EPA 550/9-78-101
FOREIGN NOISE RESEARCH
IN NOISE EFFECTS
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS
OFFICE OF NOISE ABATERttNC iND^NthoC
WASHINGTON, D.&V$W60
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A SURVEY OF
FOREIGN NOISE EFFECTS
RESEARCH
January 1978
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Noise Abatement and Control
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PREFACE
In 1976 and 1977 the Second Interagency Noise Effects Research Panel met
to review, evaluate and make recommendations on U.S. government supported
noise effects research. This interagency group includes representatives
from 15 agencies and is supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency's Office of Noise Abatement and Control, which acts as secretariat.
The Panel's chairman is Dr. H. E. Von Gierke, of the Aerospace Medical
Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. In addition
to its primary task of assessing U.S. research, the Panel was interested
in finding out about noise effects research abroad. A survey was conducted
for this purpose by Informatics Inc. under the supervision of Ms. Alice
Suter of EPA, Office of Noise Abatement and Control.
This volume has been compiled from the results of the survey. Although
this is not a comprehensive review of current noise effects research abroad,
it gives some idea of the magnitude of research in this area and the current
state of the art. Hopefully too, it may stimulate the exchange of infor-
mation between investigators. An attempt has been made to include complete
addresses and citations of published work, and a brief description of the
project whenever possible.
In addition to the survey several other information sources were used
which should be acknowledged. Most of the British project descriptions
were taken from "The Index of Current Noise Research in the United Kingdom
1975/1976," (E. N. Bazley), published by the National Physical Laboratory.
The main information source for the projects from West Germany was the
"UKOFAT" catalog of the UMPLIS* System.
* Environmental information data base of the Bundesministerium des Innens, Bonn.
-------
Scope
Approximately 200 projects have been reported from 22 countries.
Most of the projects are from European countries. The greatest number
of projects are reported from the United Kingdom and West Germany because
of additional sources of information. Projects reported are either
currently active or were completed in the last two or three years.
Classification Scheme
Projects are classified and reported by a nine-category subject
scheme devised by the Panel. Basically, the subject areas correspond
to the effects of noise including auditory, non-auditory physiological,
psychological and performance effects, communication interference, sleep
disturbance and community annoyance. In addition, there are categories
for noise environment determination and the combined effects of noise
and vibration. A few studies are listed under more than one category,
because the studies dealt with more than one subject area or were general
in nature'^ but in most cases double classification was avoided.
An index in the back of the volume references projects by country.
These may be identified in the Index of Projects by Country beginning
on page 77.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Preface i
I Noise Induced Hearing Loss 1
II Non-Auditory Health Effects 20
III Psychological and Performance Effects 28
IV Noise Effects on Sleep 46
V Communication Interference 52
VI Community or Collective Response 54
VII Domestic Animals and Wildlife 65
VIII Noise Environment Determination 66
IX Noise Concomitant with Vibration 70
X Other (includes Noise Effects Literature and Workshops) 74
XI Index of Projects by Country 77
iii
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Country
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Austria
Canada
Federal Republic
of Germany
Impulse Noise and Temporary Threshold Shift_
In a series of investigations the effects of impulse noise on
ITS shall be explored and mathematical models to describe
these effects will be compared. Different kinds of impulse
noise will be used for noise exposure.
Program on Hearing Protection
Areas of concern are in-ear measurement of noise and hearing
protectors.
Publication: "Effects of Noise on Man, prepared by
Dr. George Thiessen
The Effects of Working Noise on Lumbermen and the
Environment
Audiometric measurements on a representative group of workers
subjected to noise and a control group working without noise.
Statistical evaluation.
Effect of Noise on Particular Groups of People, Especially
Children and Old People
Basic research in the area of noise protection. Creation
of physiological, psychological, sociological and economic
bases for noise control, especially in the area of legisla-
tion and in spatial planning as well as in work involving
the development of norms and guidelines.
Effect of Impulsive Noise on Living Creatures
Investigations directed toward an understanding of how
anatomical damage can arise with the purpose of setting up
norms on possible threshold limits. Biological, biochemical,
physiological and psychoacoustical research methods are used,
as well as measurements of pressure, holography of the ear
drum, measurement of interference (interferometry), and
research with small animals (for example, guinea pigs).
Professor Manfred Haider
Inst. f. Umwelthygiene d. Univ
Wien
Austria
Nat'l Research Council of Canad
Montreal Road
Ottawa, ON KIA OS1
Canada
Prof. Dr. Gerhard Kaminsky
Institute for Labor Science of
the Federal Research Office for
Forestry and the Lumber
Indus try,
Vorwerksbusch 1
Reinbek
FRG
Dr. G. Jansen
Institut fur Arbeits-und
Sozialmedizin
Johannes-Gutenberg-Universitat
Obere Zahlbacher Str. 67
D-6500 Mainz
FRG
Dr. Armand Dancer
German-French Research Insti-
tute St. Louis
Rue de 1'Industrie 12
Weil am Rhein
FRG
Completion
1978
1974 to
1984
1973 to
1976
1974-
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Country
Federal Republic
of Germany
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Investigations on Particular Hearing Defects and the
Susceptibility to Noise of Those Whose Hearing is Easily
Damaged
This project concentrates on people with moderate hearing
defects, including children.
Impact of Working Noise on Safety of the Workplace and Health
of Workers in Areas With Sound-Reflecting Walls
Workers in tunnel construction have a more severe noise
exposure problem than other construction workers because
sound reflection increases the noise emissions of the
machines. Also to be contended with are carbon monoxide
emissions from machines, which can lead to hearing loss in the
inner ear. In conjunction with worker protection technolo-
gists and through worker health and clinical investigations,
research is being carried out to gain information on the
extent to which the health and safety of tunnel construction
workers are being endangered.
Aircraft Boom: Effect on Structures and Living Creatures
Investigation of the effect of aircraft boom on the
auditory system of humans and animals. Effect of startle.
Simulation of boom with boom generators. Analysis using
pressure pick-off, microphones, holography, and biological
and biochemical methods.
Medical and Psychological Studies on Noise Exposed Workers,
Industrial Workers
Effects of noise and age on vegetative reactions; audiometry,
personality factors, attitudes.
Dr. Wolf-Dieter Keidel
Institute for Physiology and
Biocybernetics of the Univer-
sity of Erlangen-Nuremberg
Universitaetsstrasse 17
Erlangen
FRG
Prof. Dr. G. Lehnert
Central Institute for Industr-
ial Medicine'of the University
of Hamburg
Adolph-Schoenfelder-Strasse 5
Hamburg 76
FRG
Dr. Arnand Dancer
German-French Research
Institute, St. Louis
Rue de 1'Industrie 12
Weil am Rhein
FRG
Dr. G. Jansen
Institut fur Arbeits-und
Sozialmedizin
Johannes-Gutenberg-Universitat'
Obere Zahlbacher Str. 67
D-6500 Mainz
FRG
1973 to
1976
1974 to
1976
1968 to
1976
1976
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Country
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Federal Republic
of Germany
Audiologic Longitudinal Studies on Noise Exposed Workers
During Some Years to Determine the Progression of NIPTS
Audiologic examinations of Noise Exposed Workers
Progression of NIPTS
Noise Effects on the Inner Ear, Caused by Noise During
Leisure Time
Noise measurements in discotheques; field research in schools
at Dusseldorf, audiometry and clinical examinations of
pupils. (Age: 10-20).
Audiometric Defining Between Presbyacusis and Noise
Induced Hearing Impairment
Measurement of Sound Attenuation of Hearing Protectors
Development of subjective and objective methods for the
determination of sound attenuation of hearing protectors
at different sound pressure levels and in various sound field:
Type testing of hearing protectors.
Ref erencju_
Annual Report of Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt
Dr. U. L. Legler
Universitat Heidelberg
Theodor-Kutzer-lifer
D-6800 Mannheim 1
FRG
Dr. P. L. Strauss
Dr. M. Quante
HNO-Klinik
universitat Dusseldorf
Moorenatrasse
D-4000 Dusseldorf
FRG
Dr. Lehnhardt
HNO-Klinik der Medizinischen
Hochschule
Karl-Wiechart-Allee 9
D-3000 Hanover Kleefeld
FRG
Dr. K. Brinkmann
Laboratorium Fur Schallnormale
der Phyaikalisch
Technischen Bundesanstalt
Bundcsallee 100
3300 Branschweig
FRG
1976
Completion
1976
1976-
1976
1976 to
1978
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NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Federal Republic
of Germany
France
Hearing Testing Among Employees of the Iron and
Steel Industry
By means of audiometric serial tests our workers
were exposed to high level noise in the steel indus-
try and on the sound intensity at the work sites.
This was aimed to establish connections between
noise at work locations and possible injury to hear-
ing. Medical studies were conducted by occupational
physicians and central collection and analysis of
data were done by means of large computers at the
ins titute.
Damage Caused by Intermittent and Impulsive Noises
Studies of temporary displacement from the noise
site following exposure and auditory recovery.
Animal Studies
Biochemical Mechanisms Involved in Cochlear Fatigue
Special Acoustic Protectors
Linked to a previous study. This study would
examine problems of hearing protectors - such as
physical and emotional isolation felt by users.
Different types of hearing protectors can be studiec
(a)protectors for impulsive and intermittent noise,
(b)diffusion of cultural or recreational programs 01
the inside of anti-noise head-piece, (c)protectors
permitting transmission of word but "stopping" the
noise.
Dirk Pannhausen
Operations Research Insti-
tute
Dusseldorf
FRG
Prof. Metz
Center for Bioclimatic
Studies
Center National de la
Recherche Scientifiqus
Strasbourg, France
Prof. Burgeat, Dr, Loth
Central Service Center o£
Biophysics of
Lariboisiere Hospital
France
J . P. Legouix
Laboratory of Neurophysi-
ology
College de France
11 Place Marcelin -
Berthelot
Paris - 5e
France
Institut National de
Recherche sur la Securi
Route de Neufchateau
54500 - Vandoeuvre
,France
1975
1977
to
Ongoing
omjjletion
July 1978
1977
e
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NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Japan
Effect of Metabolic Factors on Sensitivity to
Acoustic Trauma
Biological Factors During Exposure to an Acoustic
Signal
Appreciation of Physiological Damage Due to Noise
Exposure, Based on Metabolic and Hormonal Parameters
Effect of Background and Pulsed Noises on Hearing
Fat igue.
Establishment of Damage Risk Criteria for Conserving
the Hearing Acuity
•(Sponsor: Japan Association of Industrial Health)
Epidemiological Study of the Effect of Super-Express Train
Noise
Effect on hearing acuity of school children; effect on
maternal and child health.
Epidemiological Study on the Effect of Aircraft Noise in the
Vicinity of Osaka International Airport
Effect on maternal and child health; effect on hearing
acuity of school children; and effect on body height and
weight of school children.
(Sponsor: Environment Agency, Japan)
Studies on the Mechanism of Adaptation of Organismus
Exposed to Noise
College de France
11, place Marcellin Berthelot
75231 - Paris Cedex 05. France
Lab Biophysique
France
CERMA
18, bd. Dupuy
BP No. 160
01105 - Oyonax, France
Commission d"Etude du Bruit
Sante Publique
36, avenue Charles de Gaulle
92200 - Neuilly-sur-Seine
France
T. Toyama, Chairman
Committee for Establishment of
Maximum Allowable Concent-rat
Japan Environmental
Sanitation Center
198-3 Yotsuya Kaminachi
Kawasakisku Kawasakishi
Canagawa, Japan
Hyogo Prefecture
Japan
Hiroshi Sakamoto
Department of Hygiene
School of Medicine
Mie University
Japan
1977
1977
1977
1977
Ongoing
1976-
1975-
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Co un t ry
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Japan
Netherlands
Norway
Health Hazards of Noise Pollution
Prevalance and Prevention of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Utilizing the so-called Noise Dosimetry, the daily noise
level is calculated and expressed in the "equivalent
continuous sound level. ' In cooperation with the ad hoc
Working Group on Deafness of the European Economic Community
and the Working Group 'Noise Influences' of the Committee
for Industrial Medical Research, data are collected with
this instrument in a great number of industrial settings.
Classical noise measurements are performed as a check.
Values of both methods show differences, the noise dosimeter
giving a better insight into the daily noise load. By
means of a detailed audiological examination the relation
between exposure to noise and damage on hearing is also
investigated. Up to now 15 industrial medical services have
cooperated measuring over 400 work spots. Also the
influence of fluctuating noise on the human hearing organ is
studied, the latter being largely terra incognita.
Investigation of Relationships Between Types of Noise
Exposure and Health Hazard
This project has been running for more than 3 years and
involves 12 industrial companies. Around 650 employees
have been checked regularly by audiometric tests and their
noise environments have been measured and recorded.
Yasutaka Osado
Department of Physiological
Hygiene
The Institute of Public Health
1-6, 4-Chome,
Shiroganedi, Minatoku
Tokyo 108,_Japan
H. E. Lindeman
Netherlands Institute for
Preventive Medicine TNO
(Audiology Research Unit)
Wassenaarseweg 56
Leiden
Postbus 124
Netherlands
J. A. Austnes
Acoustics Laboratory
E-Lab
Norwegian Technical Univ.
