Noise Exposure Measurements Research Articles

Depressive symptoms modify the association between noise and adiposity biomarkers: Evidence from a population study of Czech adults

ObjectiveEnvironmental noise exposure is associated with adiposity. However, less is known about the individual vulnerability to environmental noise in abnormal adiposity development, particularly in relation to mental health. This study investigated the association between environmental noise exposure and four adiposity biomarkers and tested the moderation effect of depressive symptoms. MethodsA cross-sectional population-based sample of 2031 participants aged 25–64 years (54.70% women) was drawn from the Kardiovize study in 2013. Global combined (road, railway, and airport) Lden (day-evening-night) noise exposures were obtained from the geographical prediction modelling for the 2nd report of Strategic noise mapping in the Czech Republic (2012). Four adiposity biomarkers (BMI, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and visceral fat area) were assessed. Depressive symptoms were measured by PHQ-9. Linear regression was used to estimate the separate effects of quartiles of noise exposure and depressive symptoms on adiposity biomarkers and to examine the interaction between noise exposure and depressive symptoms. ResultsThe average noise exposure was 53.79 dB, ranging from 42.50 dB to 66.97 dB. All biomarkers were significantly elevated in the highest noise exposure quartile (>56 dB), compared to the lowest quartile (<51 dB) (p < 0.05). The association between noise and adiposity biomarkers was modified by presence of depressive symptoms; the increase in all adiposity biomarkers in the highest quartile of noise was significantly larger among subjects with moderate to severe depressive symptoms (p < 0.005). ConclusionThe study confirmed the association between environmental noise exposure and several adiposity measures. The association was stronger in the presence of depressive symptoms.

Associations Between Noise Exposure Level, Noise Kurtosis, and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions in Young Workers With Normal Hearing.

Growing evidence has suggested that, in addition to noise exposure level, noise temporal structure (i.e., kurtosis) plays an important role in the development of noise-induced hearing loss, while most of the relevant research has been on the results of pure-tone audiometry. This study focuses on the combined effect of noise exposure level and noise kurtosis on distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in young workers with normal hearing. A cross-sectional study among young workers in manufacturing industries was conducted in Zhejiang Province, China. Individual noise exposure measurements were performed on participants to obtain an A-weighted noise exposure level normalized to 8 hr (LAeq, 8hr), cumulative noise exposure (CNE), kurtosis, and kurtosis-adjusted CNE (CNE-K). The DPOAE test was performed on the participants and DPOAE levels were obtained. The relationships between noise exposure level, kurtosis, and DPOAE levels were explored by univariate analyses. Furthermore, multivariate regression models were conducted to estimate the combined effects of exposure level and kurtosis after adjusting for age, gender, and use of hearing protection devices. The overall DPOAE curves across frequency bands presented a fluctuating downward trend with increasing frequency. Both exposure level and kurtosis were found to be associated with decreases in DPOAE levels. The multivariate regression model including CNE-K as a joint indicator of complex noise showed an increased R2 compared with the model including CNE. After adjustment for age, gender, and the use of hearing protection devices, significant effects of CNE-K on DPOAE levels were observed at 3, 4, and 5 kHz frequencies, with maximum effect presented at 4 kHz. DPOAE is a sensitive test that can detect cochlear damage in limited areas that cannot be detected by conventional audiometry. The present study provided a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of complex noise on the DPOAE levels. It also suggested that CNE-K was an effective metric in assessing DPOAE levels associated with complex noise.

Personal noise exposure patterns and health implications in urban work environments

Noise-induced hearing loss remains a preventable occupational health concern, contingent on timely detection and mitigation of excessive workplace noise. However, the lack of effective identification of at-risk workers often results in the neglect of safety measures that could prevent hearing loss. To address this, personal noise exposure measurements, using noise dosimeters, were conducted on 50 individuals across diverse urban work environments, including work from home, offices, outdoor settings, and mixed-use spaces. The results demonstrated significant variations in noise exposure levels among different environments. Outdoor and mixed-use environments exhibited the highest average dose percentages, while home-based workers had the lowest exposure. A strong correlation between noise levels above 80 dB and increased dose percentages emphasized the need to reduce high-noise exposure times. Additionally, the study integrated quantitative dosimeter measurements with qualitative data from a questionnaire survey to provide a holistic understanding of the participants' perception on noise pollution. Traffic emerged as the primary source of noise pollution, with a substantial number of respondents experiencing stress and ear infections attributed to noise exposure. The research underscores the importance of personalized noise dosimetry in assessing health implications, emphasizing the need for awareness and preventative measures to mitigate health risks in urban work environments.

