Loud Noise Research Articles

Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pakistani Teenager

The individual (K.N) seeking support was a 16-year-old female. She was referred due to concerns related to behaviors such as emitting loud noises, hitting and biting oneself, cranial self-impact, and limited social interaction. The assessment process involved conducting behavioral observations and compassionate clinical interviews with her parents, teacher, and a clinical psychologist. Additionally, the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (C.A.R.S) (Schopler, Reichier, & Renner, 1988) was employed to evaluate the extent of the challenges. This assessment was conducted through observations of K.N and in collaboration with their teacher to comprehensively assess her condition and rule out the presence of other potential disabilities. K.N's score on the C.A.R.S was 54, indicating placement within the severely autistic category.  Based on behavioral observation and assessment it has been hypothesized that K.N exhibits characteristics consistent with autism spectrum disorder, indicating a need for comprehensive support. To address the K.N's challenges, we developed a tailored Individualized Intervention Program incorporating diverse behavior modification techniques. One of these approaches involved the implementation of Floortime (DIR) strategies to enrich the individual's social interactions and broaden her communication network. Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) was used to reduce self-disruptive behaviors and encourage communication. By the end of therapeutic session eye-contact improved and she started maintaining eye contact for 4-5 seconds while before intervention plan, she had no eye-contact. she also displayed increased engagement in joint attention activities, allowing another person to interact with her 40% of the time. Furthermore, she demonstrated an 80% success rate in independently wearing her jacket or sweater when going outside. She started making requests when asked what she wants instead of indulging into self-injurious behavior 60% of the time. In the area of academic or cognitive skills K.N was able to identify opposites, differentiate between masculine and feminine forms, write five prepositions, compose three simple sentences about herself, type dictated words on an iPad, name the days of the week, perform basic addition on a calculator, and sequence numbers up to nine. In the area of motor skills, she was able to ride gym-bicycle for few minutes. K.N was also able to paint pots, stack matching boxes in a shelf. These remarkable advancements were achieved over the course of nineteen sessions.

Acoustic propagation analysis of sonic boom at atmospheric variation during 10-year flight

Loud noise due to sonic boom is strongly affected by atmospheric conditions such as humidity, temperature, and wind including velocity fluctuation in the atmospheric boundary layer. In this study, we simulated the atmospheric conditions for the past 10-years based on historical meteorological data, and the sonic boom of the pseudo-Concorde and the Low-Boom Concept (LBC) models along the flight routes were numerically investigated under the simulated atmospheric conditions. The results show that the overpressure of a sonic boom pressure signature varies seasonally, and the overpressure decreases in winter. Molecular relaxation due to atmospheric humidity affects mainly pressure attenuation; however, the overpressure of the LBC is less sensitive to the atmospheric variation than that of the pseudo-Concorde.

Effect of leading edge and trailing edge serrations on a rotating Wells turbine

Wells turbine used for wave and wind power generation is known to generate loud noise during its operation. Aerodynamic noise reduction is an important issue in the design of the turbines. Since aerodynamic noise depends highly on behavior of the vortices around the turbine and the flow structure in the wake region, understanding of behavior of the unsteady flow past a rotating turbine plays important role. In this study, we modeled Wells turbine with normal (solid) blades and serrated turbine. To visualize the flow separation and vortex generation near the rotating turbine at its startup, LES simulations were performed by using moving mesh and transient inlet condition. In addition to the detailed flow structure around the turbine, the results show that the axial torque of the turbine increases with respect to the monotonically increasing inlet velocity. It is also found that positive axial torque generated for the normal and trailing edge serrated turbines as the inlet flow velocity increased, but no torque was obtained for the leading edge serrated turbine due to flow separation at the leading edge.