Trondheim
Norway
1975 to
1980
1974-
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Country
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Norway
Poland
Attempts to Derive a Physical-Mathematical Model for Hearing
This project started in 197-6, as a preliminary study, and
is supposed to continue for a number of years. Certain
relationships, which may established. Further work on the
mechanics of the basilar membrane vibration is planned, and
so is work studying neural excitation and damage.
a) Computer Diagnoses of Industrial Acoustic Trauma
b) Investigations about the Over sensibility of Some
People to Industrial Noise
c) Ototoxic Influence of Exhalations of Gasoline
Investigations Into the Noise Effects in Miners and
Steel Workers,
Effect of Impulse and Intermittent Noise on the Hearing
Organ of Weavers
Studies on Ear Protectors
Music as protection against the fatigue caused by
noise.
Dynamics of Chronic Accoustic Trauma in Relation to Age
and Concomitant Diseases
J. T. Broch and
M. Kringleborn
Acoustics Laboratory
E-Lab
Norwegian Technical Univ,
Trondheim, Norway
Dr. Andrzej Lepkowski
Dr. Jerzy Kuzniarz
Zbigniew Swierczynski
Otolaryngological Department
Silesian Medical Academy
Katowice, Poland
Prof. J. Grzesik
Institute of Professional
Medicine
Bieruta 20
41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
Dr. Sulkowski
Inst. of Prof. Medicine
Teresy 8
90-950 Lodz, Poland
Asst. Prof. Cz. Puzyna
Central Institute of Work
Protection
Tamka 1
00-349 Warszawa, Poland
Z. Bochenek
DIpl. Eng. J. Dawidowicz
Research Center of Railroad
Health Service
Grojecka 17a
02-021 Warszawa, Poland
1976 -
Estimated
completion
1980
Estimated
completion
1979
Estimated
completion
1979
Estimated
completion
1979
Estimated
completion
1979
-------
Country
Sweden
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
The Equal Energy Principle and Noise Injuries
Experiments on animals (chinchilla rats) with different noise
intensities and times; continued in 1976 as a study of the
effects of impact noise.
Impulse Noise in the Construction Industry
The goal of the project is to establish to what extent exposi-
tions to impulse noise contribute to the genesis of noise-
induced hearing loss in the construction industry. Tha
contribution of hearing loss due to impulse and steady-state
noise among different occupational groups shall be analyzed,
special risk—groups will be pointed out and appropriate
outlines to reduce the risk will be drawn up.
A comprehensive literature study has been carried out.
Available data from the routine work of Bygghalsan, consist-
ing of audiograms from 130,000 construction workers and
noise exposition data from 180 different occupational groups
are combined and statistically analyzed. In the cases
where impulse noise seems to be a major factor to produce
hearing loss, qualified analyses will be carried out.
Preliminary results indicate that a noise exposure that
contains impulsive or transient components implies
a considerably higher risk than steady-state noise
with the same energy content. Different types of
noise impulses with the same energy content arising
from work with different material seem to involve
different risk degrees.
Asst. Prof. Gunnar Liden
University of Gothenburg
Fack
S-400 33, Gothenburg 33
Sweden
Peter Voigt
Research Foundation for
Occupational Safety and Health
in the Swedish Construction
Industry
Fack, S-100 41
Stockholm, Sweden
1975 -
Estimated
completion
December
1977
-------
Country
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
United Kingdom
Relation between Cochlear Potentials and Cochlear
Chemistry in Noise Exposure
Investigations are being carried out into the re-
lation between the loss of cochlear potentials,
following exposure to either pure tones or white
noise, and the chemical changes, especially enzyme
changes, in various cochlear structures as reveal-
ed by histochemical methods.
Perception of Complex Stimuli
Work is being done on the role of the auditory
cortex in the perception of complex stimuli, using
both behavioural and electro-physiological methods.
In particular, a study has been made on the differ-
ences between location of a sound source under
anechoic and echoic conditions. Temporal lobe
damage can produce a much more severe deficit under
the latter than the former condition.
Noise-induced Hearing Loss of Drop-forgers
This project which commenced in 1973 has been
examining the acoustic environment of GKN Forgings
hammer and press shops with a view to correlating
these findings with the audiometry screening
programme data. Some preliminary results with
particular reference to the equal energy concept
have been reported. Sponsored by Medical Research
Council.
* All projects labelled current 1975 or 1976 are
reported from "The Index of Current Noise
Research in the United Kingdom 1975/1976".
The present status of these projects is unknown.
So D. Comis, P. E. Stopp
Birmingham University
Neurocommunications
Research Unit
The Medical School
Birmingham B15 2TJ
England
I. C. Whitfield
Birmingham University
Neurocommunications
Research Unit
The Medical School
Birmingham B 15 2TJ
England
W. Taylor, J0 G, Kershaw
Dundee University
Department of Community
and Occupational Medicine
Medical School
Ninewells
Dundee DD1 9SY
England
Current in
1975 or 1976*
Current in
1975 or 1976
1973-
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Country
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
United Kingdom
Hearing Loss In School Children
The hearing loss in two groups of school children,
those aged 10-12 years, and those aged 12-15 years,
is being measured. The object is to see what hear-
ing loss, if any, there is from pop music amongst
these age groups. In addition, hearing loss caused
by small arms shooting and from other activities is
being looked for.
The work is supported by a Medical Research Council
Project Grant, and is supported and helped by the
Leeds General Infirmary, in particular by David
Hanson.
Bio-acoustical Investigation into the Naturally
Occurring Noise-protective Mechanism
The muscle fibre composition of the middle ear
muscles of selected mammals have been investi-
gated by the application of histochemical fibre
typing techniques. The results suggest that the
dynamic requirements for optimal middle ear muscle
contraction are different in different species.
The fibre types present indicate that both muscles,
but particularly the stapedius, are capable of re-
petitive or maintained contractions. The ability
of the guinea pig to maintain contraction of the
middle ear muscles is being investigated by mon-
itoring steady-state cochlear potentials from
intact ears with intradermal electrodes using a
lock-in amplifier signal retrieval system.
F.inally a project is in hand to adapt the middle
ear muscles in cotton rats for increased resistance
to fatigue by exercising them acoustically.
R. W. Fearn
Leeds Polytechnic
Department of
Architectural Studies
43a Woodhouse Lane
Leeds LS2 8BN
England
R. Hinchcliffe,
S. D. Anderson
London University
Institute of Laryngology
& Otology
330 Gray's Inn Road
London WC1X 8DA
England
1975 to
1977
Current in
1975 or 1976
-------
Country
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
performing Organization
Project
Duration
United Kingdom
Discotheque Noise, Amplified Music and Hearing
Studies are being made of the effect of amplified
music on the hearing of those professionally ex-
posed and on young people who attend discotheques.
An investigation has been completed with the coll-
aboration of the Association of Professional Re-
cording Studios which showed that the noise ex-
posure of recording engineers in their work is not
a major factor in causing loss of hearing sensit-
ivity. Producers and performers are also being
studied .
The extent of temporary threshold shift, and its
recovery, in attenders at a noisy London discotheque
is also being measured in relation to the exposure.
Investigation of Patients with Noise-induced Hearing
Loss
Although patients with noise-induced hearing loss
form only a small proportion of those attending the
associated Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear
Hospital with hearing disorders, their total number
over the years is considerable. Since the several
successful common law actions for compensation and
the acceptance in 1974 of occupational deafness
(under certain conditions) as a prescribed disease
under the Industrial Injuries Act, many more of thes<
cases have required special examination. This has
normally included self-recorded audiometry, speech
tests, acoustic impedance measurements and electric
response audiometry in order to identify and measure
any non-organic components which might be present.
Pre-employment and periodic re-examination of small
groups of workers in various potentially noise-
hazardous situations are also conducted as part of
the long-term research programme into the effects of
noise.
Jo J. Knight
London University
Institute of Larynogology
& Otology
330 Gray's Inn Road
London WC1X 8DA
England
H. Ao Beagley,
R. Hinchcliffe,
J. J. Knight
London University
Institute of Larynogology
& Otology
330 Gray's Inn Road
London WC1X 8DA
England
Current in
1975 or
1976
Current in
1975 or
1976
-------
Country
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
(Project
Duration
Jnited Kingdom
discotheque Noise
Recent research has aroused conflicting opinions on
the contribution of loud music to hearing loss of
young people attending discotheques. The current
evidence is based mainly on audiometric surveys and
sound level measurements. Some attempt has also
been made to control sound levels by legal provisions
in local acts. This has led to considerable resis-
tance by the entertainment industry on the basis of
insufficient evidence and difficulty of providing
simple and effective control. The work in hand is
divided into two parts. Part 1 is concerned with
determining the exposure of young people to disco
noise, whilst Part 2 is concerned with devising
simple and effective control systems.
Industrial Hearing Loss
Industrial Hearing Loss
Noise surveys and hearing-loss surveys are being
carried out in industry.
Protection Afforded by Earmuffs from Industrial
Impact Noise
This study involves both objective and subjective
measurements on the attenuation characteristics of a
variety of earmuffs to simulated industrial impact
noise.
J. Bickerdike, Carter,
Webster
Leeds Polytechnic
Department of Building
& Civil Engineering
Calverly Street
Leeds LSI 3HE
England
Mrs. J. Stone
Loughborough University
'of Technology
Department of Human
Sciences
Loughborough
Leicestershire LEU 3TU
England
H. McRobert
Salford University
Department of Electrical
Engineering
Salford M5 AWT
England
Current in
1975 or 1976
Current in
1975 or 1976
Current in
1975 or 1976
-------
Country
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
United Kingdom
Acoustic Trauma in Guinea-pigs and Bats after
Exposure to Pure Tones
Guinea-pigs and bats have been exposed to pure tones
ranging from 10 Hz to 40 kHz. The intensities
varied between 120 and 130 dB SPL and the exposure
times ranged from 3 minutes to 9 hours. These ex-
posures usually caused a restricted area of damage
to the cochlea, except in the case of the fruit-bat,
where complete destruction occurred to the whole
cochlea at the sensitive region between 10 and 12
kHz. This project has now been completed except for
the infrasound frequencies.
A new project is being carried out where guinea-pigs
are exposed to two different pure tones; a high fre-
quency at 20 kHz and the other a lower one, either
2 kHz or 4 kHz. These frequencies are presented in
either order; high frequency followed by a lower one
or vice versa, with and without a recovery period
between the exposures. These experiments were
designed to see whether a prior exposure of the
cochlea to one frequency would alter the extent or
the location of the damage caused by another fre-
quency. So far there is an indication that probably
no statistical differences exist between the results
of the single and the double exposures.
Ade Pye
London University
Institute of Laryngology
& Otology
330 Gray's Inn Road
London WC1X 8DA
England
Current in
1975 or
1976
-------
Country
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
United Kingdom
Age Dependent Changes and Acoustic Trauma in the
Spiral Organ of the Guinea Pig
The ratio between the number of inner and outer
sensory hair cells per unit length of the spiral
organ in the guinea pig has been found to vary
according to position in the cochlea. This informa-
tion has been used to construct a cochleogram which
has been used to record the normal pattern of hair
cell loss in guinea pigs aged 24 hours, 6 weeks, 3
months and 1 year. Guinea pigs of three ages - 6
weeks, 3 months and 1 year - have been exposed to 4
kHz at 119 dB SPL for 2 hours. Examination by light
microscopy has shown that the 6—week-old animals are
more susceptible to acoustic trauma then the 1-year
olds.
Effects of Noise on Normal Auditory Functions
To date, temporal summation has been studied under a
variety of masking and fatigue conditions produced
by noise. Although the results are similar in many
respects to earlier published work, interesting
fatigue differences have appeared for short pulse
durations (less than 20 ms) which warrant closer
study. The masking data obtained so far do not agre
with the currently proposed inhibitory feedback
mechanisms. The dependence of the results on meth-
odology is at present under investigation.
A Comparison of Hearing Tests on Children Using
Manual Pure Tone and Evoked Response Audiometry
The comparison will cover various types and causes
of hearing loss in children and it may be possible
to compare the results of the evoked response tests
with and without mild sedation.
Ade Pye, J. W. Coleman
London University
Institute of Larynogolgy
& Otology
330 Gray's Inn Road
London WC1X 8DA
England
H. McRobert, M. Pycroft
Salford University
Department of Electrical
Engineering
Salford M5 4WT
England
Current
1975 or
1976
in
I. J. King
South Bank Polytechnic
Faculty of Environmental
Science & Technology
Borough Road
London SE1 OAA
England
Current in
1975 or
1976
Current in
1975 or
1976
-------
Co un t ry
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
United Kingdom
Effectiveness of Hearing Protection Against
Impulsive (Gunfire Type) Noise
The attenuation of impulsive noise provided by var-
ious forms of hearing protection is uncertain. More
precise determinations are necessary if the effect-
iveness of hearing conservation programmes is to be
assured. This study uses miniature microphones to
measure the noise under ear muffs and helmets.