Systematic review of environmental noise in neonatal intensive care units.

To systematically review the literature on noise exposure within the neonatal intensive care unit/special care nursery settings, specifically to describe: noise characteristics, sources of noise and ways of measuring noise. Systematic searches were conducted through databases Medline, Embase and PubMed. Studies were included if they met the inclusion criteria (1) reported noise characteristics; (2) reported noise exposure measurements; (3) in the neonatal intensive care unit/ special care nursery settings. Methods and key findings were extracted from included studies. Quality analysis was done using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We identified 1651 studies, screened 871, reviewed 112 and included 47. All reported NICU average equivalent sound levels were consistently louder than recommended guidelines (45 dB). The most consistent association with higher sound pressure levels were noise sources grouped under people congregation. Half of the studies did not use measuring devices adhering to international sound level meter (SLM) standards. All NICUs exceeded recommended accumulative sound levels. People were the most consistent source of noise. Sound pressure levels need to be consistently measured with devices adhering to international SLM standards in future studies.

The European Environmental Noise Directive in Germany

With the Environmental Noise Directive, the member states of the European Union have a common approach to mapping and reducing environmental noise. Noise exposure is determined in agglomerations and around major transport infrastructures. Noise action plans specify measures to reduce noise. With the fourth round in 2022, the directive was significantly developed. For the first time, common European assessment methods were used for noise mapping of road, rail and air traffic, as well as industrial facilities. In addition, the effects of noise exposure were determined on the basis of WHO dose-response curves for noise annoyance, sleep disturbance and ischemic heart disease. The results of the noise exposure measurements are also to provide the basis for political decisions at the European level on the reduction of limit values or financial support programs. To allow better interpretation and comparison of the data, the technical requirements for data reporting by the Member States to the European Commission have been specified. The paper reports on the experience in Germany with Noise Mapping 2022 and describes challenges and further planning.

Making a racket in America's fastest growing sport: Evaluation of noise exposure in pickleball

ObjectiveTo measure noise exposure present on pickleball courts and assess the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) per guidelines put forward by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). MethodsObservational study measuring noise levels at multiple recreational pickleball courts in the Richmond, VA area, documenting LAeq, LASmax, and LCpeak at courtside and waiting areas of pickleball courts. Measurements were completed using the NIOSH SLM application on an iPhone 13 with iMM-6 Calibrated Measurement Microphone (equivalent to IEC 61672-1 Class II) that was calibrated using ND-9 Sound Level Calibrator (IEC942 Class I). ResultsAverage sound levels recorded at waiting areas adjacent to the courts, measured in LAeq, LASmax, and LCpeak, were 69.1 dBA, 92.0 dBA, and 112.1 dBC, respectively, while courtside measurements were 69.7 dBA, 92.2 dBA, and 115.6 dBC, respectively. These measurements were within NIOSH and OSHA recommendations. ConclusionThe data demonstrates that randomly sampled pickleball courts have noise levels that do not increase risk for NIHL for participants or bystanders alike based on NIOSH guidelines. However, prolonged noise exposure and ambient noise pollution may have other health implications and warrant further investigations. Level of evidenceLevel 2.

31 A proposed database of task-based, area and personal noise exposure measurements suitable for risk assessment in non-mining Southern African workplaces

31 A proposed database of task-based, area and personal noise exposure measurements suitable for risk assessment in non-mining Southern African workplaces

A Comprehensive Review of Auditory and Non-Auditory Effects of Noise on Human Health.

Excessive noise is unpleasant and induces several physiological and psychological effects. Noise pollution is a potential threat to humans, particularly those continuously exposed for extended periods throughout the day over many years. This review aims to examine the various auditory and non-auditory outcomes associated with prolonged exposure to noise pollution. The review utilized a combination of relevant keywords to search the electronic databases. After screening based on the applied selection criteria for title, abstract, and full text, 44 articles were finally selected for critical review. We identified and analyzed research findings related to noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, and sleep disturbances along with non-auditory issues such as annoyance, cognitive impairments, and mental stress associated with cardiovascular disorders. Furthermore, the existing studies were compared and collated to highlight the unique challenges and significance of noise pollution as a distinctive environmental concern and to explore the ongoing efforts in its research and prevention, including the early detection and potential reversal of noise-induced hearing loss. The fundamental health consequences of noise pollution underscore the need for extensive research encompassing emerging noise sources and technologies to establish a health management system tailored to address noise-related health concerns and reduce noise exposure risk among populations. Finally, further research is warranted to ensure improved measurement of noise exposure and related health outcomes, especially in the context of occupational noise.