Hubungan Masa Kerja Dengan Kejadian Gangguan Pendengaran Pada Karyawan PT. Riau Graindo Pekanbaru Tahun 2019

Background: Hearing loss is one of the occupational diseases. A noisy work environment as one of the impacts of the industrial sector. This is the most common cause of hearing loss. The National Institute of Health in 2012 reports that about 15% of Americans aged 20-69 years experience hearing loss in connection with work activities, because noise can cause hearing loss, the government sets standards that regulate permissible noise exposure. Hearing loss due to noise occurs slowly, in a matter of months to years. This is often not realized by the sufferer, so that when the patient starts complaining of hearing loss, it is usually already in an irreversible stage. Such conditions will affect labor productivity which will ultimately cause a decrease in the health of the workforce. In certain cases, hearing loss due to noise begins for 6 to 10 years after exposure to loud noises. PT. Riau Graindo was established on January 17, 1997 located in Desa Sidomulyo Barat Kecamatan Tampan Kota Pekanbaru, a publishing company under of Riau Pos Group (RPG), based in Pekanbaru. Research Objectives: To determine corelations of work period with the incidence of hearing loss in employees of PT. Riau Graindo Pekanbaru in 2019. Research Methods: This study was an observational analytic study with a cross sectional approach. Research Results: Majority of PT. Pekanbaru Graindo Pekanbaru that is > 5 years as many as 21 people (70%). The majority of employees of PT. Riau Graindo Pekanbaru experiencing hearing loss as many as 18 people (60%). Chi square test results obtained Pvalue = 0.001, it can be concluded that there is a relationship between work period and the incidence of hearing loss in the employees of PT. Riau Graindo Pekanbaru in 2019. Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a relationship between working period and the incidence of hearing loss in the employees of PT. Riau Graindo Pekanbaru in 2019 with Pvalue = 0.001 smaller than α (0.05).

Effect of sound absorption on performance in cognitive tasks: Focusing on characteristics of subjects with developmental disabilities

Children with developmental disabilities often experience hearing-related difficulties in learning environments. Despite this, there has been little consideration given to acoustic design for these children in Japan. The aim of this study is to investigate how ambient noise affects the cognitive performance of individuals with developmental disabilities, and to examine whether sound absorption in the room can help mitigate any negative effects. To conduct the experiment, college students were randomly selected instead of children with developmental disabilities, due to ethical considerations. Subjects completed four cognitive tasks under a loud noise level of approximately 80 dB, which was assumed to be a corresponding condition experienced by children with auditory sensitivity. The results showed that the condition with sound-absorbing in the room resulted in higher scores overall. Subjects with developmental disabilities tended to score lower than those without, and tended to score relatively higher on some cognitive tasks under conditions where sound-absorbing material was installed. While further study is needed, these findings suggest that using sound-absorbing materials may have a positive impact on individuals with developmental disabilities.

Frequent Cell Phone Users have Sensorineural Hearing Loss: An Observational Study

Background: Mobile phone use is prevalent, and there have been concerns raised about its long-term safety. Electromagnetic fields from mobile devices can enter the brain and deposit energy as deep as 4-6 cm into the brain, heating the tissue. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study carried out at General Hospital, Rangamati during the period from January 2022 to January 2023. The study population includes patients who visit the ENT department at General Hospital, Rangamati and have used mobile phones for three years or more. Participants who were uninterested in the study, respondents with a history of ear disease, respondents with a history of loud noise exposure, or students who used headphones for entertainment reasons for more than 1 hour per day were also excluded. Results: The majority of participants (42.47%) had been exposed to mobile phone use for 4-5 years, whereas 26 (42.47%) had been exposed for 3 years and 16 (21.92%) for >5 years. Nearly three-fourths (31.51%) of the subjects had exposure to mobile phones for two to three hours each day, whereas 12 (16.44%) of the patients had more than three hours. For the right and left ears, respectively, pure tone averages of 13.695.64 dB and 14.375.49 dB were discovered. 5 dB loss was observed in 25.0%, 10 dB loss in 12.5%, and 15 dB loss in 12.5% of participants who used mobile phones for more than three hours each day. Conclusion: The OAE results of all respondents were normal. We also discovered that none of the participants in our study experienced significant hearing loss (greater than 25 dB). As the young population gets increasingly attached to this expensive multipurpose device, mobile phones may become a risk issue in the near future.