These results are supplemented by measurement of
small temporary changes in hearing in exposed per-
sonnel .
Recommendations on Hearing Conservation
Many noise situations arising in the Army have no
counterpart in civil life. The aim of this study is
to identify potentially dangerous situations and to
develop effective means of hearing conservation.
Effects of High Level Aircraft Noise On Children
Residing in the Most Exposed Areas Near Heathrow
Airport
100 children from the most exposed residential area
near Heathrow were tested under strict control by
pure-tone audiometry, and as controls children from
a very quiet area were tested. The number of child-
ren with some hearing loss from the noisy area was
not greater than those from the control group, that
is, the numbers were about the same as those usually
found in routine school audiometry.
M. R. Forrest
Army Personnel Reasearch
Establishment
c/o Royal Aircraft
Establishment
Farnborough
Hampshire GU14 6TD
England
M. R. Forrest
Army Personnel Reasearch
Es tablishment
c/o Royal Aircraft
E stablishment
Farnborough
Hampshire GU14 6TD
England
L. Fisch
Heston Hearing Clinic
Vicarage Farm Road
Hounslow
Middlesex TW5 OAJ
England
Current
1975 or
1976
in
Current
1975 or
1976
in
Current in
1975 or
1976
-------
Country
United Kingdom
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Clinical Studies of Noise-induced Hearing Loss
This is a continuing long-term assessment of patients
presenting with auditory symptoms in which noise is
an aetiological factor, and includes audiological
radiological and serological surveys, together with
tests of labyrinthine functions, etc. Examinations
have so far been carried out in over 250 cases.
These include incidents of acute acoustic trauma as
well as individuals sustaining chronic noise-induced
hearing losses due not only to occupational or in-
dustrial causes but also resulting from recreational
and accidental noise exposure. Particular attention
is being paid to the age at which symptoms are first
noticed and to retrospective histories of previous
noise involvement.
The Reaction of the Diseased Ear to Noise
Conflicting reports in the published literature, for
instance the question whether adhesions resulting
from previous middle-ear disease protect the cochlea
from the effects of noise; whether otosclerotic ears
subsequently exposed to noise following stapedectomy
operations are more susceptible to noise; the be-
haviour of cases of pre-existing sensori-neural
deafness in noise, to mention only a few of the pro-
blems, indicate a considerable field for further
research. Detailed studies are being carried out on
pathological ears in an attempt to elucidate the
particular role which various abnormal conditions of
the middle and inner ear may exert on the subsequent
development of noise-induced changes.
D. L. Chadwick (deceased)
Manchester Royal Infirmar
Oxford Road
Manchester M13 9WL
England
D. L. Chadwick (deceased)
Manchester Royal Inf.irmar
Oxford Road
Manchester M13 9WL
England
Current in
1975 or 1976
Current in
1975 or 1976
-------
Country
NOISK INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
United Kingdom
Attenuation of Ear Protectors
Methods of measuring ear protector attenuation are
being studied, and a measuring system in accordance
with the new British Standard (BS 5108 : 1974) has
been established. The standard specifies the real-
ear binaural threshold shift technique, and test
signals consisting of 1/3-octave bands of noise in a
idiffuse field. This has been achieved by 4 non-cohe
ent sound sources mounted in a free-field room.
Comparative studies of different ear protectors have
been performed, and investigations of simple objec-
tive methods are envisaged, using the subjectively
calibrated ear protectors.
Noise Problems
These two departments, acting either singly or in
conjunction are available for the investigation of
all problems relating to noise emanating from air-
craft, weapons, and industrial tasks, and the invest
igation of noise-induced hearing loss from the same
sources. Problems are investigated on an ad hoc
basis. A newly-launched hearing conservation pro-
gramme throughout the Royal Air Force is giving in-
formation on the incidence of noise-induced hearing
loss and its distribution among various trades.
L. S. Whittle
National Physical
Laboratory
Acoustics Unit
Teddington
Middlesex TW11 OLW
England
P. F. King,
A. Hammerton-Fraser
Royal Air Force
Central Medical
Establishment
Kelvin House
Cleveland Street
London W1P 6AU
England
Current
1975 or
1976
in
Current in
1975 or
1976
-------
Country
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
nited Kingdom
Potential Hearing Damage From Music
Measurements of peak and equivalent continuous sound
levels in dance halls and discotheques have shown
levels that are potentially damaging to hearing.
Results of hearing loss studies by many authorities
however have indicated that the hazard is less than
expected. Two groups of persons closely associated
with the music industry who would appear to be at
considerable risk are studio engineers and musicians
in recording studios.
Currently, digital recordings of the sound levels in
control rooms have been made over periods of up to
three days. These recordings have been analysed to
give the Leg and information regarding the statis-
tical variation of the sound levels. It is Intended
that this work will be widened to explore the cond-
itions in studios and the hearing levels of the
people involved.
Tractor Noise Studies
Hearing levels (i.e. losses) measured for tractor
drivers and related to noise exposure histories for
comparison with published methods for estimating
risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Results found
to differ from expectations and require further
analysis. Yet to be reported.
A. N. Burd
Sandy Brown Associates
6 Fareham Street
London W1V 3AH
England
Ro Mo Stayner
N1AE
West. Park
Silsoe
Beds, England
Current in
1975 or
1976
May 1976 to
November
1976
-------
Country
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
United Kingdom
Objective Test for Hearing Protectors
To develop means for measuring the true effective-
ness of hearing protectors in the acoustic cond-
itions typical of real factories.
An adjustable head has been developed and is being
improved which allows measurement of sound-attenua-
ting properties of ear muffs and which can simulate
not only the mean attenuation on human subjects, but
also the standard deviation.
The first stage of this work has been reported in
Vol. 44(4) pp 545-562 of the Journal of Sound and
Vibration (1976) as "OBJECTIVE TEST FOR EARMUFFS"
(This paper discusses the measurement technique and
validation in some detail).
M. F. Russell, S. P. May,
R. E. Walford
Lucas Industries Noise
Centre
Noise Control Group
Lucas-CAV Ltd.
P. 0. Box 36
Warple Way, Acton
London W3 7SS
England
1974-
-------
NON-AUDITORY HEALTH EFFECTS
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Czechoslovakia
ffect of Noise on the Vegetative Reactions of the
lood Vessels
he object of our investigation was the reaction of
he blood vessels of the healthy subjects caused by
the acoustical stimulus of various intensity, var-
.ous frequency bands. The results were compared
with the vessels reactions of the group of the fores
-workers-sawyers with the clinical manifestations of
the vasoneurosis . In our conditions the broad-band
noise gave rise to a vasoconstriction of the blood
essels in all tested persons, while the narrow-band
noise reactions were not found to be clear. Persons
exposed during their work to noise and vibrations
together had aforementioned reactions of lower
intensity but with longer recovery time compared to
subjects without occupational exposure. We explain
this fact by the presence of the clinical manifesta-
tions of the vasoneurosis.
Effect of Noise on Nervous System
The effect of noise on nervous system of man was
studied using the method of auditory evoked poten-
tials and rheoencephalography under laboratory con-
ditions during 2 hours exposure to noise.
During exposure to white noise of about 90 dB a sta
tistically significant amplitude decrease of audi-
tory evoked potentials was found. These changes ar
supposed to be the changes in vigility of the pro-
bands, nevertheless changes in hearing threshold ar
thought to be possible too. In the obtained rheo-
gram an amplitude decrease was also found with the
same time distribution. The trend in amplitude de-
crease of auditory evoked potentials as well as tha
of rheogram showed significant correlation. There-
fore we think the changes in vigility to be possibl
consequences of changes in the brain circulation.
Another kind of noise used in our experiments was
rock & roll music. The amplitude decrease of audi-
tory evoked potentials was found to frequencies pr
dominating in this music. We assume that these
changes are due to the change in hearing threshold.
Ludmila Blazekova, M.D.
Institute of Industrial
Hygiene & Occupational
Medicine
Duklianska 26
885 41 Bratislava
Czechoslovakia
Dr. J. Gruberova
Inst. of Industrial
Hygiene & Occupational
Diseases
Bratislava, DuKlianska
885 41 Bratislava
Czechoslovakia
1976
1976
-------
NON-AUDITORY HEALTH EFFECTS
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Federal Repub-
lic of Germany
Investigations of Infant's Adrenal Gland Reactions
to Diverse, Quantified Noise Loads
Creation of physiological, psychological, socio-
logical and economic bases for noise control,
especially in the area of legislation and spatial
planning as well as in the establishment of norms
and guidelines in the framework of the project en-
titled "Effect of Noise on Special Groups of Persons
Above All Children and Old People.
Measurement of the Impact of Individual and Complex
Environmental Conditions on Ships' Crews in Simu-
lated Test Situations
The impact of environmental influences was to be
studied in simulated situations. Draftees were
exposed to continuous and discontinuous standard
and environmental sounds; potential for muscle
movement, frequency of pulse and breathing were
registered as well as the conductivity of the skin
as parameters for the psychophysical effect of
noise. Various tests were used to investigate the
effect of noise on subjects' ability to perform
and concentrate.
Noise Effects on the Heart
—animal experiements (rats, dogs)
—heart frequency
— urine cat echo lamine
--growth of connective tissue
Investigation of the Effect of Combined Physical
and Chemical Stresses at Work Sites on the Basis
of Laboratory Tests.
Object is to study effects on appropriate test
animals (guinea-pigs) that have hypothetical sign-
ificance for man. Principal stress component
Prof. Dr. R. Gaedke
Kinderklinik der Uni
Freiburg
(Children's Clinic of th
University of Freiburg)
Mathildenstrasse 1
Freiburg
FRG
Prof. Dr. Ernst
Ef f enberger
Lehrstuhl fuer Hygiene
der Uni Hamburg
(Chair for Hygiene of th
University of Hamburg)
Alsterglacis 3
Hamburg 36
FRG
Dr. H. Isind
Institut fur Wasser-,
Boden- und
Lufthygiene des
Bundesgesundheitsamtes
Corrensplat z 1
D-1000 Berlin 33
FRG
P'rof. Dr. Horst Diehl
Dept. of Physics and
Electrotechniques of
Bremen University
Bremen 33, Achterstr
FRG
1976 to
1978
October 1973 to
December 1975
1976
1976 to
1981
-------
NON-AUDITORY HEALTH EFFECTS
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Federal
Republic
of Germany
(continued)
France
Iran
Italy
Epidemiological Survey of Occupational Exposure to
studied is noise. Other stress components contem-
plated are: gases (in particular CO), vapors of
organic solvents, toxic dusts, vibrations.
Biochemical parameters of liver and blood metabolisn
were chosen as indicators of evidence of synergesti
effects.
Noise Effects on Eye Movements
Effect of Noise on Biological and Psychosociological
Characterist ics
Noise in Three. Textile Mills
21 weavers working in three textile mills were exam-
ined in this survey. It was found that 8.5% of the
workers were hypertensive and 12.4% borderline. All
these rates are significantly different from those of
the control groups. Also there is a clear increase
in the prevalence of hypertensive and borderline cases
in the weavers in relation to the length of employ-
ment-. These findings emphasize the need for, at
least annually, periodic examination of the entire
work population in order to detect early such adverse
health effects and to consider suitable medical care.
Urban Traffic Noise, Cardiocirculatory Activity and
Coronary Risk Factors
The effects of traffic noise on blood pressure, hear.t
rate, electrocardiogram, blood chemistry, and urinary
catecholamines were studied in 33 male subjects aged
20 to 70 years.
Centre d'Etudes Nucleair
de Grenoble
BP No. 85 - Centre de Tr
38041 - Grenoble Cedex
France
Institut Francais
d'Opinion Publique
20, rue d ' Aumale
75009 - Paris , France
Daryoush Parvizpoor M.D.
D.I.H.
Dept. of Occupational
Health
Univ. of Tehran
School of Public Health
Tehran, Iran
L. Verdun di Cantogno
Dept. of Audiology &
1st Dept. of Medical
Pathology
Univ. of Turin
Turin, Italy
s 1977
1977
Study
published
in 1976
Study
published
in 1976
-------
NON-AUDITORY HEALTH EFFECTS
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Italy -
(con t inued)
Japan
ho
UJ
Traffic noise caused increased blood pressure and
heart rate, and altered the blood chemistry such
that this type of noise stress may be a coronary risl
factor and may be involved in the development of
arteriosclerosis. Blood chemistry data was too small
to make definite conclusions, however.
Health and Social Effects of Aircraft Noise in the
Vicinity of the Osaka International Airport
a) Effects on behavior and body weight of new-borne
babies and infants
b) Community reaction to the noise using questlonnai
c) Social effect and cost of the airport
Effects of Noise on Human Placental Lactogen Levels
in Maternal Plasma
The levels of human placental lactogen (HPL) in the
serum of expectant mothers both subjected to and not
subjected to aircraft noise were measured. The HPL
levels in the. quiet reference area and in the noise
area were similar before the 29th week of pregnancy
However, the HPL levels of subjects in the noise ar$
tended to be lower than those in the reference area
after the 30th week of pregnancy and the'difference
became significant after the 36th week of pregnancy
The lower HPL levels were associated with lower birt(
weight for infants of mothers who lived in the
noise area.
