Weinstein's Noise Sensitivity Research Articles

Factors influencing noise annoyance across various transportation modes: lessons from the citizen science project "De Oorzaak"

The citizen science initiative "De Oorzaak" invited adult residents of Flanders (Belgium) to fill out the "Large Sound Survey", gathering over 8,000 answers in a month. This comprehensive 51-question survey evaluated annoyance levels across various transportation modes, drawing on established questionnaires like the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale and Written Environmental Survey (SLO), organized by the Flemish government. It also aided in selecting participants for subsequent project phases. Comparing LSS results to the latest SLO report revealed a significant self-selection bias, with 33.3% highly annoyed by noise compared to 11.6% from the SLO. A profile could be drawn for the most annoyed participants: noise-sensitive individuals living in apartments or studios, adults (26-61 years old), and residing in densely populated areas. Regarding transportation noise, passenger cars and trucks lead as the most annoying sources, with %HA of 24.5% and 23.5%, respectively, followed by motorcycles and alike (%HA =21.5%). Conversely, rail and air traffic annoyance are considerably lower. Correlations were drawn between the several noise annoyance sources and individuals' characteristics. Overall, population density, age, fatigue level and quality of life are the personal aspects that correlate more consistently with road, rail, and air traffic noise annoyance.

Noise Sensitivity in Cataract Patients: A Retrospective Study.

Noise sensitivity results from a series of variables and processes, and it can be used to predict the annoyance caused by noise and health-related outcomes. This study aimed to compare the noise sensitivity between cataract patients and healthy subjects and explore the effect of high noise sensitivity on cataract patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 100 cataract patients and 78 healthy subjects who underwent physical examination in Jiaozhou Central Hospital of Qingdao from February 2020 to February 2023. Noise sensitivity was evaluated by adopting the 8-Item Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale (WNSS-8). Comparisons were conducted on the psychological state scores, blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) of the high- (HG) and low-noise-sensitivity (LG) groups. Cataract patients exhibited lower visual acuity (P < 0.001) and higher WNSS-8 scores than the healthy subjects (P < 0.05). On the basis of the median of WNSS-8, the cataract patients were divided into HG (n = 42) and LG (n = 58). Compared with the LG, the HG presented higher Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scores, Beck Depression Inventory scores, systolic BP, diastolic BP and HR (P < 0.05). High noise sensitivity in cataract patients may be associated with vision disorders, and it may affect their BP and HR and damage physical and mental health.

The relationship between noise sensitivity and the perception of floor impact noise

Noise sensitivity is a factor that determines how an individual perceives how uncomfortable a sound is, and noise sensitivity is believed to affect the annoyance response to floor impact noise in dwellings. In this study, we conducted a survey using the Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale given to subjects who participated in an evaluation of annoyance to floor impact noise and investigated the relationship with the results of the annoyance judgments. As with previous research, it is predicted that the reaction to annoyance to floor impact sound varies greatly depending on the listener’s noise sensitivity and that a reaction of “annoy” is more likely to occur in the high sensitivity group, while a “annoy” judgment is less likely to occur in the low sensitivity group.

Acoustical environments in the textile industry facilities: A case study of Malatya Province, Türkiye

In the past few decades, the textile industry in Türkiye has been developing rapidly with raw materials, industrialization, and employment opportunities. The use of complex machine processes in mass production methods in the textile industry, creates working conditions with high noise levels are created. In this paper, indoor acoustic performance in the textile industry was discussed and the interpretation of the acoustic environment by the employees was analyzed. The textile industry facility in Malatya, Türkiye was examined as a case study. The employees' daily noise exposure levels (LEX,8h) and sound pressure levels were measured. Additionally, Weinstein's Noise Sensitivity Scale (WNSS) and noise annoyance structured questionnaire were applied to the employees. The highest noise exposure level was 92,8 dB, and the lowest noise exposure level was 86,9 dB. In conclusion, the statistical relationship between noise sensitivity and noise annoyance of employees with the demographic properties was examined and the noise annoyances were analyzed in detail. It was found that there was a significant and positive relationship between the noise sensitivity and noise annoyance of the employees (r = 0,523, p = 0,000 &lt; 0,05). Suggestions have been developed to improve indoor acoustic performance and reduce noise in the textile industry.