Raised Hematocrit at High Altitude: Its Relation to Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Abstract Background: Military troops deployed in high altitude areas (HAAs) may suffer from illnesses peculiar to the terrain which are usually due to hypoxia. The physiological dynamics at high altitude (HA) are different from those in the plains and hence environmental factors play an important role at HA. The effect, if any, of hemodynamic changes in terms of raised hemoglobin (Hb) levels in HA on otological disorders is not very well researched and needs to be explored further. This study was undertaken to study the clinical manifestations, if any, of the hemodynamic alterations in the inner ear and their correlation with the Hb levels after 1 year deployment at HA. Methods: A longitudinal descriptive study was conducted over 1 year duration at a Military Hospital located at HAA on 99 soldiers who were <40 years of age with no history of prior ear complaints/ear surgery and with normal pure tone audiometry (PTA) thresholds and Hb levels at initial evaluation. Each soldier underwent PTA and Hb estimation twice: initially, at the time of induction, and later after completion of 1 year deployment at HAA. Statistical analysis was done using simple paired t-test. Results: On data analysis, no hearing loss was found in any participant of the study cohort at frequencies 500 Hz and 1 kHz in either ear on second evaluation. At 2 kHz, for left ear, the mean Hb level for the group with hearing thresholds greater than 25 dB was 17.07 g% with a standard deviation of 0.66, and for right ear, it was 16.95 g% with standard deviation of 0.64. At 4 kHz, the mean Hb level was 16.50 g% and 16.49 g% for hearing thresholds below and up to 25 dB for left and right ear, respectively. It was 16.99 g% and 16.96 g% for hearing thresholds above 25 dB. The results were statistically significant for both right and left ear at 4 kHz. Conclusion: A statistically significant deterioration of hearing thresholds for 4 kHz frequency with corresponding increase in Hb levels was observed in our study. Hb levels can therefore be used as a marker to ensure no further exposure to other risk factors like loud noise exposure, further deployment at higher altitudes to prevent deterioration, and progression of hearing loss.

Effect of noise on sand digging and emergence activities in green turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatchlings

Anthropogenic noise affects animal behavior and physiology. However, relatively few studies have been conducted on the effects of noise on beach-associated animals. This study evaluated the effects of noise on sound emission, sand digging activity, and emergence from the sand surface by green turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatchlings. Acoustic recorders and infrared cameras were used to investigate the behavior of hatchlings in sand-filled chambers under three acoustic conditions: 1) a control treatment, which was silent throughout the experiment; 2) an environmental noise treatment, which exposed the hatchlings to white noise (WN) at a sound pressure level (SPL) approximately 13 dB higher than that of the control, which is similar to that of a natural beach; and 3) a loud noise treatment, which exposed them to WN at an SPL approximately 25 dB higher than that of the control. The WN ranged from 0 to 4 kHz with a repeating cycle of 30 min sound emission and 2 h 30 min silence. Sound emissions from green turtle hatchlings were detected; however, the amount of sound emissions was too small to discuss their ecological significance. The time to emergence and total number of digging bouts in the 24 h pre-emergence periods were not significantly different among treatments; however, the number of digging bouts was significantly higher during loud noise exposure. The response to loud noises may play a role in allowing hatchlings to escape from threats and/or coordinate synchronous behavior among multiple individuals. However, because the number of digging bouts decreased after loud noise exposure, prolonged exposure to loud noise may have detrimental effects on hatchlings, such as depletion of the energy reserves available to the hatchlings. Thus, anthropogenic noise on or around beaches and it effect on animals should be carefully considered.

Experience of early-life pain in premature infants is associated with atypical cerebellar development and later neurodevelopmental deficits