Serum Prestin and Otolin-1 Levels in Pilots of Helicopter-Based Emergency Medical Services: Potential Markers for Ear Injury.

Occupational noise exposure is a major public health concern, impacting a large workforce worldwide. In this study, we sought to evaluate the serum concentrations of prestin, a cochlear protein that diminishes following noise exposure, and otolin-1, a protein secreted into the bloodstream subsequent to inner ear damage, among three diverse professional categories, each exposed to varying degrees of noise. Helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) pilots and construction workers were considered high-risk groups due to their elevated exposure to occupational noise, whereas office workers were regarded as a low-risk group, reflecting their comparatively minimal noise exposure. The study sample included 60 males, encompassing helicopter pilots, construction laborers, and office workers (n=20, each). Recruitment occurred during standard occupational health visits, with all participants presenting normal clinical audiograms. Serum levels of prestin and otolin-1 were measured in duplicate using commercially available immunoassays and compared across the three professional categories. HEMS pilots had the lowest mean serum prestin level at 211±27 pg/mL, followed by construction workers at 234±29 pg/mL, and office workers at 269±42 pg/mL (p<0.001, one-way analysis of variance), with all inter-group differences statistically significant (p<0.05, Tukey'spost hoctests). For otolin-1, HEMS pilots showed the highest mean at 216±20 pg/mL, with construction workers at 196±22 pg/mL, and office workers at 181±20 pg/mL (p<0.001, one-way analysis of variance). Statistically significant differences were found between HEMS pilots and both other groups for otolin-1 levels (p<0.05, Tukey'spost hoctests), but not between construction workers and office workers. Serum concentrations of prestin and otolin-1 may differ among healthy individuals according to their occupational noise exposure and have the potential to act as indicators of subclinical inner ear injury. To substantiate these preliminary observations, incorporating exposure assessment, especially via direct measurements of noise and vibration exposure, would markedly improve the reliability of our findings.

Investigating the effect of workplace noise exposure on cardiovascular disease risk factors in a power plant industry: A case-control study.

Occupational noise exposure is a significant health problem. In addition to hearing impairments, noise as a stressor may cause cardiovascular problems. This study aimed to investigate the effect of exposure to workplace noise on cardiovascular disease risk factors. This case-control study was conducted in 2021 in a power plant in Iran. In this study, the health status of 406 employees in both exposed (n = 203) and non-exposed (n = 203) to noise groups was examined for cardiovascular disease risk factors. Also, the trend of changes in the studied variables from 2012 to 2020 in exposed employees was examined. Data were collected from participants' annual physical examinations and occupational noise exposure measurements. To measure the noise in the present study, the KIMO-DB300 noise level meter was used. Data were analyzed in SPSS-26 software. The results revealed that mean fasting blood sugar (FBS), triglyceride, liver enzyme (SGOT), blood pressure, and body mass index were significantly different in the two groups (p-value<0.05). There was no significant difference in the mean of creatinine, cholesterol, and liver enzyme (SGPT) between the two groups (p-value>0.05). In the exposed group, the mean of all studied variables except diastolic blood pressure was statistically different during the study years (p-value<0.05). This study demonstrates that exposure to noise above the permissible level can affect the cardiovascular disease risk factors, so it is recommended to apply engineering and management measures like using Hearing Conservation Programme (HCP) to reduce the risk of these diseases with periodically assessing the health status of employees and timely diagnosis.

