Effect of noise pollution on male fertility (Review)

Abstract

Background: Noise as a most common harmful physical agent in workplaces has some effects on the exposed persons such as hearing threshold reduction, increasing blood pressure, and interference with the speech. The adverse side-effect of noise is one of the scientific areas that have seldom been considered by researchers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of occupational noise on the male fertility (human and experimental animals) to be finally able to provide solutions for the future orientation of research studies, and on the other hand, to increase awareness in industrial divisions about effects of noise stress on workers fertility. Materials and Methods: In this study, we conducted the bibliographic search in PubMed and Google Scholar databases and studies about effects of workplaces noise on the male fertility with keywords such as fertility, noise, and testicular damage were selected. Results: Male infertility is a major health problem in the world. According to different study, Noise can impact on testis weight, sperm parameters (count, viability, motility and morphology), sexual hormones, testicular tissue, oxidative stress and finally infertility. Conclusions: The results of this study shows that noise exposure plays an important role as an environmental risk factor for male fertility; therefore, it is necessary to formulate guidelines for occupational exposure limits of noise effects, exposure time, use or not usage of supplemental antioxidants and to consider fertility and not be confined merely to the effects of noise on hearing system.

Effect of Occupational Exposure to Whole-Body Vibration and Noise on Sex Hormone Levels: A Case Study in an Automobile Parts Manufacturing Plant

“…The study concluded that exposure to noise can affect testicular weight, sperm parameters (sperm count, vitality, mobility and morphology), sex hormone levels, testicular tissue and oxidative stress levels which in turn can be influential in male infertility. The present study [43] also found noise to be the main exposure variables that affects sex hormone levels.…”

“…In a review study conducted in 2016 by Nadry et al the effects of noise on male fertility (human and lab animals) was investigated [43]. The study concluded that exposure to noise can affect testicular weight, sperm parameters (sperm count, vitality, mobility and morphology), sex hormone levels, testicular tissue and oxidative stress levels which in turn can be influential in male infertility.…”

Association of trinucleotide repeat polymorphisms CAG and GGC in exon 1 of the Androgen Receptor gene with male infertility: a cross-sectional study

“…The environmental causes of male infertility include prolonged exposure to heat [3], noise pollution [4], ionizing radiation [5], air pollution [6], mumps after puberty [7], alcoholism [8], and psychological stress [9].…”

Relationship between occupational exposure to whole-body vibration and noise with sex hormone levels: An empirical assessment in an automobile parts manufacturing plant

“…Results of the present study agrees with Chamkoory et al, in the case of reduced testosterone, LH, and FSH levels in those exposed to high levels of noise. Moreover, in a review study have been concluded that exposure to noise can affect testicular weight, sperm parameters (sperm count, vitality, mobility, and morphology), sex hormone levels, testicular tissue, and oxidative stress levels which in turn can be influential in male infertility (Nadri et al, 2016). These studies state that the mechanism of effect is dependent on the increase in stress hormone levels such as corticosterone and norepinephrine due to noise exposure and the resulting changes in the secretion of the leptin hormone which is an important hormone in metabolism and reproduction (Chandralekha et al, 2005).…”