Ando, Y., and Hattori, H. (1977). "Effects of
Noise on Human Placental Lactogen (HPL) Levels in
Maternal Plasma", Brit. J. Obstet. Gynaecol. 84.
115-118
Ando, Y. (1977).
Experience", to be
"Effects of
published.
Noise on Duration
Drs. J. Maekawa, Y. Ando
H. Hattori, & S. Komori
Faculty of Engineering
and of Medicine
e Kobe Univ.
Kobe, Japan
Dr. Y. Ando & Prof. H.
Hattori
(same address as above)
1972-
1969
1977
to
-------
NON-AUDITORY HEALTH EFFECTS
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Japan
Effect of Noise from Super-Express Train of Shin-
kansen Railway on Human
a) Experimental evaluation of loudness of train
noise
b) Effect on sleep, peripheral circulation, and
adrenal function of men
c) Effect on speech inteligibility
d) Effect on mental performance
e) Bibliographic study on the health effect of
noise.
Response of Finger Pulse Amplitude to Intermittent
Noise
Reduced fingertip pulse amplitude in response to
noise is an accurate physiological index of npise
effects and indicates noise-Induced sympathetic
nervous tension. The finger pulse amplitude res-
ponse is non-specific.
Adult Emergence and Longevity of Flies (Drosophila
Melanogaster) under Noise Environments.
Four strains, which have homozygous second chromosomes
extracted from a natural population of Ishigaki-jima in 1973,
were used in this experiment. Many eggs, laid by many female
flies for 12 hours, developed under uncircadian rhythmic
white and pink or 2000 cycle pure noise (NQ,
NQ 4:4, 8:8) 100 phon, constant dark (DD) and temperature
(25.C) environments. The total number of flies which energed i
noise environments was found to be fairly more than that
under noiseless environments. -The stimulus of white and
pink noise was assumed to be stronger than pure noise. The
noise accelerated remarkably the developmental rate of
larvae and pupae, and also the aging of adult flies.
Longevity of adult flies was clearly reduced by the noise
in addition to constant dark and temperature environments.
Drs. T. Yamamoto, S.
Sakuma, Y. Osada, & H.
Yoshida
Japan Assoc. of Public
Health
C. Ohkubo, K. Miyazaki,
Y. Osada
Dept. of Physiological
Health
Inst. of Public Health
Tokyo, Japan
Chozo Oshima, Lee Won Ho,
Takatada Kawahara, and
Toru Fujishima
National Institute of
Genetics
Misima, Japan
nder
April 1973
to1 March
1975
Study
published
in 1976
1974 to
1978
-------
NON-AUDITORY HEALTH EFFECTS
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Japan -
continued
ro
Ln
Poland
Epidemiologicai Study of the Effect of Super-Expres
T
Train Noise
a) Effect on hearing acuity of school children
b) Effect on maternal and child health
Epidemiologicai Study on the Effect of Aircraft
Noise in the Vicinity of Osaka International Airpor
i Japan Environmental
Sanitation Center
198-3 Yotsuya Kamlnachi
Kawasaklsku Kawasakishi
Japan
Hyogo Prefecture
a) Effect on maternal and child health
b) Effect on hearing acuity of school children
c) Effect on body height and weight of school child
Hypothalamo-Hypophysial-Adrenal Response to Noise
Extra-Auditory Effects of Noise on Weaving Mill
Workers in a Textile Industry Factory
The incidence of high blood pressure, neurosis and
gastric ailments were studied in two groups of
workers from a weaving mill factory and a spinning
mill factory, and correlated to occupational
factors. The workers in the weaving mill who were
exposed to higher noise levels, 90 dB and above
were found to have a greater incidence of illness.
Ref: Cieslewicz, J. Medycna Pracy XXVII, 1977,5.
The Effect of the Acoustic Microclimate in the
Shipyard on Disturbances in the Worker's State of
Health
1,826 out of a population of 7,651 shipyard workers
were exposed to high levels of noise. Checking
medical records, the noise-exposed employees were
found to have far more hearing disorders, and also
greater incidence of high blood pressure, ulcers,
and neuros es .
Ref: Pilawska, H. et al. Medycynz Pracy XXVIII,'77
E. Arizono, M. Iwamoto,
5, J. Osaki
Dept. of Hygiene
School of Medicine
Yamguchi University
Ube, Japan
Jerry Cieslewicz
4th Circuit Industrial
Clinic
Lodz, Poland
T. Mikulski,
Soraka, K.
H. Pilawska
J. Ru s in, M
Wy socki
PAM Health Institute
Szczecin, Poland
Shipyard Society for
Health Maintenance
1976-
1975-
Paper
published
in 1977
1975
-------
Country
Sweden
NON-AUDITORY HEALTH EFFECTS
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Physiological and Medical Effects of Noise
In relation to.circulation, central nervous system,
kidney, reproduction system.
Prolonged Exposure to a Stressful Stimulus (Noise)
as a Cause of Raised Blood Pressure in Man.
Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure was significant
ly higher in 44 male industrial workers with a noise-
induced auditory impairment (-65 dB at 3000, 4000, or
6000 Hz) than in 74 males of the same age with nor-
nal hearing. Mor.eover, significantly more individuals
with hypertension (resting recumbent blood pressure
greater than 160/100 mm Hg) were found in the group
with noise-induced loss of hearing. It is suggested
that repeated and prolonged exposure to a stressful
stimulus (industrial noise severe and prolonged
enough to cause a permanent loss of hearing at the
relevant frequencies) may be a contributing factor
to the rise in blood-pressure through a mechanism
involving structural adaptation of blood vessels in
response to repeated peaks of raised blood pressure.
Johnsson, A. and L. Hansson.
86-87, Jan. 8, 1977.
The Lancet 1(8002):
The Effect of Infra Noise on Humans (Biological Life
A working party will be set up including physicists,
biologists, electrotechnicians and chemists.
Experimental and Epidemiological Studies of the
Effects of Infrasonic Noise on Man
The aim of the project is to study effects of long
term exposure to infrasonic noise on the human or-
ganism at intensities ranging from 90 to 120 dB.
Somatic and psychological effects will be studied
under controlled conditions, and personnel exposed
to infrasonic noise in their work will be studied.
Aage Miller
The Karolinska Institute
Pysiology Dept.
S-104 01 Stockholm 60
Sweden
Anders Jonsson
Volvo Inc .
Gothenburg, Sweden
Lennart Hannson
Dept. of Medicine 1
Sahlgren's Hosp.
S-41345
Gothenburg, Sweden
Prof. Gunnar Hambraeus
The Academy of Eng. Scien
I.M. Lidstroem, L. Liszka
National Board of Occu-
pational Safety & Health
Sweden
1976
Study
published
in 1977
1976 to 1977
es
1976
-------
NON-AUDITORY HEALTH EFFECTS
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
United Kingdom
USSR
Jhysiological Correlates of Noise
This is an ongoing project in which physiological res
ponses to specific .localised noise stimuli are used
as a means of determining the effects of various back
ground environments on the individual. Physiological
responses - i.e. transient changes in skin conductanc
leart rate, respiration and peripheral blood flow -
are compared across different background levels of
noise. Various aspects of the responses are of in-
terest, in particular response amplitude, the time
taken to return to base level after each response,
the rate at which the responses decline with repeti-
tions of the stimulus, and the reappearance of the
responses when a change in the stimulus is noticed.
Measures such as these should allow an evaluation
of background environments to be made in the context
of individual physiological activity.
ardiovascular Responses to Short Duration Sound
The nature of changes in heart-rate and peripheral
blood content consequent to auditory stimuli of
noderate intensity is being investigated and the pos-
sibility of a differential digital vasoresponse to
such stimuli is being investigated. Development of
a theoretical model which sees the specific psycho-
physiological response to short duration sound as the
outcome of an internal statistical decision process
is being undertaken and experimentally tested. The
possibility that a non-auditory, cardiovascular, re-
sponse to sound may differentiate between individual"
susceptibility to noise is being considered.
Effect of Acoustic Stimulation on Lipid Metabolism
Indices of the Blood Coagulation System & Develop-
ment of Experimental Atherosclerosis in Rabbits
\[oise stimulation caused increased levels of non-
esterified fatty acids and blood coagulation factors
(hypercoagulation). Hypercoagulation was enhanced
by cholesterol feeding. Noise alone induced micrpsci
arterial necrosis and other atherosclerotic changes
to a lesser degree in rabbits exposed to noise for
18 days than in those exposed for 14 days.
R.G. Hopkinson, T.
O.G. Edholm, R. Webb, J
Cort
London Univ.
University College
,School of Environmental
Studies
Wates House
22 Gordon Street
London, WC1H OQB
England
Lobstein
M. Oldman
Sheffield Univ.
Dept. of Building Science
Western Bank
Sheffield S10 2 TN
England
G.P. Deryagina, T.S.
Sinitsina, T.V. Vesclova
Pavlov's Inst. of Physio-^
logy
Acad. Sci. USSR & Inst.
for Experimental Medicine
ic Acad. Med. Sci.
Leningrad, USSR
Current in
1975 or
1976
Current in
1975 or
1976
Study
Published
in 1976
-------
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
anad a
Federal Repub-
lic of Germany
A Laboratory Study of Annoyance Due to Traffic Noise
and the Choiee-of Noise Descriptors
The project goal was to formulate objective descrip-
tions of traffic noise which correlate best with the
-annoyance it produces, so that noise impact assess-
nent, noise standards and noise control can/ all pro-
ceed on a firm footing.
The approach was to ask subjects to judge annoyance
of a>"Yiumber of 2-minute segments of traffic noise
presented to them while they relaxed in living
room conditions listening to recordings of Reader's
Digest Articles.
The equivalent sound level, Leq, was found to correla
.nore highly with subject's annoyance measured on a
subjective scale than a number of other noise des-
criptors and subject variables. The experiment
therefore confirms the use of Leq as a single, govern
ing variable in determining the annoyance due to
traffic noise.
Effect of Noise on Particular Groups of People,
lapecially Children and Old People
Basic research in the area of noise protection.
Creation of physiological, psychological, sociologi-
cal and economic bases for noise control, especially
in the area of legislation and in spatial planning
as well as in work involving the development of norms
and guid elines.
Measurement of the Impact of Individual & Complex
nvironmental Conditions on Ships' Crews in Simulated
Test Situations
The impact of environmental influences was to be
studied in simulated situations. Draftees were ex-
posed to continuous and discontinuous standard and
environmental sounds; potential for muscle movement,
rrequency of pulse and breathing were registered -as
jell as the conductivity of the skin as parameters
for the psychophysleal effect of noise. Various
C. Andrew, D.N. May
Acoustics Office,
R & D Division
Ministry of Transport a t io|n
& Communications
1201 Wilson Ave.
Downsview, Ontario
M3M 1J8 Canada
Dr. P. G. Jansen
Institute for Health &
Industrial Medicine of th
Univ. of Essen
Hufelandstrasse 55
Essen
FRG
Dr. Ernst Effenberger
Chair for Hygiene of the
Univ. of Hamburg
Alsterglacis 3
Hamburg 3 6
FRG
Decemb e r
1975 to
March 1977
January
1973 to
eDecember
1976
October
1973 to
Dec emb er
1975
-------
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Federal Repub-
lic of Germany
(continued)
France
tests were used to investigate the effect of noise
on subjects' ability to perform and concentrate.
Superposition of Noise and Unilateral/Dynamic Work
in Regard to Fatigue/Recuperation
Aim: Fatigue and recuperation in unilateral inten-
sive muscular labor with/without noise-induced
stress. Methodology: use of ergometer, measure-
ment of performance by mechanical activity, dif-
ferent electromyograms and heart rate with/without
exposure to noise.
Information Processing and Noise
Relaxation and Noise
Two Wheeled Vehicles
Defining the nuisance caused by two-wheeled vehic-
les of low capacity is important because there are
6,000,000 such vehicles in France, and they are
very common in the cities. A 1976 documentary
study on noise from two-wheeled vehicles and a
laboratory study on noise f,rom motors of various
capacity w^re made.
Differential Psychology of Annoyance Due to Noise
Analyzing Annoyance by the Method of Acoustic Tests
Objective Versus Subjective Variations
Klaus Martin
Inst. for Labor Studies
Darmstadt, Petersenstr.
18, FRG
Dr. Wolfgang Schonpflug
Inst. fur Psychologie
Der Freien Univ., FRG
G .- Packiaudi, M. Vernet
Institut de Recheiche
des Transport
France
Societe d'Etudes pour le
Developpement Economique
et Social
27, quai Anatole France
75007 - Paris , France
Hosp. Neuro, Lyon
France
1974-
1978
1977
1977
1977
1977
-------
Country
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE F.FFF.f.TS
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
France
Italy
Japan
Estimating of the Effects of Noise on Learning
Psychoacoustic Study of Impulse & Pure Noises
Feasibility Study of Statistical Analysis of Noise in
Dwellings
Subjective Characters of Sound Impulse Duration
The investigator will study the effects of various
loise on learning (mental calculation, memory, etc.)
ind rate noises pschologically (by magnitude estima-
tion method). Simultaneously with such experiments,
time of mental calculating will be measured and the
relations between the time and psychological ratings
be compared .
