Electrophysiological approaches to noise sensitivity

Abstract

While the findings from all three studies were not definitive in indicating a likely biological mechanism underlying noise sensitivity, they do suggest that electrophysiological investigation of noise sensitivity is viable and has potential to inform clinical research into a relatively understudied symptom.

A window into the brain mechanisms associated with noise sensitivity

“…However, in the high NS group P1 was smaller than in the low NS group, suggesting an attenuated capacity for processing incoming sound features in a variable sound stream. However, the different methodologies used in our study and previous research on sensory gating3539 limits the comparison of the findings.…”

“…Impaired sensory gating is typical of schizophrenics, and is implicated in attention deficits and perceptual hypersensitivity to sounds in these patients. Shepherd and collegues35 were the first to test whether filtering mechanisms are compromised in NS as well. Using a paired-click paradigm, they found that differences in sensory gating might exist between NS extremities: in an auditory attention condition, noise sensitive individuals showed lower sensory gating than the non-sensitive group.…”

“…Additionally, we predict an effect of NS on the P1 response, because the differences in early ERP components between noise sensitive and non-sensitive individuals have previously been indicated. Evidence for this comes from scarce electrophysiological research on NS35 and annoyance caused by an unpleasant sound36.…”

The Role of Soundscape in Nature-Based Rehabilitation: A Patient Perspective

“…Complementary physiological measurements in that study revealed prolonged reset time after arousal due to sound exposure among those sensitive, indicating a biological mechanism. Recently published results show significant differences in heart rate change and heart rate variability between noise-sensitive people and others [67]. Based on this, those authors suggested that noise sensitivity may be explained by a hypoactive parasympathetic response and a hyperactive and sustained sympathetic response, due to an uncoupling of the autonomic nervous system and the amygdala-prefrontal circuits that interpret stressful stimuli and enact the appropriate stress response.…”

Noise sensitivity: A neurophenomenological perspective

“…HeinonenGuzejev et al took a different approach suggesting that NS influenced mismatch negativity response and "the cortical sound discrimination process underlying its elicitation" (13). In an overview of four studies on NS Shepherd et al observed associations between NS and different electrophysiological indices such as heart rate, heart rate variability and EEG alpha rhythms, as well as different sensory gating between noise sensitivity extremities (14). These studies reiterated the need for further investigation into the physiological mechanisms underlying NS but in reality they correlated a psychometric scale lacking objective and content validity with electrophysiological alterations.…”