Comparison between noise annoyance and noise sensitivity

This study examined the relationship between noise sensitivity and noise annoyance. As part of a collaboration between the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology in Japan and the National Research Council Canada related to the acoustic requirements for dwellings intended for aging in place, a pilot subjective study of noise annoyance was conducted. Sixty participants in the subjective study were asked to also complete a shortened Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale. The results were divided into two groups based on their hyper- or hypo-sensitivity to noise. The results showed that the noise annoyance of impact sound was perceived differently by the hyper-sensitivity group and the hypo-sensitivity group.

Psychometric properties of an arabic translation of the short form of Weinstein noise sensitivity scale (NSS-SF) in a community sample of adolescents

BackgroundThe Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale (NSS) is widely recognized as a prominent unidimensional self-reported questionnaire to measure noise sensitivity, which is regarded as the foremost subjective factor moderating the impact of noise on perceived levels of annoyance. In this current study, we conducted an examination of the psychometric properties of a newly translated Arabic version of the short form of the scale (NSS-SF).MethodsA sample of 527 Lebanese adolescents participated in the study, completing the NSS-SF with measures of noise annoyance and insomnia. The total sample was randomly divided into two subsamples. Exploratory-to-Confirmatory Factor Analysis (EFA-CFA) was conducted. The normed model chi-square (χ²/df), the Steiger-Lind root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), the Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) and the comparative fit index (CFI). Values ≤ 5 for χ²/df, and ≤ 0.08 for RMSEA, and 0.90 for CFI and TLI indicate good fit of the model to the data. Composite reliability in both subsamples was assessed using McDonald’s ω and Cronbach’s alpha.ResultsEFA results on the first split-half subsample revealed that one item (item 2) was removed because of low communality (< 0.3); the other 4 items converged on one factor, which explained 67.85% of the common variance (ω = 0.84 and α = 0.84). CFA was conducted on the second half-split subsample in adults according to the model obtained on the first split-half subsample; the fit indices were acceptable as follows: χ2/df = 5.07/2 = 2.54, p < .001, RMSEA = 0.076 (90% CI 0.001, 0.160), SRMR = 0.021, CFI = 0.992, and TLI = 0.976 (ω = 0.84 and α = 0.84). Configural, metric, and scalar invariance was supported across gender in the total sample.ConclusionOur findings substantiate that the Arabic version of the NSS-SF is a reliable, psychometrically valid instrument for assessing noise sensitivity among Arab adolescents, thereby enhancing its overall utility and applicability within Arab countries.

Determining the Relationship Between Noise Sensitivity Levels and Violence Tendencies of Nursing Students.

Exposure to noise has been related to aggressive behavior. As hospital noise may affect nursing students' psycho-physiological health due to their inexperience, it ;1;is important to investigate possible violent tendencies among them. Since no similar research has been found in the literature, a study has been conducted to investigate the relationship between noise sensitivity and violence tendencies among nursing students. The design of this study was cross-sectional. There were 260 nursing students (61% female) aged 18 to 24 years who filled out the Personal Information Form, Weinstein's Noise Sensitivity scale, and Violence Tendency scale. We investigated the distribution of students' noise sensitivity and violence tendencies scores in relation to age, gender, grade, and place of residence. Multiple regression analysis was performed with the noise sensitivity score and possible confounders as independent variables and the severity tendency score as a dependent variable. We found smoking to be significantly and positively associated with both noise sensitivity and violent tendencies (P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis with smoking as a possible confounder revealed that a raise of 0.203 units on the violence tendencies scale may be expected per unit increase on the noise sensitivity scale (P < 0.001). Due to the limitations of our study, a possible relationship between nursing students' noise sensitivity and violent tendencies is tentatively pointed out. More detailed studies are needed to test this assumption.