Societe Nationale Industrielle
Aerospatiale
37, boulevard de Montmorency
75016 - Paris, France
Centre d'Etudes du Batiment
et des Travaux Publics
12, rue Brancion
75737 - Paris Cedex 15, France
National Electronic Inst.
Fisiol. Verter. Fis.
Biol. University
Italy
Takumasa Yoshida
The Institute of Public
Health
6-1 Shiroganedai 4 chome
minato-ku
Tokyo, Japan
1975
March 1976
to March
1978
-------
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
[Pschyological & Phy s iolog i ca 1 E f f e c t s of Fluetuating
toise - A Random Walk t-fcdel of Loudness Discrimination
Japan
in the psychophysics the constant method is usually
to process the proportion of response category and
to estimate PSE (point of subjective' equality), and
DL (difference limen). We measured the reaction
time in the loudness discrimination test to/ find
information about the process of discrimination.
Effects of Whi'te Noise on the Learning Performance
of Mice
hours every
avoidance and
C3H/HeMs straih
among several
Effects of white noise (100 phon for 8
night) on the discriminated avoidance,
discrimination performances of mice of
which showed the best learning ability
inbred strains in the previous experiment, were in-
vestigated with an automated Y-maze apparatus, using
buzzer and lamp as the conditioned stimulus and elec-
tric shock as the unconditioned stimulus. A remark-
able depression in the performances, especially of
avoidance, of mice was observed after one week ex-
posure to the noise enviroment, but such a depression
disappeared after three weeks exposure to the noise environ-
Effect of Loud Noise on Human Performance Efficiency
Interaction with Other Stresses
New Zealand (A)
Sleep Loss, Noise and Decisions
This project carried out a more sophisticated analy-
sis of the antagonistic interaction between sleep-
loss and noise in man's performance. Results showed
that there was no true antagonism, but rather thc^t
loise decreased suspended judgments and increased
legative d.ecisions when little evidence was available
leep loss, in contrast, increased positive decisions
vhen a good deal of evidence was available, but also
decreased suspended judgements at high levels 'of evi-
dence. This means that both stresses of sleep loss a
loise decrease suspended judgements and increase prec
pitate decisions but will also cancel out each other'
effects in the middle of the range of evidence.
Hisashi Kado, Shozo Hattori
Electro technical Labora- 1973
tory 1977
Chozo Oshima, Lee Won Ho 1974
Takatada Kawahara & 1978
Toru Fujishima
National Inst. of Genetics
,Misima, Japan
Dr. L. R. Hartley
Dept. of Psychology
Univ. of 0tago
P 0 Box 56
Dunedin, New Zealand
J-or turther intormation
on these projects contac
Dr. L.R. Hartley
Dept. of Psychology
Univ. of Leicester
University Road
Leicester, England
to
to
1977
(Proj ects
A, B,C,D are
comp1e t ed
& either in
press or un-
der subm is s-
ion)
-------
Country
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE
Project Title and Brief Description
EFFECTS
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
u>
1-0
(B)
(C)
(D)
Steady State Noise, Music and Vigilance
This experiment was a re-analysis of McGrath's (1962)
axperiment involving variable or homogenous auditory
stimulation during prolonged visual detection perfor-
nance. The results showed that variability of noise
does indeed prevent the decline in detection and per-
formance and this effect is restricted to cautious
performance at high levels of evidence, where the de-
cline is located. This form of improvement is, how-
ever, accompanied by a diversion of attention towards
the source of variability. Accordingly, optimization
}f performance will depend on balancing task demands,
in particular probabilities, with environmental
^arlab ility.
deafness, Annoyance and Stress
[his is a brief revie1 ,-jork of the major factors in
noise annoyance and st ess. It is concluded that the
respondent's personality is of little importance com-
pared to his attitudes and education, in his response
to noise annoyance. The analysis of the adverse ef-
:ect of noise on performance is discussed.
behavioural Antagonism between Noise and Chlorpro-
naz ine
Chis most recently completed study shows that the in-
crease in negative decisions taken in noise, Is re-
duced to normal levels by low does of chlorpromazine.
Chlorpromazine alone, however, seems to affect pe,r-
formance very much like noise does. Ameliorating the
long-term adverse effects of noise by chlorpromazine
administration may be practically useful.
(same address as previous
page)
(same address as previous
page)
(same address as previous
page)
complet ed
complet ed
completed
-------
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
New Zealand(E)(Work to be Completed but in Progress)
Norway
u>
LO
Poland
Recently, some workers have suggested that the mask-
ing effects of'noise may play a larger role in adver-
sley affecting performance in tasks without an ob-
ious auditory component. Studies of the role of
nasking in visually based tests is under way.
n addition, replications of the value of subjec-
tively perceived control of the noise level, in
ameliorating the adverse effects of noise are under
way/ in a variety of tasks.
Attempts to Derive a Model for Noise Nuisance (Noise
Jnly)
The project will start in 1977 and continue. A first
nodel will be based on ideas set forth by D.W.
Robinson in 1972, and eventually modified, to take
into account factors such as frequency weighting and
:>ure-tone and impulse-weighting.
Accoustic Evaluation of Automatic Vehicles from
the Point of View of the Noise and Vibrations Influ-
ence on Driver's Work
This study investigates the acoustic conditions in-
side trucks and buses operated at National Motor
Transport Enterprise, and the effects of noise on
the drivers performance. Road tests, and simulafed
Laboratory studies are being done. The acoustic cli-
nate will be determined and methods for abating noise
will be explored. Results will help to set standards
Saff and practical inspection techniques will be
developed .
Dr. L. R. Hartley
Dept. of Psychology
Univ. of Otago
P. 0. Box 56
Dunedin, New Zealand
J.T. Broch & T. Gjestland
Acoustics Laboratory
E-Lab
Norwegian Technical Inst.
Trondheim, Norway
Dr. C. J. Maizga
Instytut Transportu
Samochodowego
40 Stalingradzka St.
03-301 Warsaw, Poland
1977-
1977-
1976 to
1978
-------
Country
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Investigator and
Project Title and Brief Description Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Sweden
Annoyance Reactions to Noise
To study the relationship between annoyance caused by
noise exposure, and the effects of noise oh the phy-
siological status of performance.
In order to study the validity of reports of annoy-
ance as a measurement of negative effects of commun-
ity noise, the relationship between reports of annoy-
ance and reports of other effects, such as activity
disturbances and psychosomatic symptoms etc., has bee
studied. The strong correlation that was found is
10 definite evidence of high validity, however, since
the same errors could have affected both the variable
Che results did not show any effects of the noise,
leither on the average excretion of cathecolamines
lor on performance in the different test groups.
However, the subjective experience of stress increase
when the subjects worked with the arithmetic test
luring noise exposure.
The main result of the study was the evidence of a
relationship between the effect of noise on perfor-
nance and the experience of annoyance and noise effec
on performance;
[ndividual Doses - Response Relationship
Certain measures must be taken in order to control
satisfactorily different types of noise sources as
well as to create an acceptable living environment
>ased on our knowledge of the relationship between
exposure and the occurence of different reactions.
In practical public health work, data based on
'standard reaction" and "standard exposure" is used,
but this kind of data is not satisfactory when trying
to explain an individual person's reaction to noise.
Ola Arvidsson
Dept. of Environmental
Hygiene
Karolinska Institute
S-104 01 Stockholm 60
Sweden
:s
Stefan Sorensen
Dept. of Environmental
Hygiene
Natl. Swedish Environment
Protection Board
Snideszagen 5
17120 Solna
Sweden
1973
1975 'to
1976
-------
Country
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Sweden
(cont inued)
Switzerland
It is necessary to obtain information to determine
under what circumstances disturbance occurs with
regard to individual projections. Personal inter-
views have been conducted and about 500 descriptions
of individual exposure have been collected (from
twins) .
Traffic Noise and Annoyance in a Laboratory Conditic
Traffic noise was recorded in different distances
and with different traffic densities. In an audi-
torium, 100 subjects were exposed to these differen
traffic noises and the degree of annoyance was de-
termined. The correlation between annoyance and 11
different noise rating procedures was calculated.
The best correlation was found for the equivalent
noise level Leq.
Traffic Noise and Annoyance in a Laboratory Condi-
tion, by P. Voigt, T. Pellu, A. Lauber, J . Nemeck,
and E. Grandjean. Zschr. Sozial und Praventivmed. ,
J_9, p. 197, 1974.
P. Voigt, T. Pelli, A.
Lauber, J. Nemecek & E.
Grandj ean
Dept. of Hygiene & Ergo-
nomics
Swiss Federal Institute
of Technology
Zurich, Switzerland
-------
Country
United Kingdom
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project Title and Brief Description
Project
Duration
Psychological Correlates of Noise
In parallel with a physiological study by the same
authors, various personality and mood factors are
being investigated in relation to noise. It is in-
tended to monitor various mood and personality dimen
sions in relation to exposure to different levels
of noise and different durations of such exposure.
It is hypothesised that there will be not only the
more predictable changes in mood under the more
noxious conditions, but that there might also be
certain changes in what are supposed to be rela-
tively stable personality characteristics. This
would be of some interest to the general field of
personality measurement, as well as being important
in the prediction of behaviour under noisy condi-
tions, and increase our understanding of the long-
term effects of noise on mental health.
Effect of Pure Tones on Human Performance
The internal sound level of a building is usually
specified by the Noise Criterion or Noise Rating
number. These were derived from experiments carried
out using broad-band sound, the effect of which was
assessed for particular groups of people. It i^
known that tonal characteristics, due to the blade
passage frequency of a fan for example, can be dis-
tracting or annoying even if the NR criterion is
satisfied. The NR curves are mainly concerned with
the loudness o.f noise over all frequencies whereas
annoyance to noise depends not only on this attri-
bute, but also the presence of tones at particular
pitches, the number of tones, their duration and
intermittency and their information content. If a
sound is known to have a significant tone 5 dB is
added to the NR number in an attempt to mask it. Th
of this design procedure was checked by carrying
out experiments on eight different classes of stu-
dents exposed to noise, which included 80 Hz (at
amplitudes of 67 or 73 dB), 160 Hz (at amplitudes
R.G. Hopkinson, T. Lob-
stein, O.G. Edholtn, R.
Webb, J. Cort
ondon Univ.
Univ. College
School of Environmental
S tudies
Jates House
22 Gordon Street
London WC1H OQB
ngland
3.J. Croome-Gale
Loughborough Univ. of
Technology
Dept. of Civil Engineering
Loughborough
Leicestershire LE11 3TU
ngland
validity
urrent
975 or
976
in
urrent
1975 or
1976
in
-------
Country
nited Kingdom
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project Title and Brief Description
Project
Duration
of 55 dB or 64 dB), 315 Hz (at amplitudes of 59 dB
or 65 dB) or 630 Hz (at amplitudes of 50 or 54 dB)
tones during the duration of a one hour lecture.
A Wilcoxon matched-pair signed rank test was used
to discover the significance of the thermal, visual
or acoustical environment on annoyance and distrac-
tion.
Effects of Moderate Level Noise Upon Tasks Involving
Auditory Imagery
The purpose of this project is to find effects on
working efficiency from relatively low levels of
noise, since most reports of deleterious effects
have previously found very high intensities to be
necessary. Preliminary results have shown some
effects from levels of 80 dB or so, upon.the organi-
sation of memory, on vigilance detection which in-
volves such memory, and also side effects upon mood
and motor control when attempts are made to carry
on conversation against such moderate ' noise levels.
The Subjective Assessment of Loudness and its Rela-
tion to Physiology and Personality
An investigation into the subjective estimation of
loudness by a large group of normal observers has
shown significant inter-individual differences.
Work is now in progress to examine possible correla-
tions between individual loudness performance
other physiological measures of hearing, evoked
electrical responses, and personality. The work
has demonstrated a statistically significant rela-
tionship between individual loudness assessments
and measures of creativity.
Dr. D.E. Broadbent
Oxford Univ.
Dept. of Experimental
Psychology
South Parks Road
Oxford 0X1 3UD
England
'omplet ed
Dy October
1979
W. Tempest, C.N. de Bar-
benza, F. Ahmed
Salford Univ.
Dept. of Electrical Eng.
Salford M5 4WT
ngland
Current in
1975 or
1976
-------
Country
United Kingdom
LO
OO
PSYCHQT.QGTflAT. AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Investigator and
Project Title and Brief Description Performing Organization
luman Reaction to Noise from Single Vehicles
A laboratory facility has been set up which will
allow recordings of vehicle noise to be played back
to a group of observers. The facility will handle
a vehicle-noise spectrum in the frequency range 2 Hz
to 10,000 Hz. A series of recordings have been col-
lected of passby noise and interior noise of trucks,
)uses, vans and cars. A subjective test programme
Is underway to determine whether measurements in
terms of existing noise units like dB(A) etc.,
adequately reflect human reaction to these vehicle
noises when the low frequency and infrasonic con-
tent of the noise is included in the evaluation.
