Noise-induced temporary threshold shifts: the effects of anticipatory stress and coping strategies

Temporary Thresholds Shifts were assessed in five groups from before to after 5-minute exposure to 110 dB SPL white noise and in one additional group without noise exposure. In each group the baseline conditions were designed to elevate psychological stress via anticipation of the noise and venipuncture procedures. In the three experimental groups, procedures to reduce psychological stress were employed: Information, Relaxation, and Behavioral Avoidance. Manipulation checks supported the effectiveness of these arousal-reducing interventions. Temporary threshold shifts were considerably greater in two of the experimental conditions than in the noise-exposed control conditions.