BackgroundInfants born very and extremely premature (V/EPT) are at a significantly elevated risk for neurodevelopmental disorders and delays even in the absence of structural brain injuries. These risks may be due to earlier-than-typical exposure to the extrauterine environment, and its bright lights, loud noises, and exposures to painful procedures. Given the relative underdeveloped pain modulatory responses in these infants, frequent pain exposures may confer risk for later deficits.MethodsResting-state fMRI scans were collected at term equivalent age from 148 (45% male) infants born V/EPT and 99 infants (56% male) born at term age. Functional connectivity analyses were performed between functional regions correlating connectivity to the number of painful skin break procedures in the NICU, including heel lances, venipunctures, and IV placements. Subsequently, preterm infants returned at 18 months, for neurodevelopmental follow-up and completed assessments for autism risk and general neurodevelopment.ResultsWe observed that V/EPT infants exhibit pronounced hyperconnectivity within the cerebellum and between the cerebellum and both limbic and paralimbic regions correlating with the number of skin break procedures. Moreover, skin breaks were strongly associated with autism risk, motor, and language scores at 18 months. Subsample analyses revealed that the same cerebellar connections strongly correlating with breaks at term age were associated with language dysfunction at 18 months.ConclusionsThese results have significant implications for the clinical care of preterm infants undergoing painful exposures during routine NICU care, which typically occurs without anesthesia. Repeated pain exposures appear to have an increasingly detrimental effect on brain development during a critical period, and effects continue to be seen even 18 months later.

Sounds, Seizures, and the Brain

This brief review examines the effect of noise on the brain. While it is fairly well established that excessive noise can cause hearing damage, there has been evidence that sound can also trigger seizures and cause traumatic brain injury. Animals exposed to loud sounds develop different behavioural characteristics. Audiogenic and music genic seizures, traumatic brain injury from loud noises, such as fire alarms, and elevation in biomarkers for traumatic brain injury, as a result of exposure to sound have been documented. These observations show that sound and noise have can have a substantive impact on the brain and more research done in this area would be helpful in understanding hearing deficits, seizure disorder, as well as traumatic brain injury

The intensity and duration of occupational noise exposure and cardiovascular disease in the United States: a nationally representative study, 2015 to 2020.

Occupational noise exposure may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Yet the findings are inconclusive. This study aimed to examine the association between self-reported occupational noise exposure and CVD (using a broad composite case definition and by each condition) and identify how these associations vary with the intensity and duration of noise exposure, and combinations thereof. This cross-sectional study included a nationally representative sample (n = 6,266) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015 to 2020), aged 20 and greater, in the United States. Survey-weighted logistic regression models were constructed from multiple imputed datasets. Relative to the unexposed, the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of composite CVD was 1.33 (1.05 to 1.67) among the noise-exposed population, and ranged from 1.23 to 1.56 when examining CVD conditions separately. The odds ratios of composite CVD were 1.43 (1.06 to 1.93), 1.43 (1.04 to 1.95), and 1.51 (1.03 to 2.21) among those who had noise exposure with very loud intensity of any duration, with duration ≥10 years at any intensity, and with a combination of very loud noise ≥10 years, respectively, compared to those unexposed. Increased risk of CVD is associated with occupational noise exposure, particularly at higher intensities and longer durations. Policies and interventions for noise mitigation at workplaces are warranted, targeting individuals with chronic exposure to high-level noise.

Machinability and mechanism of abrasive flow machining ultra-precision surface with orientated grinding marks

The loud noise in electric automobile caused by the overlap between orientated grinding marks with meshing line on ground gear tooth surface becomes a big problem for both drivers and manufacturers. Relying on the excellent self-deformation features and trace material removal, the abrasive flow machining (AFM) process exhibited potential machinability for above ultra-precision ground surface. Benefiting by the pseudo network structure, the abrasive media would possess both excellent elasticity and fluid capability, which could be quantitatively reflected by storage modulus, loss modulus and shear thinning nature in rheological properties. Meanwhile, deriving from the CFD simulation, the media exhibited the steady flow velocity and shear stress at the finishing channel, potentially contributing to the finishing uniformity on the target ground channel, which was subsequently confirmed by the change of ground surface morphology and profiles at the initial and finished state. Most convex peaks and concave valleys have been effectively subdued and whittled, leading to a rather smoother surfaces than initial ones. Besides, on account of the different collision position between grains with convex peaks, the finishing mechanism on ground surfaces with orientated marks could be elaborated as the transition effect from directly fractured material removal on convex peak cusp into plastic deformation on residual convex peaks. Combining with the interaction between continuous matrix and discrete grains in flow field, the mechanics on single grain was systematically investigated to establish the material removal theoretical model. Generally, the AFM technique exhibited the stunning machinability on ultra-precision ground surface.

Measuring Perceived Voice Disorders and Quality of Life among Female University Teaching Faculty.