Studies of Noise Sensitivity
N.S. Yeowart,
P. Barker, P.
Salford Univ.
Dept. of Electrical
Salford M5 AWT
England
W. Tempest,
Shead
Eng .
Project
Duration
Current in
1975 or
1976
lesearch in the area of noise annoyance includes a
comparison of the response to general environmental
noise of 200 University students, chosen at random
as controls, with that of a group of 200 (self asses
ed) noise sensitive members of the community. Both
groups completed the same questionnaire concerned
with determining relative concern about noise,
attitudes towards it, effects upon health, general
interests and characteristics. Both groups also
completed various personality questionnaires.
reliminary results confirmed that noise has a great-
er impact upon the sensitives than the controls and
of the former claim it has caused ill health
compared with none of the latter. A substantial
majority of the noise sensitives have also moved
louse or changed employment because of noise. Some
earlier laboratory studies, which indicated that
noise sensitive people tended to be more creative
and to show more empathy than others has been con-
firmed .
Dr. M.E. Bryan
Univ. of Salford
Audiology Group
Electrical Eng. Dept
Salford M5 AWT
England
976 to
1977
-------
Country
United Kingdom
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project Title and Brief Description
Noise Sensitivity in Children
As an extension to the work on noise sensitivity in
adults an examination has been made of the inci-
dence of this characteristic in children. Laboratory
studies have suggested that creative, intelligent
subjects are most likely to be bothered by noise.
With the help of the National Association of Gifted
Children the response of some of its members to
noise is being compared with a control group of
10-11 year old school children of normal ability.
Preferred Noise Levels Whilst Carrying out Mental
Project
Duration
Tasks
The results of two experiments are reported in
which 55 university staff and students carried out
a variety of mental tasks and were required to ad-
just their ambient noise to a "comfortable working
level". Preferred listening levels whilst carrying
out mental tasks in noise show very large between-
subject differences. Some subjects prefer to work
in the quiet and others in "deafening" noise levels
(over 90 dB(A)) and yet the latter suffer no deter-
ioration in task performance compared with the for-
mer. Preferred listening levels are determined in
part by (1) the type of noise, (2) the degree of
task difficulty and (3) the personality traits of
extroversion and psychoticism, and possible by
noise sensitivity. Such personal differences as
sex, age and "status" of the subject do not apparent
ly affect preferred listening levels. These levels
are shown to be those at which subjects judge a nois
over which they have no control to be between "quiet
and "noticeable".
Results published: Journal of Sound and Vibration
(1976) 45, 139-156. M.E. Bryan & D. Tolcher.
4.E. Bryan
Salford Univ.
Dept. of Electrical
Salford M5 4WT
ingland
Eng.
[same as above)
Current in
1975 or
1976
Completed
in 1976
-------
Country
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project Title and Brief Description
Project
Duration
Jnited Kingdom
Subjective Responses to In-Cab Heavy Goods Vehicle
Noise
Subjective reactions of the relative annoyance to
in-cab recordings of various heavy goods vehicles
are being investigated. Correlations between sub-
jective preferences and various objective indices
of noise level are being sought and a relationship
between expressions of relative annoyance and a
statistical description of vehicle noise environ-
ment is being studied. Annoyance judgments for
several phases of vehicle operation and loading are
being elicited for incorporation in the comprehen-
sive description of vehicle noise acceptability to
be attempted.
The Stability and Distribution of Loudness Balances
The present research has shown that the concept of
a simple loudness function relating equated loud-
ness between qualitatively dissimilar stimuli is
statistically dubious since the average group re-
sult does not adequately reflect the bimodal dis-
tribution of loudness judgments elicited from a
group of subjects. It has been shown, however,
that repeated judgments of similar stimulus pair
presentations are stable over time and it is believe
that the stable bimodality of loudness balance
judgments reflects an inadvertent attention, on be-
half of some subjects, to judge noisiness rather
than loudness .
Investigations of the Trade-Off Effects of Aircraft
Noise and Number
The development of a simulated domestic listening
facility has enabled the investigation of the trade
between aircraft noise and number in the laboratory.
To.date, 200 subjects in groups of four, have been
exposed to various combinations of aircraft noise
S. Kamath, M. Oldman
Southampton Univ.
Inst. of Sound & Vibra-
tion Research
Southampton S09 5NH
England
P. Dormer, M. Oldman
(same address as above)
C.G. Rice, M. Oldman,
I. Ward
(same address as above)
urrent
1975 or
1976
in
Current in
1975 or
1976
Current
1975 or
1976
in
-------
Country
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
United Kingdom
level and density under the simulated "at home"
conditions, -in sessions of one hour duration. Re-
sponses to the total sessions have been gained
using comprehensive questionnaire techniques and
relationships between elicited responses and the
continued noise environments are being sought.
Noise Masking and Auditory Filter Shape
When a person is asked to detect a signal in the
presence of noise, it is assumed that he centres a
neurological filter at the signal frequency which
assists him by selectively attenuating the noise
and thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio
of the stimulus on which he bases his decisions.
A wideband noise with a sharp notch is being em-
ployed in masking experiments with humans to de-
termine the amplitude characteristic of the assum-
ed auditory filter. At present it would appear
that a Gaussian function provides a fairly good app
roximation to the filter shape and the 3 dB band-
width of the filter at 1.0 kHz is about 140 Hz.
This is an ongoing project, part of which has ap-
peared in the Journal of the Acoustical Society
o f America.
How Noiee Affects the Efficiency at Work
It is sometimes claimed that noise has a direct
detrimental effect upon work which is distinct
from arousal and masking. We aim to determine
whether it is necessary to believe in this third
effect. Arousal and masking may be perfectly
adequate on their own to explain all the effects
of noise.
R. D. Patterson
Medical Research Council
Applied Psychology Unit
15 Chaucer Road
Cambridge CB2 2EF
England
E.G. Poulton
(same address
as above)
Current
1975 or
1976
in
-------
Country
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Investigator and
Project Title and Brief Description Performing Organization
Project
Duration
United Kingdom
The Effect of Low Frequency Noise upon Working
E f f ic iency
In an experiment on the interaction of low fre-
quency noise and mild heat, the low frequency noise
by itself reliably improves performance on all the
3 tasks used. This could be due to an interaction
with the heat. An experiment using groups of
volunteers for each condition is required to check
on this .
Performance in Noise and Subjective Reactions to
No ise
In community noise surveys, noise is said to be
annoying or intrusive. Yet there is some evidence
that in an experiment low frequency noise may im-
proves performance. It is aimed to determine. the
subjective reation ot low frequency noi'se- when it
improves performance.
Comparative Studies of Accidents in Industry
Long-term continuous observation was. used to moni-
tor environmental conditions, details of the work
and of the people in a variety of workshops.
Accidents were investigated as they occurred.
Each victim and situation were compared with a con-
trol person and a control situation. People were
generally unconcerned about noise, despite levels
up to 100 dB(A). No direct connection between
noise and accidents could be demonstrated. Work
was completed in four workshops and started in a
fifth. It is now in abeyance owing to lack of
funds .
E.C. Poulton, R.S. projected
Edwards
Medical Research Council
Applied Psychology Unit
15 Chaucer Road
Cambridge CB2 2EF
England
E.C. Poulton, R.S. Edwards
(same address as above)
P.I. Powell, M. Hale, J.
Martin, M. Simon
Natl. Inst. of Industrial
P sychology
Accident Research Team
c/o N E L P
Livingstone Road
London E15 2LJ
England
proj ected
Current in
1975 or l'J76
-------
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
United Kingdom
Subjective Effects of Exposure to Noise
Subjective reactions to noise (annoyance, irrita-
tion, intrusion, etc.) have proved difficult to
observe or measure. This project continues pre-
vious work and is intended to develop a number
of techniques for testing the subjective/effects
of exposure to noise in a controlled laboratory
environment. The techniques being studied include
observations of behavioural reactions, use of
attitude scales, and comparison and adjustment
methods. The object is to identify the acoustical
factors which contribute to the reaction and so to
develop noise rating scales which adequately rep-
resent this reaction.
Noise Rating Scales
Work is in hand to provide a systematic assessment
of various "unified" noise rating scales. Scales
to be assessed include those currently in use
(eg Leq), LNP and derivatives, and o.thers which
are under development dealing in different ways
with the fluctuating characteristics of environ-
mental noise. The assessment will be in terms of
the fundamental requirement of concurrence with
human response to noise and in terms of practical
requirements such as measurability, predictability,
etc. A study of the inter-relationships between
the various scales will be undertaken.
Rating Helicopter Noise
There is a need to quantify the characteristic im-
pulsive noise of helicopters so that, In the event
of an extension of aircraft noise certification
to include these types of machines, the noise unit
used reflects the additional annoyance commonly
ascribed to such noise. A physical measure has
been found which correlates satisfactorily with
the subjective assessment of the degree of blade
slap present in the noise. A programme of
H.C. Fuller S, R.F.
Higginson
Natl. Physical Laboratorj
Acoustics Unit
Teddington
Middlesex TW11 OLW
England
B.F. Berry & D.W. Robinsc
(same address as above)
B.F. Berry, A.J. Rennie, Current
H.C. Fuller, R.F. Higginson 1975 or
(same address as above) 1976
1975
n Current
1975 or
1976
in
In
-------
Country
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Investigator and
Project Title and Brief Description Performing Organization
Project
Duration
United Kingdom
(continued)
subjective experiments is being conducted to
evaluate the. perceived noisiness of helicopters
operating in a range of conditions.
Urban Environment Simulation
The objective is to discover the values that people
place on variations in their home environment that
result from road and traffic changes. The method
involves tests of peoples response to a simulated
lounge and variable external environment. A pro-
gress report describing the pilot studies has been
published.
Investigation of Effects of Noise on Driver Per-
formance in Commercial and Off-Highway Vechicles
An investigation with particular interest in loss
of concentration and fatigue, i.e. loss in road
safety.
Aircraft Noise and Psychiatric Morbidity
A study of admissions to large psychiatric hospi-
tals in order to clarify, in a large scale sur-
vey, the relationship suggested by previous work,
that admission rates from the higher noise zones
close to Heathrow Airport may be higher than from
relatively quieter areas. The type of patients
considered in this study have fairly severe and
disabling forms of mental disease.
A field survey of minor psychiatric disorders and
the use of medical services in relation to noise
exposure and noise annoyance in order to study
the association of noise exposure and noise
annoyance with mild and more common forms of psych
iatric disorder than the ones considered in the
above study. The use of medical and social ser-
vices and of medications is also being studied.
R.F.F. Dawson
Transport & Road Researc
Laboratory
Environmental Division
Crowthorne
Berkshire RG11 6AU
England
D.R. Winterbottom
N.A. Grundy
Sound Research Labora-
tories Ltd.
England
A. Tarnopolsky, R. Wig-
gins , S . Barker
Inst. of Psychiatry
London
England
1970-
Current in
1975 or
1976
1973 to
1978
-------
Country
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
United Kingdom
(continued)
The distribution of the health variables across
noise zones and their association between them-
selves, with annoyance, and with personal, familial
demographic and sociological variables will be
analysed. A pilot field survey was carried out
during 1975 and will be published this year.
Pollution, noise and mental health
M. Shepherd, The Lancet, Vol. 1, 322, 1975
-------
NOISE EFFECTS OH SLEEP
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
E.E.C.
Germany
France
Netherlands
United Kingdom
Effects of Noise on Sleep and Psychological Perfor-
mance
The project will be achieved jointly by four researc
institutions of the European Community in Germany
(Mainz, France (Lyon), Netherland (Delft), and Unite
Kingdom (Cambridge).
The project leaders have defined a common procedure
with minimum requirements to be followed by every
tea,m. Some experimental points are to be decided by
each team in such a way to allow the pooling of all
results .
It is expected to start the registration of physio-
logical parameters during sleep at home in November
1977 and to get at least 80 - 100 sleep records at
the end of January 1978, in each country. An inter-
comparison of different ways of scoring the EEC and
ECG will be performed and a preliminary analysis of
these 300 - 400 nights should be made before July
1978. The complete project will not be finished be-
fore the end of 1978.
According to the results of this first phase, an
extension, modification or halt of the project might
be decided in the second half of 1978.
For further information see the next two pages.
B. Griefahn 1/77 to
Institut fur Arbeitmed iz in|l 2 / 78
Mainz, Germany
'M. Vallet
i Institute Recherche
Transports
Lyon, France
A. Jurriens
Technisch Physische Dienst
Delft, Netherlands
R. Wilkinson
Medical Research Council
Cambridge, England
-------
Country
NOISE EFFECTS ON SLEEP
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Canada
Czechoslovakia
Federal Repub-
lic of Germany
Effect of Noise on Sleeping Persons
The disturbance of sleep is generally considered to
be one of the more important effects of environmen-
tal noise. The purpose of this project is to deter-
mine quantitative relationships between sleep level
and noise exposure for human populations. During the
past eight years more than 80 sleeping subjects have
been monitored in the laboratory in a series of ex-
periments in which nearly 1100 nights of sleep have
beeti recorded. In most cases the acoustic stimulus
has been the noise of a passing truck presented at
selected sound levels and various times during the
night. The level of sleep is monitored by means of
electrical signals from the brain as measured by an
electroencephalograph and recorded on magnetic tape.
