Broadband Noise Exposure Psychoacoustic Effects Evaluation in Healthy Volunteers

Abstract

The noise generated by life support systems is one of the factors that continuously affects the astronauts during their stay on the International Space Station. Long-term monitoring of the astronauts auditory system state demonstrates the possibility of developing both temporary and permanent (irreversible) shifts in hearing thresholds. In addition, it has been shown that prolonged noise exposure can adversely affect the quality of the operator’s activity and efficient performance. However, to date, the topic of psychoacoustic effects caused by noise exposure has not been studied enough. An experimental evaluation of the “non-auditory” effects of “white” noise exposure with an 85 dB intensity and 2 hours duration in healthy volunteers with normal hearing was carried out. The results indicate the negative noise impact on concentration, the amount of RAM and its use efficiency, the cognitive processes associated with the recognition and incoming information analysis speed. In addition, a significant change in the parameters of the volunteers bioelectrical brain activity was noted: an increase in the power of α- and β-rhythms and a decrease in the power of θ- EEG rhythms under the noise influence. Taking these data into account, the authors suggest a decrease in the operator’s activity quality of the volunteers in noise exposure conditions.