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Noise-induced extra-aural pathology: a review and commentary.
1School of Biomedical Engineering, Sciences and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|April 3, 1999
Summary
This review explores low-frequency, high-amplitude noise (LPALF) effects beyond hearing. It presents evidence for extra-aural pathologies, like vibroacoustic disease, and identifies the respiratory tract as a potential target organ.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Medicine
- Acoustic Science
Background:
- Current occupational noise regulations focus solely on hearing conservation, assuming noise impacts only the auditory system.
- Existing guidelines for noise assessment are biased towards subjective human sound perception.
- Low-frequency, high-amplitude noise (LPALF) exposure is prevalent in various environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To challenge the assumption that LPALF noise affects only the auditory system.
- To review evidence supporting extra-aural, noise-induced pathologies.
- To highlight the respiratory tract as a potential target organ for LPALF noise stressors.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of acoustic phenomena and their health effects.
- Analysis of studies investigating non-auditory impacts of noise exposure.
- Examination of evidence for vibroacoustic disease and respiratory effects.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests LPALF noise can induce pathologies beyond the auditory system.
- Vibroacoustic disease is presented as a significant extra-aural consequence of noise exposure.
- The respiratory tract is identified as a vulnerable organ to environmental noise stressors.
Conclusions:
- Noise exposure, particularly LPALF, poses risks beyond hearing loss.
- There is a need to broaden the scope of noise regulation and health impact assessments.
- Further research into the respiratory effects of noise is warranted.