An investigation of tinnitus, noise sensitivity and anxiety levels in liver transplantation patients in the early and late periods: A cross-sectional study

This study aims to evaluate the perception of anxiety, tinnitus, and noise sensitivity in liver transplant patients according to early and late periods following transplantation. The study included 76 patients with liver transplantation. They were divided into two groups according to the duration of time after transplantation: early (1-3 years) and late (5 years or more). A demographic data form, the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Weinstein's Noise Sensitivity Scale (WNSS), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were administered and used for data collection. There was a statistically significant difference between the early and late-period groups in terms of WNSS and THI scores (p&lt;0.05), whereas there was no statistically significant difference in BAI scores (p&gt;0.05). Noise sensitivity and tinnitus perception of the late-period group were statistically higher than those of the early-period group (p&lt;0.05). Correlations between BAI, WNSS, and THI scores of late-stage patients were significant (p&lt;0.05). A multivariate regression model was performed with the WNSS and the THI as dependent variables. According to this analysis, the THI had a statistically significant positive effect on the BAI in the early period (p2=0.003) and WNSS had a statistically significant positive effect on the BAI score in the late period (p2=0.002). Both otologic and psychological effects are observed in patients with liver transplantation. The post-transplant period triggered otologic symptoms more. It is also noteworthy that psychological and otologic symptoms are in correlation. Psychological and otologic evaluations with a multidisciplinary approach should gain importance in the post-transplant period.

Fear influences phantom sound percepts in an anechoic room

Aims and hypothesesIn an environment of absolute silence, researchers have found many of their participants to perceive phantom sounds (tinnitus). With this between-subject experiment, we aimed to elaborate on these research findings, and specifically investigated whether–in line with the fear-avoidance model of tinnitus perception and reactivity–fear or level of perceived threat influences the incidence and perceptual qualities of phantom sound percepts in an anechoic room. We investigated the potential role of individual differences in anxiety, negative affect, noise sensitivity and subclinical hearing loss. We hypothesized that participants who experience a higher level of threat would direct their attention more to the auditory system, leading to the perception of tinnitus-like sounds, which would otherwise be subaudible, and that under conditions of increased threat, narrowing of attention would lead to perceptual distortions.MethodsIn total, N = 78 normal-hearing volunteers participated in this study. In general, the study sample consisted of young, mostly female, university students. Their hearing was evaluated using gold-standard pure tone audiometry and a speech-in-noise self-test (Digit Triplet Test), which is a sensitive screening test to identify subclinical hearing loss. Prior to a four-minute stay in an anechoic room, we randomized participants block design-wise in a threat (N = 37) and no-threat condition (N = 41). Participants in the threat condition were deceived about their hearing and were led to believe that staying in the room would potentially harm their hearing temporarily. Participants were asked whether they perceived sounds during their stay in the room and rated the perceptual qualities of sound percepts (loudness and unpleasantness). They were also asked to fill-out standardized questionnaires measuring anxiety (State–Trait Anxiety Inventory), affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) and noise sensitivity (Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale). The internal consistency of the questionnaires used was verified in our study sample and ranged between α = 0.61 and α = 0.90.ResultsIn line with incidence rates reported in the literature, 74% of our participants reported having heard tinnitus-like sounds in the anechoic room. Speech-in-noise identification ability was comparable for both groups of participants. The experimental manipulation of threat was proven to be effective, as indicated by significantly higher scores on a Threat Manipulation Checklist among participants in the threat condition as compared to those in the no-threat condition (p < 0.01). Nevertheless, participants in the threat condition were as likely to report tinnitus percepts as participants in the no-threat condition (p = 1), and tinnitus percepts were not rated as being louder (p = 0.76) or more unpleasant (p = 0.64) as a function of level of threat. For participants who did experience tinnitus percepts, a higher level of threat was associated with a higher degree of experienced unpleasantness (p < 0.01). These associations were absent in those who did not experience tinnitus. Higher negative affect was only slightly associated with higher ratings of tinnitus unpleasantness (p < 0.01).ConclusionWhereas our threat manipulation was successful in elevating the level of fear, it did not contribute to a higher percentage of participants perceiving tinnitus-like sounds in the threat condition. However, higher levels of perceived threat were related to a higher degree of perceived tinnitus unpleasantness. The findings of our study are drawn from a rather homogenous participant pool in terms of age, gender, and educational background, challenging conclusions that are applicable for the general population. Participants generally obtained normophoric scores on independent variables of interest: they were low anxious, low noise-sensitive, and there was little evidence for the presence of subclinical hearing loss. Possibly, there was insufficient variation in scores to find effects.

