspect is the increasing concern of the population about noise effects which has to be addressed by better protection against the effects of aircraft noise. The framework conditions of policy in terms of society as a whole, its health and economic environment need to be put into effect by political action. Science c... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952409 Thu, 01 Jan 2004 05:00:00 +0100 952409 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952425&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D14965450%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Smith DG, Baranski JV, Thompson MM, Abel SM A total of twenty-five subjects were cloistered for a period of 70 hours, five at a time, in a hyperbaric chamber modified to simulate the conditions aboard the International Space Station (ISS). A recording of 72 dBA background noise from the ISS service module was used to simulate noise conditions on the ISS. Two groups experienced the background noise throughout the experiment, two other groups experienced the noise only during the day, and one control group was cloistered in a quiet environment. All subjects completed a battery of cognitive tests nine times throughout the experiment. The data showed little or no effect of noise on reasoning, perceptual decision-making, memory, vigilance, mood, or subjective indices of fatigue. Ou... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952425 Wed, 01 Oct 2003 04:00:00 +0100 952425 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952424&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D14965451%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Laroche C, Soli S, Giguère C, Lagacé J, Vaillancourt V, Fortin M Many jobs at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) have several features in common: they are often performed in noisy environments and involve a number of auditory skills and abilities, such as speech communication, sound localization, and sound detection. If an individual lacks these skills and abilities, it may constitute a safety risk for this individual, as well as for fellow workers and the general public. A number of scientific models have been developed to predict performance on these auditory skills based on diagnostic measures of hearing such as pure-tone audiograms. While these models have significant scientific and research value, they are unable to provide accurate predictions ... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952424 Wed, 01 Oct 2003 04:00:00 +0100 952424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952423&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D14965452%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Edworthy J, Hellier E, Rivers J Speech warnings and communication systems are increasingly used in noisy, high workload environments. An important decision in the development of such systems is the choice of a male or a female speaker. There is little objective evidence to support this decision, although there are many misconceptions and misunderstandings on this topic. This paper suggests that both acoustic and non-acoustic differences (such as social attributions towards speakers of different sexes) between male and female speakers is negligible, therefore the choice of speaker should depend on the overlap of noise and speech spectra. Female voices do however appear to have an advantage in that they can portray a greater range of urgencies because of their usually higher pit... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952423 Wed, 01 Oct 2003 04:00:00 +0100 952423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952422&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D14965453%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sust CA, Lazarus H Usually the perception of acoustic signals is investigated under conditions where the subjects pay full attention to the signals. It can be assumed that the threshold of signal perception is much higher if the attention has simultaneously to be focused on the execution of any kind of other activity. In the following experiment subjects have to perceive acoustic signals while solving different arithmetical tasks at the same time. The results (number of perceived signals, number of arithmetical tasks solved, reaction time, and solving time) show that the threshold of signal perception rises while other tasks are being performed simultaneously. Consequences for the recognition of warning signals in occupational safety and in traffic conditions are discussed. ... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952422 Wed, 01 Oct 2003 04:00:00 +0100 952422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952421&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D14965454%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hughes RW, Jones DM Critical to survival, and also to the organism's efficient management of the flow of information in the brain, is attentional selectivity; the ability to select one source of information to guide action whilst ignoring others that are irrelevant to the current behavioural goal. But such selectivity is not merely the inclusion of the relevant information and the complete neglect of irrelevant information. We discuss in this paper the way that all sound is processed in an obligatory fashion--whether relevant or irrelevant--and discuss the fate of sound in the case when it is irrelevant to the immediate mental task. Using the so-called irrelevant sound paradigm we show that unattended information is both registered and organised. This obligatory process of org... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952421 Wed, 01 Oct 2003 04:00:00 +0100 952421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952420&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D14965455%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Belojevic G, Jakovljevic B, Slepcevic V The contradictory and confusing results in noise research on humans may partly be due to individual differences between the subjects participating in different studies. This review is based on a twelve year research on the role of neuroticism, extroversion and subjective noise sensitivity during mental work in noisy environment. Neurotic persons might show enhanced "arousability" i.e. their arousal level increases more in stress. Additional unfavorable factors for neurotics are worrying and anxiety, which might prevent them coping successfully with noise, or some other stressors during mental performance. In numerous experiments introverts have showed higher sensitivity to noise during mental performance compared to extroverts, while ext... