Relationship of noise history to perceived loudness and physiological arousal from noise

Abstract

Chronic exposure to noise is a well-documented health hazard (Suter, 1991). In this study, we investigated whether an individuals’ self-reported noise history (exposure, sensitivity, and annoyance) correlated with noise-elicited physiologic arousal. We measured pupil dilation responses and loudness judgments to varying types of noise and related those to self-identified noise history. We hypothesized that increased history of exposure or annoyance would be correlated with perceived loudness and arousal from noise. Five colors (spectra) of noise were generated with the same sound pressure levels within the band 1000–4000 Hz but with different slopes of spectral energy below and above the band. Changes in participant pupil dilation responses elicited by each noise type were used as an assessment of physiological stress response to noise stimuli. Participants also adjusted the loudness of two randomized noise spectra until they were determined to be of equal loudness. Preliminary data suggest that the perception of loudness and levels of arousal differed depending on the color spectrum of noise. Relationships between the loudness judgments, self-reported noise history, and observed physiologic data will be further discussed. Results have implications for understanding the behavioral and physiological effects of chronic exposure to noise. [Robert Young, NIDCD R01DC017114 (Winn).]