A Bayesian network model to predict the role of hospital noise, annoyance, and sensitivity in quality of patient care

BackgroundHospital noise can adversely impact nurses’ health, their cognitive function and emotion and in turn, influence the quality of patient care and patient safety. Thus, the aim of this study was to predict the contributing roles of exposure to hospital noise, staff noise-sensitivity and annoyance, on the quality of patient care.MethodsThis descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out among nurses in an Iranian hospital. To determine nurses’ noise exposure level, the noise was measured in 1510 locations across the hospital in accordance with ISO 9612 standards using KIMO DB 300/2 sound level meter and analyzer. An online survey was used to collect nurses’ individual data. Study questionnaires included demographics, Weinstein noise sensitivity scale, noise annoyance scale, and quality of patient care scale. Finally, to analyze the data, Bayesian Networks (BNs), as probabilistic and graphical models, were used.ResultsFor the high noise exposure state, high noise sensitivity, and high annoyance, with the probability of 100%, the probability of delivering a desirable quality of patient care decreased by 21, 14, and 23%, respectively. Moreover, at the concurrently high noise exposure and high noise sensitivity with the probability of 100%, the desirable quality of patient care decreased by 26%. The Bayesian most influence value was related to the association of noise exposure and annoyance (0.636). Moreover, annoyance had the highest association with the physical aspect of quality of care (0.400) and sensitivity had the greatest association with the communication aspect (0.283).ConclusionAnnoyance induced from environmental noise and personal sensitivity affected the quality of patient care adversely. Moreover, noise and sensitivity had a separate direct adverse effect upon the quality of patient care, and their co-occurrence reduced the potential for delivering quality patient care.

Assessing the perceived indoor acoustic environment quality across building occupants in a tertiary-care public hospital in Singapore

Although hospitals are notorious for poor acoustics, the acoustic environment is usually evaluated in silos, or in conjunction with few indoor environmental quality (IEQ) factors. With only anecdotcal evidence, it is important to first establish a holistic baseline perception of the hospital acoustic environment before commissioning costly measurement campaigns. A psychometric questionnaire based on the industry-standard IEQ survey and ISO 12913-2 soundscape standard was administered to examine the perceived indoor acoustic environment quality across major occupant groups (i.e. staff, patients, visitors) in an acute hospital in Singapore. Of the 16 IEQ factors examined, all occupant groups expressed the greatest dissatisfaction with noise levels and sound privacy. Notably, the staff were significantly more dissatisfied than the other groups in terms of sound privacy and overall IEQ. When assessing the overall quality (OQ) and appropriateness (OA) of the acoustic environment, OQ was similarly neutral across all groups, whereas the staff expressed significantly lower OA than both patients and visitors. The dissatisfaction in the acoustic environment could be attributed to the perceived dominance and annoyance of vocal and operational sounds across all occupant groups, as well as the environment set-up with most being housed in cohort rooms. Particularly, the staff were significantly more annoyed with vocal and operational sounds than patients and visitors. This study also yielded evidence that challenges the validity of the 5-item Weinstein noise sensitivity scale when used in an Asian context, as well as the applicability of the perceived affective quality circumplex model in ISO 12913-3 for indoor environments.

Relationships of health-related quality of life with subjective noise sensitivity in the subjects with normal hearing

Objective Our aim was to look for the association of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with subjective noise sensitivity (SNS) in the audiologically and perceptually normal hearing subjects since HRQoL was suggested as a tool during the intervention of the hearing impaired people. Methods The audiological evaluation was first done in the subjects who were enrolled from the previous study in which Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale (WNSS) was adapted to Turkish. Then, the Short Form-36 (SF-36) scores were determined and the relationships of WNSS score with the SF-36 scores were analysed in respect to gender, age, audiological variables. Results Of 210, 124 subjects (M:44; F:80) were taken to the study. WNSS score presented no gender difference and correlation with age and audiological variables. It was found that WNSS score was significantly correlated with emotional and mental domains of HRQoL in women and physical and social functioning in men. Role limitations due to physical health, mental health, role limitations due to emotional problems, social functioning, vitality and mental composite scores were significantly lower in the upper SNS subgroup. Conclusion It was revealed that SNS was strongly associated with HRQoL in perceptionally and audiologically normal hearing males and females via different domains. Therefore, in case of using HRQoL in audiological care, our data suggest that SNS should be taken into account.