Occupations that require heavy vocal use can place the person at risk of voice disorders (VDs). Heavy demands on the voice, especially for a long time or with loud back-ground noise, can lead to vocal abuse or misuse. The study aimed to measure the prevalence of perceived voice disorders among the teaching faculty at a female university, identify the risk fac-tors that affect their voice, and determine the effect of perceived voice disorders on their quality of life (QoL). The study sample consisted of female teaching faculty (N = 401). The ques-tionnaire included general sociodemographic data, general voice data, the vocal tract discomfort (VTD) scale, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment (WHOQOL)-BREF. The results demonstrated that 44.1% of the participants had perceived voice disorders, and stress, reflux, and asthma had a significant relationship with self-perceived voice disorders. Furthermore, the data showed that self-perceived voice disorders negatively impacted the overall QoL of teaching faculty. Perceived voice disorders are affected by various factors, including health conditions, medications, and lifestyle choices. Although teaching characteristics and demo-graphic factors are believed to be the cause, in this study they did not significantly contribute to perceived voice disorders. Faculty members with perceived voice disorders have a poorer quality of life, highlighting the need for education on preventative vocal measures and awareness of voice care.

Age-related hearing loss is not linked to cerebrospinal fluid levels of β-amyloid or p-tau181.

As Hearing loss and dementia affect people with the same profile, several epidemiological studies have evaluated their relationship. However, the link between age-related hearing loss and Alzheimer's disease is still unclear. We selected subjects with no history of exposure to loud noises, blasts, head trauma with hearing loss, or sudden sensorineural hearing loss from a cohort intended to study preclinical phases of Alzheimer's disease. Participants are volunteers over 55years without cognitive impairment. We correlated the results of an objective auditory evaluation with brain amyloid and p-tau181 levels and with the outcomes of a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Fifty-five subjects at different stages of the Alzheimer's disease continuum were evaluated. There were no statistically significant correlations between amyloid-β and p-tau levels and any of the objective auditory measures. A weak but significant correlation was found between amyloid-β values and the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly. The neuropsychological domains more correlated to hearing loss were executive function and processing speed. Age-related hearing loss is not linked to any pathological markers of Alzheimer's disease nor to neuropsychological domains typically affected in this disease. The Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly has an important component of subjectivity and further studies are needed to explore its relationship with amyloid-β levels.

Cognition mediates response to anthropogenic noise in wild Western Australian magpies (Gmynorhina tibicen dorsalis).

Anthropogenic noise is a pollutant of growing concern, with wide-ranging effects on taxa across ecosystems. Until recently, studies investigating the effects of anthropogenic noise on animals focused primarily on population-level consequences, rather than individual-level impacts. Individual variation in response to anthropogenic noise may result from extrinsic or intrinsic factors. One such intrinsic factor, cognitive performance, varies between individuals and is hypothesised to aid behavioural response to novel stressors. Here, we combine cognitive testing, behavioural focals and playback experiments to investigate how anthropogenic noise affects the behaviour and anti-predator response of Western Australian magpies (Gymnorhina tibicen dorsalis), and to determine whether this response is linked to cognitive performance. We found a significant population-level effect of anthropogenic noise on the foraging effort, foraging efficiency, vigilance, vocalisation rate and anti-predator response of magpies, with birds decreasing their foraging, vocalisation behaviours and anti-predator response, and increasing vigilance when loud anthropogenic noise was present. We also found that individuals varied in their response to playbacks depending on their cognitive performance, with individuals that performed better in an associative learning task maintaining their anti-predator response when an alarm call was played in anthropogenic noise. Our results add to the growing body of literature documenting the adverse effects of anthropogenic noise on wildlife and provide the first evidence for an association between individual cognitive performance and behavioural responses to anthropogenic noise.

A Possible Superbolide Over Don Benito (Spain) in 1926 December 27

We discuss the discovery of a significant meteoric event over Don Benito, Spain, described in two news reports from the regional newspaper “Extremadura.” These reports detail intense light, loud noises, and shattered windows in Don Benito during 1926 December. Despite limited information, this research note aims to share the findings with the scientific community for further investigation.

Sleep and circadian disruptors: Unhealthy noise and light levels for hospitalized pediatric patients.