Noise Exposure and Hearing Loss among Workers at a Hammer Forge Company.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) evaluated continuous and impact noise exposures and hearing loss among workers at a hammer forge company. Full-shift personal noise exposure measurements were collected on forge workers across 15 different job titles; impact noise characteristics and one-third octave band noise levels were assessed at the forge hammers; and 4,750 historic audiometric test records for 483 workers were evaluated for hearing loss trends. Nearly all workers' noise exposures exceeded regulatory and/or recommended exposure limits. Workers working in jobs at or near the hammers had full-shift time-weighted average noise exposures above 100 decibels, A-weighted. Impact noise at the hammers reached up to 148 decibels. Analysis of audiometric test records showed that 82% of workers had experienced a significant threshold shift, as defined by NIOSH, and 63% had experienced a standard threshold shift, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). All workers with an OSHA standard threshold shift had a preceding NIOSH significant threshold shift which occurred, on average, about 7 years prior. This evaluation highlights forge workers' exposures to high levels of noise, including impact noise, and how their hearing worsened with age and length of employment.

Personal noise exposure during daily commutes and subjectively reported stress: A trip stage level analysis of MobiliSense data

BackgroundThe auditory and non-auditory health effects of noise have long been established in the literature but previous studies have mainly been in the context of occupational risk. Recent research suggests that daily noise exposures occurring during social activities and commute may be associated with higher psychological stress. Our aim was to explore the association between modes of transportation and noise on the one hand and noise exposures and reported stress on the other hand. Although existing literature shows that noise exposure is especially high during commutes, studies on the topic have been sparse due to cost and logistic constraints; furthermore, sample sizes have been small. MethodsThe present study uses data collected on the daily commutes of 253 participants of the Mobilisense cohort study between 2018 and 2020. Personal dosimeters were used to measure noise exposure by frequency bands over a period of 4 days, resulting in a sample of 7800 trip stage windows. Participants reported trip stress levels during an a posteriori phone mobility survey on a scale from 1 (no stress) to 7 (significantly stressful conditions). Modes of transportation (metro, car, walking, etc.) were collected from the same mobility survey based on Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers. ResultsWhile all transport modes resulted in higher exposure to low frequency noise compared to walking, all modes but tramway and driving or being the passenger of a car were associated with an increased exposure to high frequency noise. The LAeq noise indicator (overall noise) was associated with reported stress: for every 10 dB(A) increase in LAeq, individuals reported experiencing 1.118 times (95% confidence interval: 1.067, 1.172) higher levels of stress. Multiple noise indicator models did not show evidence that specific frequency components were associated with stress beyond overall noise. ConclusionOur findings suggest that noise exposure during commutes vary according to modes of transportation. Given that noise exposure resulted in higher reported levels of stress, future research should examine transportation noise effects on physiological variables.

Auditory and Nonauditory Risks Related to Roadway Traffic Noise: An Overview for Audiologists

Purpose: Roadway traffic noise is recognized as a public health concern as it is associated with negative auditory and nonauditory health outcomes. This article provides an overview of roadway noise exposure and the related negative health consequences. The overview specifically includes information on the sources of roadway traffic noise, noise exposure measurement techniques, historic and current U.S. policy regarding roadway noise exposure, and practical suggestions for audiologists for mitigating the negative consequences of excessive roadway noise exposure. The purpose of this overview is to educate audiologists of these effects. Conclusions: Roadway traffic noise exposure is a public health concern both nationally and globally. Nonauditory effects of excessive roadway noise exposure are better understood than auditory effects; however, more evidence is needed to thoroughly to assess the risks to the public. Opportunities in the United States exist at the federal and local level to better understand the effects of roadway traffic noise and mitigate undesirable auditory and nonauditory health consequences. To address noise exposure as a growing public health concern, audiologists should be aware of the effects that roadway noise exposure has on the general population as well as provide education and preventative health care services.