Determination of a cutoff for noise sensitivity: Psychometric evaluation of the Turkish Noise Sensitivity Questionnaire (Tr-NoiSeQ).

There is a need for a clear cutoff to use noise sensitivity (NS) scale as a prediagnostic tool in research and clinical use. : Noise sensitivity questionnaire (NoiSeQ) was adapted into Turkish language (Tr-NoiSeQ); validity and reliability of the Tr-NoiSeQ were assessed. The cutoff for the Tr-NoiSeQ was determined. : A descriptive study within subject design. A group of 402 participants aged between 18 and 52 years filled the Tr-NoiSeQ and the Turkish version of Weinstein noise sensitivity scale (Tr-WNSS) via internet. Cronbach alpha (α) and the Spearman‒Brown coefficient were calculated for the reliability; Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used for the validity. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate cutoff value of the Tr-NoiSeQ. For the Tr-NoiSeQ, Cronbach α was 0.92, Spearman‒Brown coefficient was 0.93 (P < 0.05). A high significant correlation between the Tr-WNSS and the Tr-NoiSeQ was obtained (r = 0.76, P < 0.05). The fit indexes of the model were obtained as (χ2 = 1361.06, df = 546, P < 0.001), χ2 / df = 2.49, root mean square error of approximation = 0.06, comparative fit index = 0.83, goodness of fit index = 0.82. The ROC curve showed that the cutoff for the Tr-NoiSeQ was 53 with a 0.92 sensitivity and a 0.85 specificity (P ≤ 0.05). The Tr-NoiSeQ is a valid and reliable tool for use in both clinical practice and research. The Tr-NoiSeQ seems to be consistent with the Tr-WNSS and can be used as a screening tool to evaluate NS in audiology.

Povezanost između komunalne buke i arterijske hipertenzije kod stanovnika grada Niša

Aim: The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between noise exposure and the incidence of arterial hypertension as well as the relationship of noise annoyance and noise sensitivity with hypertension. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was performed on 911 adult residents of Niš, Serbia, of whom 388 were men (42.6%) and 523 women (57.4%). The criterium for the diagnosis of arterial hypertension was that it was diagnosed by a physician. Based on measurement results of noise, residents, streets were marked as noisy [daily equivalent noise level (Leq) ≥ 55 dB (A) and night Leq ≥ 45 dB (A)] and as quiet [daily equivalent noise level (Leq) ≤ 55 dB (A) and night Leq ≤ 45 dB (A)]. The numerical and verbal noise annoyance scales were used to assess the degree of noise annoyance, while noise sensitivity was measured with the Weinstein's Noise Sensitivity Scale. Results: Arterial hypertension was statistically significantly more frequent in residents in the noisy area compared to residents in the quiet area. After the inclusion of independent variable factors in the logistic regression models, no significant diference was found (p = 0.66, OR = 1.11; 95% CI: 0.69-1.78). A correlation analysis between noise annoyance wich was measured by verbal and numeric scales and arterial hypertension showed a highly significant positive relation. The same case was between the relationship between subjective sensitivity and arterial hipertension. Conclusion: The introduction of the limit for the community noise level that corresponds to the requirements of highly sensitive persons is a significant measure in preventing the harmful effects of noise on the exposed population.

