Health Effects of Occupational Noise

Abstract

Purpose of Review Workplace noise negatively impacts health, and noise-induced hearing loss is the most common work-related disease in many countries. Occupational noise may also cause cardiovascular disease, and there is epidemiologic evidence on the non-auditory effects of noise. This paper aims to briefly present and summarize the latest evidence on the auditory and non-auditory health effects of occupational noise exposure from the last 5 years. Recent Findings Two systematic reviews assessing the cardiovascular effects of occupational noise exposure were published in the last year. Our own recent review found convincing evidence of an association between occupational noise exposure > 80 dB(A) and hypertension and a dose-response relationship between noise exposure and hypertension risk. Another review of cardiovascular disease conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) found an increased risk of incident ischemic heart disease at noise exposures ≥ 85 dB(A). Recent reviews on work-related injuries, diabetes, acoustic neuroma, and pregnancy outcomes also find noise-related associations. Summary Evidence of an association between occupational noise and cardiovascular outcomes was recently evaluated. We found the risk of hypertension increases with a clear dose-response relationship at noise levels > 80 dB(A). The WHO/ILO review highlights the lack of quality research including women. Additional high-quality research on epigenetic effects, oxidative stress, work-related injuries, diabetes, acoustic neuroma, and pregnancy outcomes is also needed. Urgently needed (increased) measures of workplace noise reduction will reduce the incidence of noise-induced hearing loss and help prevent cardiovascular diseases, especially hypertension.

Effect of occupational noise exposure on cortisol hormone level: A systematic review

“…Moreover, in a review by Pretzsch et al, the interaction between noise as an acute or chronic stressor and the consecutive distribution of stress hormones such as adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol has been mentioned. 31 Noise is a psychological stimulus that can be a threat for homeostasis since it activates the central nervous system structures of emotional processing. Therefore, given the stress model, people achieve stability by "allostasis".…”

Association Between Occupational Noise Exposure and Benign Vocal Fold Lesions in South Korea: A Nationwide Population‐Based Study

“…Several previous studies have reported hearing loss, cardiovascular disease, premature birth, and other medical conditions as diseases that can be caused by occupational noise exposure. [25] Based on that clinical evidence, institutional arrangements and environmental standards for working environments have been made. However, awareness of vocal fold diseases caused by noise exposure is still lacking, even though it was rst pointed out in the 1970s.…”

Evaluation of Environmental Sound Pressure Level, Drawing of Noise-Isosonic Map Using Surfer V.19, and Prioritization of Engineering Noise Control Methods Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP): A Field Study in CGS Stations

“…Exposure to excessive noise levels can cause many health problems such as stress [5], peripheral vascular irritation and hypertension [6,7], cardiovascular problems [8,9], fatigue, sleep disorders, psychosis, and hearing loss [10,11]. Also, excessive exposure to noise can increase oxidative stress and decrease speech comprehension, concentration, and performance in individuals and ultimately increase the risk of accidents in the workplace [12][13][14]. Therefore, the need to address the noise-related issues as well as prevention of health issues caused by such exposures can also be justified from an economic viewpoint [15].…”