Noise Levels of Invasive and Non Invasive Respiratory Support used in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Northern India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: The average noise level exposure inside Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is more than the recommended guidelines. The source of noise exposure inside NICU is multifactorial. There is need of studies to assess the noise levels of respiratory equipment used inside the NICU. Aim: To assess the noise levels of invasive versus non invasive and respiratory support in preterm neonates admitted to NICU. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was done in NICU of a tertiary health care center of Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India over one year duration from December 2019 to December 2020. A sample of 85 eligible neonates without major congenital anomalies (26- 36+6 weeks gestation) was enroled in this study after obtaining informed consent from parents. The noise levels of Heated Humidified High Flow Nasal Cannula (HHHFNC), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), conventional ventilation and High-Frequency Ventilation (HFV) were measured using a sound level meter for a period of first 24 hours of life. The median sound level from non invasive ventilation is compared with invasive ventilation. The continuous variables were expressed as median with range, while categorical data were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Results: A total of 85 neonates were enroled majority of them were born in 32-34 weeks of gestation and were with birth weight of 1501-2500 grams. The sound level exposure of HHHFNC support was 56.1 dB (52.6-60 dB) from warmer and 47.3 dB (44.6-50.8 dB) from the incubator. The median sound level exposure per hour of bubble CPAP was 59 dB (55.2-61.9 dB) with warmer and 51.4 dB (47-55 dB) with incubator. The median sound level exposure per hour of the conventional ventilator was 60 dB (57.4-63.9 dB) with warmer and 53 dB (50.2-56.1 dB) with incubator. The median sound level exposure per hour of high-frequency ventilator was 69.1 dB (66.3-71.8 dB) with warmer and 67.3 dB (66.2-68.9 dB) with incubator. Conclusion: Non invasive ventilation (HHHFNC and bubble CPAP) was less noisy than invasive ventilation. The lowest measured noise exposure was higher than the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) recommendation of 45 dB, even after isolation with physical barrier.

Environmental noise-induced cardiovascular, metabolic and mental health disorders: a brief review.

Environmental noise is a pervasive pollutant that is one of the greatest environmental threats to mental, physiological and psychological well-being and has a significant global health burden associated with it. Many epidemiological studies indicate long-term relationship of noise pollution with wide range of metabolic, cardio-vascular and respiratory disorders and diseases. The goal of this study was to thoroughly analyse available literature on public health implications and various underlying biological mechanisms associated with ambient noise exposure, taking into account both objective and subjective measures of noise exposure. A search of literature for review on environmental noise and associated cardiovascular, mental health and metabolic implications on human health was done using Web of Science, Google Scholar and PubMed databases. Experimental studies indicate that noise exposure leads to endocrine effects, increased incidence of diabetes, impairment of cognitive performance, sleep disturbance and annoyance. Epidemiological evidence indicates that high levels of noise, particularly at night, may cause arterial hypertension and endothelial dysfunction due to higher level of stress hormones and oxidative stress. An increased incidence of cardio-vascular diseases like myocardial infarction, heart rate, ischemic heart disease, stroke and heart failure is associated with noise-induced mental stress. Furthermore, psychological and mental health issues like anxiety and depression are also related with exposure to noise pollution. This article summarises a comprehensive and systematic knowledge established in recent noise research with the spotlight on cardiovascular, metabolic and mental health disorders of environmental noise, providing unique understanding into underlying mechanisms.

Evaluation of a wearable consumer noise measurement device in a laboratory setting.

Exposure to noise occurs throughout daily life and, depending on the intensity, duration, and context, can lead to hearing loss, disturbed sleep, decreased academic achievement, and other negative health outcomes. Recently, smartwatches that use the device's onboard microphone to measure noise levels were released. This study evaluated the accuracy of these smartwatches in a controlled laboratory setting. For broadband pink noise, a total of 11 441 measurements were collected. The results showed that, on average, the smartwatch reported 3.4 dBA lower than the reference system on average. For the octave-band, a total of 18 449 measurements were collected. The smartwatch measured lower than the reference microphone from the 125 Hz to 1000 Hz octave bands, were somewhat in agreement at 2000 Hz, measured higher sound pressure levels than the reference microphone at 4000 Hz, and then lower at 8000 Hz. Despite not meeting the ANSI criteria for sound level meters, in some cases, these smartwatches still provide a reasonable degree of accuracy and have the potential for use in studies that require the measurement of personal noise exposure over an extended period.

Impact of ground reflections on firearms noise exposure metrics

Outdoor measurements of weapons noise exposure are influenced by ground reflections. This paper analyzes the reflections’ impact on A-weighted equivalent level (LAeq) for two measurement campaigns involving standing shooters and dozens of elevated microphones. Although it is only a marginally accurate model of a gunshot waveform, the modified Friedlander equation was used to model the direct and reflected muzzle blast waveforms over a perfectly reflective surface. The calculation of the reflection’s effect on LAeq indicates a 2–3 dB increase relative to the free-field contribution over a relatively large spatial range. Validation of this model for most locations where the measured direct and reflected waveforms was well separated yields acceptable agreement for LAeq (&amp;lt;1 dB). Some challenges with the model development and comparison are discussed. This study contributes to improved weapons training safety and may eventually suggest revisions to the military noise exposure standard, MIL-STD-1474E. [Work supported by Air Force Research Laboratory through Ball Aerospace Technology Corporation.]