Tinnitus Şikayeti Olan Yetişkin Bireylerde Tinnitus Şiddeti, Gürültü Hassasiyeti, Sağlık Anksiyetesi ve Depresyon Arasındaki İlişkinin Değerlendirilmesi

Purpose: Evaluating the relationship between tinnitus intensity, noise sensitivity, health anxiety and depression in adult individuals with tinnitus complaints.&#x0D; Material and Methods:190 individuals aged 19 and over having tinnitus complaints for at least one year were included in the study. In the study, the General Information Form (GIF), Tinnitus Disability Questionnaire (TDQ), Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale (WNSS), Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI) and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale Short Form (DASS-21) were used and delievered to the participants online. SPSS 22.0 was used for the statistical analyses.&#x0D; Results: The mean scores of individuals with tinnitus complaint were 49.73±29.40 for TDQ, 56.82±17.94 for WNSS, 19.96±13.90 for DASS-21, 18.33±9.69 for HAI. Tinnitus intensity of 28.6% of people with noise sensitivity was very mild, 12.7% was very severe. A positive correlation was found between the total score of the TDQ and the scores of the DASS-21. A negative correlation was found between the WNSS scores and the total score of the TDQ. There was a statistically significant difference between the upper 1/3, lower 1/3 and middle classification values of the WNSS total scores and the TDQ classification groups. A positive correlation was found between the total score of the TDQ and the HAI and its sub-dimensions (p

Indoor nocturnal noise is associated with body mass index and blood pressure: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundStudies have demonstrated that noise is associated with various health problems, such as obesity and hypertension. Although the evidence of the associations of noise with obesity and hypertension is inconsistent, there seems to be a stronger association of the latter. This study aimed to investigate the associations of noise with body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure in adults living in multi-story residential buildings.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Hong Kong from February 2018 to September 2019. The Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, ENRICHD Social Support Instrument, Patient Health Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were administered to the participants. BMI and blood pressure were assessed. Nocturnal noise exposure and total sleep duration were measured for a week.ResultsFive hundred adults (66.4% female), with an average age of 39 years (range: 18–80), completed the study. The average levels of nocturnal noise, BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were 51.3 dBA, 22.2 kg/m2, 116.0 mmHg, and 75.4 mmHg, respectively. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, nocturnal noise was associated with BMI (b = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.01 to 1.06, p = 0.045) and SBP (b = 2.90, 95% CI: 1.12 to 4.68, p = 0.001). No association was detected between nocturnal noise and DBP (b = 0.79, 95% CI: − 0.56 to 2.13, p = 0.253). Specifically, higher nocturnal noise was associated with higher BMI (b = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.07 to 1.38, p = 0.031) and SBP (b = 3.91, 95% CI: 2.51 to 5.31, p < 0.001) in females but only higher SBP (b = 3.13, 95% CI: 1.35 to 4.92, p < 0.001) in males. The association between noise and SBP remained significant (b = 2.41, 95% CI: 0.62 to 4.20, p = 0.008) after additionally adjusting for lifestyle, diagnosis of hypertension, psychometric constructs, and sleep.ConclusionsIndoor nocturnal noise was associated with BMI and blood pressure in females but only blood pressure in males. It is important to control nocturnal noise or use soundproofing materials in buildings to reduce noise exposure.

Noise sensitivity associated with nonrestorative sleep in Chinese adults: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundNonrestorative sleep is a common sleep disorder with a prevalence ranging from 1.4 to 35%, and is associated with various psychological and physical health issues. Noise exposure and noise sensitivity have been proposed to contribute to nonrestorative sleep. This study aimed to examine the relationships among noise, noise sensitivity, nonrestorative sleep, and physiological sleep parameters in Chinese adults.MethodsA cross-sectional household survey was conducted with randomly selected Chinese adults based on a frame stratified by geographical districts and types of quarters in Hong Kong. We administered a battery of questionnaires, including the Nonrestorative Sleep Scale, the Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale, the ENRICHD Social Support Instrument, the Patient Health Questionnaire, and the Perceived Stress Scale to assess nonrestorative sleep, noise sensitivity, social support, somatic symptoms and stress, respectively. Anxiety and depression were evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale while sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics were assessed with an investigator-developed sheet. Nocturnal noise level and physiological sleep parameters were measured during nighttime for a week by noise dosimetry and actigraphy, respectively. A structured multiphase linear regression was conducted to estimate associations.ResultsA total of 500 adults (66.4% female) with an average age of 39 years completed this study. Bivariate regressions showed that age, marital status, occupation, family income, season, exercise, cola and soda consumption, social support, somatic symptoms, stress, depression, noise sensitivity, total sleep time, and awakenings were associated with nonrestorative sleep. In the multivariable analysis, family income, season, exercise, social support, somatic symptoms, stress, and depression remained associated with nonrestorative sleep. Specifically, a one-unit increase of noise sensitivity was associated with 0.08 increase in nonrestorative sleep (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01, 0.15, p = 0.023). Nocturnal noise was negatively associated with time in bed (b = − 1.65, 95% CI: − 2.77, − 0.52, p = 0.004), total sleep time (b = − 1.61, 95% CI: − 2.59, − 0.62, p = 0.001), and awakenings (b = − 0.16, 95% CI: − 0.30, − 0.03, p = 0.018), but was not associated with nonrestorative sleep.ConclusionsNonrestorative sleep was predicted by noise sensitivity in addition to family income, season, exercise, social support, somatic symptoms, stress, and depression.