Research on Influence of Noise on Population
Elaboration of a method directed to express the
noise burden in various groups of population from
different sources of noise. Study of influence of
variable noise levels in domiciles on some indices
of the health state and sleeping of children in
dwellings
Physiologic Investigations About Chronic Effects
of Noise on Sleeping Subjects with Special Regards
to Traffic Noise .
1. Laboratory investigations about the effects of
heavy traffic noise on sleep stage patterns,
vegetative functions, mood and performance of
younger subjects.
2. Development of a new system for electrophysio-
logic field studies in sleep research.
3. Field studies about chronic effects of traffic
noise on sleep in human subjects.
E.A.G. Shaw
Division of Physics
Natl. Research Council
of Canada
Ottawa, ON KIA ORG
Canada
J. Havranek, M.D.
Inst. of Hygiene & Epi-
demiology
Prague, Czechoslovakia
Dr. W. Muller-Limmroth
Institut fur Arbeitsphy-
siologie
Technische Universitat
Munchen
Barbarastrasse 16
8000 Munchen 40,
FRG
(indefinite
cont inuing
in-house
proj ect)
To 1980
To December
1979
-------
Country
NOISE EFFECTS ON SLEEP
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Federal Repub-
lic of Germany
France
Experimental Investigations About the Effects of
Traffic Noise, on Sleep Stage Patterns of Elder Sub-
jects
12 subjects slept in the laboratory for 12 consecu-
tive nights (age: 60 - 69 years). During the 3rd
night noise from a busy street crossing (
-------
NOISE EFFECTS ON SLEEP
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
France
Israel
EEC and Cardiovascular Responses to the Noise
Pur ing Sleep
The research will.be performed in three consecutive
phases.
Phase 1: Magnitude of the responses to traffic
noise with peak intensities of + 5 dB (A) , '+ 10 dB (A)
+ 15 dB(A), + 20 dB(A), + 25 dB(A) and + 30 dB(A)
above the background noise (32 dB(A)).
10 subjects: young adults
Pha'se 2: Habituation of the cardiovascular response!
during a 15 night exposure to traffic noises.
10 subjects: young adults
Phase 3: Magnitude of the responses to traffic nois
in a group of 6 children (age range: 6 to 10 years)
and in a group of 6 old people (more than 60 years).
The Hospital as an Acoustical Problem
Numerous researches have shown that the sensitivity
of sick people against all kinds of sound events is
remarkable increased and the threshold concerning
sleep-disturbance and actuation of negative reaction
about lOdB lower than for healthy persons.
Furthermore, the so-called health-sleep, even during
daytime, is of great importance for the recovery of
the sick, according to the opinion of a great number
of physicians. On the other hand, the level of all
kinds of noises still has*a growing tendency and
building materials are becoming tighter and thinner,
without losing their required mechanical strength.
Today it will be difficult to find sufficiently
silent districts for the increasing number of hospi-
tals, which our modern society requires.
The aim of this study is as follows:
1. To measure, record and evaluate the present nois
situation in different types of existing hospi-
tals in various districts in town.
2. To learn the standpoint of the professional
A, Muzet, M.D.
Centre d'Etudes Bioclima-
tiques du C.N.R.S.
21, rue Begquerel
67087 Strasbourg Cedex
France
L.H. Sc,haudinischky
U. Livni
Dept. of Appl. Acoustics
Dept. of Public Works of
the Govt. of Israel
July 1976
to December
1978
1974 to
December
1977
-------
Country
NOISE EFFECTS ON SLEEP
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Ln
o
Israel
(cont inued)
Japan
Sweden
people including physicians, concerning the gene
al noise situation.
3. To correlate the judgement according to differen
objective measurement results.
4. To propose planning principles for better acous-
tical conditions in hospitals even in noisy
districts.
The Psych9physiological Effect of Noise Upon Sleep
In the present study, the influence of noise upon
sleep was investigated psychophysiologically.
The subjects were 3 males and a female adult (ages
22-26 years). For each subject, 2 - 4 all night
sleeps were recorded by the use of the polygraph
EEG(Cz), heart rate, respiration, vertical and hor-
izontal eye movements, and forehead plethysmogr.am
under the exposures of intermittent and aperiodic
noise.
The Effect of Noise Disturbances on Sleep
Objective: The effects of noise disturbance on
different phases of sleep will be investigated with
the aid of an EEC, ECG, and other electrophysio-
logical registrations.
Progress Report: During the FY 74/75, investiga-
tions were conducted on the influence of noise on
the exact time (moment) a person goes to sleep.
Disturbance from constant traffic noise at' 45 dB(A)
as well as noise from the passing of a truck at
55 dB(A) maximum level will prolong this phase.
Noise exposition in conjunction with constant traf-
fic noise measured at 45 dB(A) meant a diminishing
N. Nagamura, A. Yagi,
Y. Kuchinomachi
Industrial Products Re-
search Ins t .
Agency of Industrial Sci-
ence and Technology
Ministry of International
Trade and Industry
Japan
R. Akselsson
Dept. of Environmental
Hygiene
Univ. of Lund
Lund, Sweden
1973 to
1977
-------
Country
NOISE EFFECTS ON SLEEP
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Sweden
(cont inued)
United Kingdom
of REM (rapid eye movement) which confirms what has
been found by.previous tests. All individuals in-
volved in these measurements were 20 to 25 year old
men. During the fall of 1975, various telemetric sy
terns to transfer EEC, EGG and other physiological
registrations were carefully tested.
Habituation to Auditory Stimuli in Sleep
Thej-iobject of the study was to determine whether it
is possible in sleep to adapt to repetitive sounds
of an intensity insufficient to waken the subject
(70 dB, 1 kHz, 1 second tones). Measures used were
components of orienting response: autonomic respon-
ses (galvanic skin response, heart rate) and tran-
sient arousal without waking (electroencephalographi
responses). Each sleep stage was studied separately
Autonomic responses died out after some 20' to 50
presentations, with the exception of heart rate
changes in rapid eye movement sleep, which were not
reduced significantly in that time. Transient arous
als habituated only when the intervals between
stimuli were regular and short (less than 30 seconds
they were maintained if stimuli were at irregular in
tervals of the order of half a minute. A pilot
study was conducted during 1967/68 and the results o
this have been published.
H. Firth, G. Horn,
man, R. Neighbour
Cambridge Univ.
Dept. of Anatomy
Cambridge CBl ITT
Lan-
Current
1975 or
1976
in
-------
COMMUNICATION INTERFERENCE
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
France
Sweden
United Kingdom
NoJse Effects on Speech
Methods to Judge the Effect of Noise on the Ability
to Comprehend -Speech by People Who Are Handicapped
as Far as Hearing is Concerned
Objective: To measure the comprehension of speech
by normal people as well as various groups of people
who are handicapped as far as hearing goes' in Simula
ted traffic noise measuring 40 dBA, 55 dBA, and 70
dBA.
A Sociopsycholo^ical Study of the Communication
Problems and Degr_ee of Invalidity of Workers with
Hearing Impairments
Application of the Articulation Index to the
Accoustical Design of Landscaped Offices
The aims of this study are:
(a) to establish the suitability of the Articulation
Index as an acoustic design criterion for land-
scaped offices;
(b) to investigate the acoustical environment with-
in a specific office, with particular attention
being paid to the problems of privacy;
to form some conclusions as to the effectiveness
of modern and classical theory in the predic-
tion of the acoustical environment within land-
scaped offices.
(c)
Measurements have been carried out in two land-
scaped offices so far. Some laboratory tests have
also been carried out to assess typical voice speech
spectrum levels.
The Effects of Wearing Earmuffs in Noisy Conditions:
Speech Intelligibility
Present results have shown, in agreement with pre-
viously published work, that wearing earmuffs in
the presence of noise has little effect on the
ability of the normal listener to understand taped
CALF (Federation of French
speaking Acousticians)
Gunnar Aniansson
Dept. of Audiology
Sahlgrens Hospital
413 45 Goteburg
Gothenburg, Sweden
Gunnar Liden
Got eborg Univ.
Sahlgrens Hospital
413 45 Goteburg
Gothenburg, Sweden
D.J. Croome-Gale
Loughborough Univ. of
Techno logy
Dept. of Civil Eng.
Loughborough
Leicestershire LE11 3TU
England
H. McRobert, G, Llewelyn
Salford Univ.
Dept. of Electrical Eng,
Salford M5 4WT
England
1977
1976
1976
Curren t
in 1975
or 1976
Current in
1975 or
1976
-------
COMMUNICATION INTERFERENCE
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
United Kingdom
(cont inued)
speech. The investigation is ongoing to include in-
dividuals with varying degrees of hearing loss.
Traffic Noise and Schools
Work is being undertaken to investigate the range of
exposure to traffic noise of teaching spaces in
schools and the sound insulation of typical facades.
An attempt is being made to relate the characteris-
tics of the intrusive noise to the teachers reactions
as measured by a questionnaire. Specific effects
such as interference with speech communication are
also being investigated.
Tractor Noise Interference with the Perception of
External Noises
Investigations have been made of the interference of
both noisy and quieted tractor cabs and of hearing
defenders with the ability of the driver to hear
either warning cries or external noises from, for
example, machinery. These studies have been made
both for persons with normal hearing and for those
with some deficiencies.
Effects of Noise on Aircrew
The effects of noise on aircrew are being studied wi
reference to the efficiency of communications in the
air, and to the possible hazard to hearing due to
repeated exposure to noise, speech and other signals
The acoustic conditions at the ear are being
measured in flight in fixed winged aircraft, and in
helicopters. Work is also proceeding to improve the
noise attenuating properties of aircrew helmets.
Methods of measurement of the attenuation in use, an
in development and production control are being
developed. Work has recently commenced on the effect
of simultaneous noise and whole body vibration on
task performance and fatigue.
W.A. Utley
Building Research Estab-
lishment
Building Research Station
Garston
Watford WD2 7JR
England
J.D.C. Talamo
Natl. Inst. of Agri-
cultural Eng .
Ergonomics Dept.
Wrest Park
Silsoe
Bedford MK45 4HS
England
Miss K. Maslen, G. Rood,
h S. Moore
Royal Aircraft Establish-
ment
Flight Systems Dept.
Farnborough
Hampshire GU14 6TD
England
Current in
1975 or
1976
Current in
1975 or
1976
Current
1975 or
1976
in
-------
COMMUNITY OR COLLECTIVE RESPONSE
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Aust r alia
Aus tria
Belgium
Assessment of Community Response to Road Traffic
Noise
24 hour measurement of noise levels at 19 sites
along roadways with traffic volumes ranging from
4,000 to 57,000 veh/day. Approximately 1000 res-
pondents living along the above study roadways were
interviewed to ascertain the effects of noise on then
and their annoyance with noise. Correlation of
noise levels with community.
Community Reaction to Noise
The aim of the project is to conduct field studies
to determine community reaction to noise and levels
at which significant objections can be expected
(e.g., percentage of people, by socio-economic
groupings, rating noise environment as acceptable).
Noise Load on Streets; Efficiency and Cost of Noise
Abatement Measures
A small part of the investigation is a questionnaire
on subjective response of people to road traffic
noise and their subjective feeling on the possibili-
ties of control measures (Screens and similar) and
the.ir_ jsjui j ect ive feeling on the value of noise con-
trol measures. The results should i.a. give basic
data for cost-benefit calculations.
Measurement of the Noise Around Small Airports and
Inquiry About the Annoyance
A study will be made of the noise level in the
neighborhood of four small airports. An .inquiry
will be made about the annoyance. The validity of
two different noise exposure formulae, one based on
the maximum level, the other on the equivalent level
will be checked.
Al Brown
Univ. of Queensland
St. Lucia
Brisbane, Queensland
Australia 4067
C.H. Coneybeare
A.G. Potter
New South Wales Dept. of
Roads
300 309 Castlereach St.
Sydney, New South Wales,
Australia 2000
Dr. Judith Lang
Versuchsanstalt fur Warme
und Schalltechnik am Tech-
nologischen
Gewerbemuseum, A-1090 Wien
Wahringerstrasse 59
Austria
Dr , H, Myncke
Dr, A, Cops
Laboratorium Voor Akoe-
stiek En Warmtegeleiding
Celestijnenlann, 2QQ D
3Q30 Heverlee, Belgium
July 1975
to June
1976
July 1975
to June
1976
1977
January to
December
1977
-------
CQMMUNITY OR COLLECTIVE RESPONSE
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Canada
Czechoslavakia
Federal Republic
of Germany
Rationale for Motor Vehicle Exterior Noise Standards
•leasurements of ambient noise levels in communities
of differing socio-economic status and subjected to
differing levels of road traffic noise and being
correlated with the results of a social survey of
the communities. The survey instrument is designed
principally to measure annoyance but includes other
factors such as noise-related symptomatology. The
results will serve to indicate the extent to which
the results of more extensive studies conducted in
other countries, particularly the United States, can
be generalized to the Canadian situation.