The influence of self-reported noise exposure on 2ƒ1-ƒ2 distortion product otoacoustic emission level, fine structure, and components in a normal-hearing population.

Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) offer an outcome measure to consider for clinical detection and monitoring outer hair cell dysfunction as a result of noise exposure. This investigation detailed DPOAE characteristics and behavioral hearing thresholds up to 20 kHz to identify promising metrics for early detection of cochlear dysfunction. In a sample of normal-hearing individuals with and without self-reported noise exposure, the DPOAE and hearing threshold measures, as assessed by two questions, were examined. The effects on various auditory measures in individuals aged 10-65 years old with clinically normal/near-normal hearing through 4 kHz were evaluated. Individuals reporting occupational noise exposures (n = 84) and recreational noise exposures (n = 46) were compared to age-matched nonexposed individuals. The hearing thresholds and DPOAE level, fine structure, and component characteristics for the full frequency bandwidth were examined. The data suggest that the DPOAE levels measured using a range of stimulus levels hold clinical utility while fine structure characteristics offer limited use. Under carefully calibrated conditions, the extension to frequencies beyond 8 kHz in combination with various stimulus levels holds clinical utility. Moreover, this work supports the potential utility of the distortion product place component level for revealing differences in cochlear function due to self-reported, casual noise exposure that are not observable in behavioral hearing thresholds.

The Impact of Occupational Noise on Hypertension Risk: A Case-Control Study in Automobile Factory Personnel.

BackgroundMany epidemiological studies have investigated the relationship between occupational noise and hypertension, but with conflicting findings. This study aimed to assess the relationship between occupational noise exposure and the risk of hypertension.MethodsA case-control study was conducted to explore hypertension predictors, and then sensitivity analysis was performed based on propensity score matching (PSM). Data were collected from participants' annual physical examinations and occupational noise exposure measurements. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic regression analysis. A restricted cubic spline (RCS) function was used to fit the dose-effect relationship.Results500 cases and 4,356 controls were included in the study. Multivariate logistic regression showed that an increase in the level of occupational noise [range 68–102 dB(A)] of 1 dB(A), corresponded to an increase in hypertension risk of 8.3% (OR: 1.083, 95% CI: 1.058–1.109). Compared to the first quartile, the risk of hypertension in the fourth quartile was 1.742 (95% CI: 1.313–2.310). After applying PSM to minimize bias, we obtained a population of 500 cases and 1,000 controls. Noise level was significantly associated with the risk of hypertension. In addition, the RCS curve showed the risk of hypertension was relatively stable until a predicted noise level of around 80 dB(A) and then started to increase rapidly afterward (Pnonlinear = 0.002).ConclusionsOccupational noise exposure was significantly associated with hypertension risk and there was a positively correlated dose-response relationship.

A Comparison of Self-Reported Nonoccupational Noise Exposure in a Large Cohort of Listeners.

A variety of questionnaires have been developed to describe and quantify occupational and nonoccupational noise exposure, which are associated with hearing loss and tinnitus. The main aim of this study was to compare and contrast three commonly used nonoccupational noise exposure measurement questionnaires in a group of young adults. A total of 197 participants were recruited for this study. All the participants completed three commonly used nonoccupational noise exposure measurement questionnaires via Qualtrics software (Qualtrics, Provo, UT). General patterns in the nature of noise exposure were highlighted and statistical agreement and correlations between the three instruments were calculated. Comparisons were made between self-percept of noise exposure and annual noise exposure metrics obtained using questionnaires. Strong statistical agreement and correlation (r = 0.57, P < 0.001) was found between the selected instruments similar in their constructs of noise exposure. When compared to quantified scores of noise exposure, self-report of exposure to loud noise was highly sensitive but associated with poor specificity (3.61%) and a high false-positive rate (96.38%). The majority of participants reported exposure to noise from listening to music and attending loud recreational activities, with a differential effect of sex on average annual noise exposure values depending on the questionnaire used. The outcomes of this analysis could assist in comparing noise exposure quantifications across research studies, and determining if and how these questionnaires may be utilized clinically to effectively identify and counsel those at risk for noise-induced hearing loss.