A Short Form of the Chinese Version of the Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale through Optimal Test Assembly.

This study developed a short form of the traditional Chinese version of the Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale (WNSS) through optimal test assembly (OTA). A total of 1069 Chinese adults (64.8% female) completed the territory-wide cross-sectional study. We first removed Items 12 and 5 which had negative factor loading and gender-related differential item functioning (DIF), respectively. The optimal length was then determined as the minimal one that reasonably resembled the reliability and validity of the scale without DIF items. OTA identified an 8-item WNSS (WNSS-8) which retained 67.2% of the test information of the original 21-item scale and had a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.83. It also showed significant correlations of 0.272 and −0.115 with the neuroticism and extraversion scales of Chinese NEO-Five Factor Inventory, respectively. Adequate model fit of the WNSS-8 was demonstrated by the confirmatory factor analysis. The Chinese WNSS-8 can be used to assess noise sensitivity without compromising reliability and validity.

Subjective sensitivity to noise and non-auditory health effects among adults in Niš, Serbia.

The aim of this study was to examine subjective sensitivity to noise of the citizens of Niš and its impact on their non-auditory health effects. This study was designed as a cross-sectional questionnaire survey among 908 adult residents of Niš, Serbia, of whom 387 were men (42.6%) and 521 women (57.4%). Streets with day Leq ≥ 55 dB(A) and night Leq ≥ 45 dB(A) were regarded as noisy and those with day Leq ≤ 55 dB(A) and night Leq ≤ 45 dB(A) were regarded as quiet, in accordance with WHO recommendations. Noise sensitivity was measured with the Weinstein's Noise Sensitivity Scale. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the impact of noise sensitivity on non-auditory health effects. The study showed that the values of the Weinstein's Noise Sensitivity Scale were significantly higher for those surveyed in the noisy zone. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant impact of noise sensitivity on night-sleep duration (p = 0.04), subjective assessment of sleep quality (p < 0.01) and daily rest disruption (p < 0.001). Based on the study results, it can be confirmed that noise sensitivity has an important role in causing non-auditory health effects among adults.

Effect of personality traits on sensitivity, annoyance and loudness perception of low- and high-frequency noise

This paper presents investigations into a comparative assessment of the effects of low- and high-frequency noise in relation to personality traits. The high- and low-frequency noises used are produced in the research laboratory using CoolEdit software. In all, 80 candidates were exposed to equivalent continuous sound pressure level of 65 dBA of low- and high-frequency noise in an acoustic room with a 2-week interval. After 1 hour of exposure to noise, participants were asked to complete noise annoyance scale, Weinstein noise sensitivity questionnaire and loudness perception. The results obtained indicate that there is a significant difference between annoyance and perception of low-frequency noise in comparison to annoyance and perception of high-frequency noise, but no significant difference is noted between sensitivity to low- and high-frequency noise. The multivariate analysis of covariance test is applied, which reveals that personality traits have a significant effect on sensitivity to low- and high-frequency noise, annoyance due to low- and high-frequency noise, loudness perception of low-frequency noise, but no interaction effects are found. It is further shown that personality traits are more effective on sensitivity, annoyance and loudness perception to high-frequency noise than those of low-frequency noise, and such effects are not only influenced by severity of noise but also by personality traits and frequency components.