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952420 Wed, 01 Oct 2003 04:00:00 +0100 952420 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952433&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D14558888%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Le Prell CG, Dolan DF, Schacht J, Miller JM, Lomax MI, Altschuler RA There is increasing evidence that at least one function of both the medial and the lateral olivocochlear efferent systems is to provide adjustment of the set point of activity in their postsynaptic target, the outer hair cells and afferent processes, respectively. New results, summarized in this review, suggest that both efferent systems can provide protection from noise through this mechanism. There are also intracellular pathways that can provide protection from noise-induced cellular damage in the cochlea. This review also summarizes new results on the pathways that regulate and react to levels of reactive oxygen species in the cochlea as well as the role of stress pathways for the heat shock proteins and ... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952433 Tue, 01 Jul 2003 04:00:00 +0100 952433 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952432&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D14558889%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Davis RR, Kozel P, Erway LC Individual animals and humans show differing susceptibility to noise damage even under very carefully controlled exposure conditions. This difference in susceptibility may be related to unknown genetic components. Common experimental animals (rats, guinea pigs, chinchillas, cats) are outbred-their genomes contain an admixture of many genes. Many mouse strains have been inbred over many generations reducing individual variability, making them ideal candidates for studying the genetic modulation of individual susceptibility. Erway et al. (1993) demonstrated a recessive gene associated with early presbycusis in the C57BL/6J inbred mouse. A series of studies have shown that mice homozygous for Ahl allele are more sensitive to the damaging effects of noi... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952432 Tue, 01 Jul 2003 04:00:00 +0100 952432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952431&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D14558890%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Horner KC, Cazals Y Stress is an unavoidable every-day phenomenon. Physiological coping with stress depends on the appropriate release of stress hormones as well as their alleviation at the termination of the stress. Despite quite a body of research indicating that stress affects inner ear function, this concept has found little application in otolaryngology. Today's evidence clearly indicates that the inner ear is equipped to detect stress hormones and some of these hormones have been shown to affect the inner ear function. Major stress control pathways shown to affect the inner ear include several third order axes, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis and the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis whose functioning are interactive and... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952431 Tue, 01 Jul 2003 04:00:00 +0100 952431 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952430&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D14558891%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Persson Waye K, Bengtsson J, Agge A, Björkman M In order to improve the living conditions for respondents highly exposed to traffic noise, it has been recommended that one side of the building should face a "quiet side". Quiet may, however, be spoilt by noise from installations such as ventilation and air-conditioning systems. The noises generated by installations of this kind often have a dominant portion of low frequencies (20-200 Hz) and may be a source of great annoyance and sleep disturbance. This paper describes the cross-sectional part of an intended intervention study among residents exposed to traffic noise on one side of the building and to low frequency noise from installations on the other side of the building. A questionnaire masked as a general living enviro... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952430 Tue, 01 Jul 2003 04:00:00 +0100 952430 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952429&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D14558892%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rosenhall U A lifetime of exposure to noise is likely to have negative effects on the hearing, but the interaction between noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and age-related hearing loss is difficult to determine. The most commonly accepted assumption is a simple accumulating effects of noise and ageing on the hearing. However, both a less than additive effect as well as a supraadditive effect has been proposed. Recently an interesting interaction between NIHL and age-related hearing loss has been reported (Gates et al., 2000). NIHL before old age reduces the effects of ageing at noise-associated frequencies, but accelerates the deterioration of hearing in adjacent frequencies. Findings from the longitudinal and cross-sectional gerontological and geriatric population study of 7... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952429 Tue, 01 Jul 2003 04:00:00 +0100 952429 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952428&cid=s_36572_161_f&fid=36572&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D14558893%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Stephens D, Zhao F, Kennedy V The condition in which individuals with normal pure tone audiograms complain of hearing difficulties, especially in the presence of background noise, (normal pure tone audiograms), has had a number of different names. The present term King-Kopetzky Syndrome was coined by Hinchcliffe in 1992. This is a common condition reported in 5 - 10% of those attending clinics complaining of hearing problems. A dominant genetic aetiology has been found in a proportion of cases. It may be associated with minor peripheral or central auditory dysfunction, and frequently the individuals exhibit anxious or depressive personalities. We found no relationship with noise exposure in a series of patients compared with matched controls. Here we review the evidence for an... Noise and Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952428 Tue, 01 Jul 2003 04:00:00 +0100 952428