Noise and light levels during hospitalizations can disrupt sleep and circadian health, resulting in worsened health outcomes. This study describes patterns of noise and light for inpatient children undergoing stem cell transplants. Objective meters tracked noise and light levels every minute for 6 months. Median overnight sound was 55 dB (equivalent to conversational speech). There were 3.4 loud noises (>80 dB) per night on average. Children spent 62% of the 24-h cycle in nonoptimal lighting, with daytime light dimmer than recommended 98% of the time. Over the 6-month period, the lowest overnight noise level recorded exceeded World Health Organization recommendations for sleep, with frequent spikes into ranges known to cause wakings. During the day, children were rarely exposed to light sufficient to preserve healthy circadian rhythms. Hospitals should address systematic environmental and workflow disruptors to improve the sleep and circadian health of patients, particularly those already at elevated risk for health morbidities.

Sound visualization of impact noise using parallel phase-shifting interferometry and development of noise reduction attachment

Impact wrenches are one of the most commonly used tools in factories, and the noise generated by their use is loud. In order to improve the environment for workers, it is desirable to reduce the generation of such noise. In this study, we characterize the sound generated during the use of impact wrenches, one of the noise sources in factories, and propose a method to reduce the generated sound. Specifically, we first made visualization measurements of sound generated by the impact wrench using a high-speed polarization interferometer. As a result, a loud noise was generated from the part where the socket at the tip of the impact wrench contacts the fastening part at the same time as it rotates, and the vibration was transmitted to the fastening part, causing the noise. Next, we developed a sound deadening attachment to be attached to the impact wrench. We designed a sound-absorbing mechanism that matches the frequency band to which humans are most sensitive and the characteristic frequency generated when tightening the impact wrench, and also designed a vibration-absorbing mechanism using anti-vibration rubber and vibration-damping sheets. As a result, the characteristic metallic sound was reduced and the noise level was also reduced.

Assessing listening effort in children: A child-appropriate dual-task paradigm investigating the influence of different noise conditions

In classrooms, children are often challenged by competing speech, loud background noises, or unfavorable room acoustics when listening to their educators. These challenging listening situations require more cognitive, attentional, and perceptual processing resources to understand speech, i.e., higher listening effort. This study introduces a dual-task paradigm to evaluate listening effort, specifically in children. The paradigm encompasses a word recognition task as the primary task and a serial recall task as the secondary task. The influence of multi-talker babble noise on listening effort is studied in an anechoic and reverberant environment with different signal-to-noise ratios. It further incorporates aurally-accurate sound reproduction allowing plausible listening situations appropriate to children’s smaller anthropometric sizes. The aim is to validate the newly developed paradigm in an experiment with children. The listening effort in noisy conditions is compared to a noise-free condition. Moreover, the influence of anechoic versus reverberant noise scenarios on listening effort is investigated.

Assessment of noise levels by using noise prediction modeling

The third-most dangerous type of pollution, after air and water pollution, according to the World Health Organization, is noise pollution. Brief and prolonged exposure to noise pollution can have negative consequences on people, including psychological disorders, including anxiety and depression, hypertension, hormonal imbalances, and a rise in blood pressure that can result in cardiovascular disease. The WHO estimates that up to 40% of individuals in Europe are currently exposed to loud noises. This study makes an effort to predict noise levels in and around the School of Architecture and Planning (SAP) campus using data on traffic volume and flow, vehicle speed, and geometric mean of the road. Additionally, it does a comparison between the expected and actual noise levels and offers workable noise reduction techniques. A mathematical model that takes into consideration has been used to forecast the equivalent noise level. By comparing the expected and actual noise levels, it was found that all values are beyond the permitted limits. Five different locations within SAP were used to assess the amount of noise present. The Lobby recorded the highest and lowest noise levels, respectively, at 75.63 and 74.15 dB (A). There were 73.05, 71.01, 71.81, and 70.5 dB (A) accordingly as the strongest noises in the classroom and auditorium. The maximum noise levels in the library was 63.76 and 64.54 dB (A), respectively. A maximum noise level of 75.29 and 68.14 dB (A) was recorded for the studio.