Research on Influence of Noise on Population
Elaboration of a method directed to express the
noise burden in various groups of population from
different sources of noise. Study of influence of
variable noise levels in domiciles on some indices o
the health state and sleeping of children in dwell-
ings .
Jrban Noise Study
Study on the effects of urban noise exposure (mainly
road traffic noise) on human behaviour and social/
psychic/somatic wellbeing. Methods: Accoustical
measurements and paychological/sociological inter-
views..(19 areas, 642 respondents).
Content Analysis of Noise Complaints
This project is part of a greater research project,
in which mainly psychological effects of different
sources of sound are investigated in a large city of
ermany. The content analysis of 1.4000 noise com-
plaints was done as a means to registrate the most
annoying sources of sound, their different effects
in the perception of complaints and their cognitive
evaluation. This led to the formulation of hypothes
Dr. J. S. Bradley
5, A. Jonah
Sound and Vibration
^aboratory
The Univ. of Western
Ontario
ondon, Ontario N6A 5B9
anada
Dr. J. Havranek
[nstitute of Hygiene and
Epidemiology
Prague, Czechoslavakia
H.O. Finke, Dr. R. Guski,
)r. B. Rohrmann
Physikalisch-Technlsche
Jundesans talt
D-3300 Brauuschweig
FRG
Dr. Rainer Guski
Physikalisch-Technische
Bund esans talt
Braunschweig/ Berlin
FRG
une 1975
o May 1977
s t imated
complet ion
980
1975 to
1978
Completed
in June
1976
-------
Country
COMMUNITY OR COLLECTIVE RESPONSE
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
?ederal Republic
of Germany
(con t inued)
Franc e
and questionnaire-it ems for the larger research
proj ect.
A report of this project is accepted for publication
in "Environmental Research".
Contribution to the Determination of the Irritation
Level Caused by Traffic Noise as a Function of
Traffic Patterns and Traffic Density in Areas of
Population Concentration
The aim of this study is the comparison of objective
noise measurements with subjective feelings of the
affected population. The differential irritation
caused by various means of transportation is to be
studied, starting with street traffic and rail traf-
fic (dB). The study is based on noise measurements
at selected sites and on polling results at the
same sites regarding environmental protection and
quality of living conditions.
Disruptive Effect of "Autobahn" Noise on Those
Living along its Right-of-Way
The desruptive effect of the autobahn is to be
documented with accoustical measurements and socio-
logical polling methods
Aircraft Noise Effect on Equilibrium of the Airport
Neighbors
Acoustic Insulation of Dwellings in Relation to
Dwellers Satisfaction
Ekkehard Holzmann
Institute for Railroad
Highway Construction
Stuttgart
FRG
Dr. Ing. Edmund Bucht
Inst. for Hygiene & Occupa
tional Medicine
Dusseldorf, Gurlittstr 53
FRG
Institut Francais d'Opinion
Publique
20, rue d'Aumale
75009 - Paris, France
CSIB
France
1976 to
1977
1977
1977
-------
COMMUNITY OR COLLECTIVE RESPONSE
Country
trance
ungary
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
evaluation of Inconvenience due to Noiae
Summary: This research request pursues the followin
>arti-al objectives:
• evaluation of sleep disturbance by airplane noise
elaboration of noise inconvenience index common
to automobile and aircraft traffic.
Elaboration of Noise Inconvenience Index Common to
Automobile and Aircraft Traffic
The acoustic index allowing for appreciation of
noise inconvenience to neighborhood residents de-
pends on transportation means considered. But in
many areas, the residents are exposed to noises ori-
ginating from different sources. A common index was
never tested. A poll of 700 people was prepared in
1976 and exhaustive acoustic measurements were made.
The polling took place at the end of 1976. Total
acoustic and psychological data are to be processed
and the final report is to be written in 1977.
Study of Annoyance due to Traffic Noise
Social survey on annoyance of road traffic noise and
associated noise measurements will be carried out
in Budapest and two another towns. Various para-
meters of road traffic noise will be correlated to
annoyance reactions.
SimiTar study is planned for aircraft noise in the
vicinity of Budapest Airport.
Publication:
Czabalay, L., Hirka, F., Sarvari, L., Kiripolszki, I
Untersuchung des Strassenverkehrslarms in Wohnge-
bieten/Investigation of road traffic noise in dwell-
ing areas/
The 9th International AICB Congress, Budapest,
27-30.9. 1976
lichel Vallet &
Marie-Anne Page
Institut de Rocherche de
Transport
ranee
aszlo Czabalay
Natl. Inst. of Hygiene
Gyali ut 2-6
H-1966 Budapest, Hungary
Project
Duration
1976 to
1977
1975 to
1980
-------
Country
Japan
Netherlands
COMMUNITY QR COLLECTIVE RESPONSE
Project Title and Brief Description
Field Survey on the Health Effects of Exhaust and
Noise from Free-way Traffic
Differences in noise distribution in the vicinity of
roads due to character and volume of traffic on the
roads was investigated. The awareness of >the road
inhabitants in the vicinity was surveyed in order
to analyse the effect of the physical noise level
on mental disturbance. According to the results of
the study, the degree of disturbance induced by
noise is most influenced by the noise level, next by
the occupation of the head of the household, how
often a person uses an automobile and by the age
of persons. Another factor which greatly affects th
level of "disturbance" is the characteristic of the
local community, which is highly correlated to the
noise level. For analysis, a few different kinds of
methods were used, i.e., analysis by quantification
and a multivariate analysis.
Health and Social Effects of Aircraft Noise in the
Vicinity of the Osaka International Airport
a) Effects on behavior and body weight of new-borne
babies and infants
b) Community reaction to the noise using questionnai
c) Social effect and cost of the airport
Study of the Dose-Effect Relationship for Rail Traff
Noise
The study is divided into three phases:
A. Preliminary study. An inventory is taken of the
dimensions used aboard and for other noise sources.
A plan will be devised for the dose-effect study.
B. Dose-effect study. The literature contains
little information on the effect of rail traffic on
man. By means of questionnaires, the necessary data
will be collected. The study is directed primarily
at man in his residential environment. Other areas
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Dr. T. Suzuki
iesearch Inst.
Survey
11-14-2 Yato-Machi
Tamu-ski, Tokyo
Japan
for Social
Drs. J. Maekawa, Y. Ando,
H. Hattori, S. Komori
Itami City
Osaka Prefecture, Japan
e
Volksgezondheid en
Milieuhygiene
(sponsoring organization)
Project
Duration
1976 to
1977
1972-
-------
COMMUNITY OR COLLECTIVE RESPONSE
Country
ether lands
(continued)
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
can be included in a follow-up study. This study
can include the abatement arising as a result of
shunting activities or side railing of rail vehicles
(train-forming tracks, car barns).
C. Setting standards. Following the data obtained
in the previous phases, a comparison will be made
between the laws and guidelines existing abroad
and the results of this study.
Dose-Effect Relation Study for Aircraft Noise
Recent studies of an epidemiological nature around
Schiphol have emphasized that significant deviations
in the state of health can occur in the near vicinit
of airports. The present study has the purpose of
making the results of such studies available for
civilian adaptation and also to offer the possibil-
ity of setting up a supplementary study for the
purpose of setting standards. In the study, wide
consideration is given to foreign studies.
Experience with Noise Resisting Equipment in Living
S ituat ions
The application of noise-resisting equipment on
houses to limit the noise from aircraft can result
in unfavorable secondary effects, due to which the
situation is not experienced as better by the dwel-
ler. Especially in the case of aircraft noise,
thought is given to "bunker effects" and maintenance
problems. The appreciation of the owner is impor-
tant for the decision concerning the nature and the
carrying out of the measures in other situations in
the framework of the program within the noise zone.
By means of enquiry, the study results can be used
for improving the insight into the relationships
between noise pollution due to aircraft arid the
scope of obstacles.
Public Health and Environ-
mental Hygiene Dept.
Dokter Reijersstraat No. 12
Leidschendein
The Netherlands
Public Health & Environ-
mental Hygiene Dept.
Dokter Reijersstraat No. 12
..eidschendem
The Netherlands
1976
estimated
completion
-------
COMMUNITY OR COLLECTIVE RESPONSE
Country
'Je ther lands
Norway
oland
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Study for Establishing Airport Noise Zoning Criteria
For setting up noise zones around airport terrain,
it is necessary to dispose over elementary planning
preliminary values, where determinations made with-
in the zone must suffice. The study examines the
noise sensitivity of men in different situations
and expresses this in the form of the noise level
permissible for the area.
Road Traffic Noise in Urban Areas
Approach: Social surveys (500 respondents) and
long-time measurement in areas with different time-
distributions of road traffic: (I) steady traffic
all week (II) steady traffic during daytime-period
on workdays (III) predominantly rush-time traffic
on work-days.
The Effect of Airplane Noise on the Inhabitants of
Areas Near the Okecie Airport in Warsaw
The psychological and physiological effects of air-
craft noise were studied in residents of two areas
near a large airport in Poland. A health question-
naire and a noise disturbance scale were used to
survey 256 residents in area A (noise levels exceed!
100 dBA) and 255 residents in area B (noise levels o
80-90 dBA). The people surveyed were grouped accor-
ding to sex, age, living conditions, education and
socioeconomic level. The relative annoyance level
for area A was 82% and for area B, 54%. The survey
population had a normal distribution of psychologi-
cal problems. The health questionnaires documented
the frequency of complaints of various ailments. No
statistically significant differences in complaints
were found in groups of men living in the two areas.
Significantly greater numbers of complaints related
to the cardiovascular system, the digestive system,
frequency of taking medication for heart problems or
Public Health & Environ-
mental Hygiene Dept.
Dokter Reijersstraat No. 12
Leidschendem
The Netherlands
Gjzevenes, S. Solberg,
E. Arntzen
Oslo City Health Dept.
St. Olavs plass 5
Oslo 1, Norway
Z. Koszarny, S. Maziarka,
W. Szata
State Hygienic Inst. of
Warsaw
Warsaw, Poland
g
anuary
1976 to
July 1979
Comple ted
by 1976
-------
Country
'oland
(cont inued)
Swed en
wit zerland
COMMUNITY OR COLLECTIVE RESPONSE
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
headaches, and nervousness were found in women livin
in the noisier area (A) than in women who lived in
the lower noise level area (B). The results indi-
cate that aircraft noise can have an effect on the
general state of health. The authors note that many
other stressful and adverse conditions besides noise
may affect state of health, such as the work envi-
ronments of the people studied.
Annoyance Reactions to Traffic Noise Exposure
Objective: To study the relationship between ex-
posure to different levels of traffic noise and the
distribution of annoyance reactions in the exposed
population. The areas of investigation were chosen
in order to elucidate conditions in areas exposed to
70-90 dB(A) - the critical range of exposure from th
hygienic point of view.
R. Rylander, S. Sorensen & A. Kajland: Traffic
Noise Exposure & Annoyance React ions--J. Sound Vibr.
47 (1976)
The Disturbing Effects of Train Noise on Exposed
Population Groups
Ragnar Rylander
Dept. of Environmental
Hygiene
Univ. of Goteborg
Pack S-400
Gothenburg, Sweden
Objective: To study the distribution of disturbance
reactions from the exposure of noise from trains.
Social Survey on Modern Flats
In the frame of this survey, traffic noise was
measured and an investigation on the frequency and
the degree of annoyance on 800 subjects was made.
("Wohnen im Neubau", by B. Wehrli, S. Huser, H. Egli,
P. Bakke & E. Grandjean, Paul Haupt Verlag Bern,
1976).
Stefan Sorensen
Dept. of Environmental Hygien*
Natl. Swedish Environmental
Protection Board
Snideszagen 5
17120 Solna, Sweden
E. Grandjean
Dept. of Hygiene & Ergono-
mics
Swiss Federal Inst. of
Technology
Zurich, Switzerland
1973 to
1977
1975 to
1977
-------
Country
United Kingdom
COMMUNITY OR COT-1-V.nTTVF. KF.SPONSE
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Environmental Factors in Relation to Traffic, in
Relation to Residential Areas
A sociological survey of a selected sample of resi-
dential developments and measurements of noise,
fumes and traffic characteristics in relation to
the developments. A further survey has been
undertaken of residents who have moved from one
area to another and comparisons of attitudes to
their different environmental experiences have
been compared. Both direct interviews and ques-
tionnaires were used. Comparisons of accessibility
and mobility have been made for householders in a
small sample of English and Indian respondents.
F.D. Hobbs
Birmingham University
Birmingham..Bl5 2TT
England
Community Reaction to Road Traffic Noise
An investigation of dissatisfaction caused by traffic
noise aroung Manchester is in progress. 27 sites
have been selected to provide a range of exposures
to traffic noise from freely flowing urban roads,
congested urban roads or motorways. A social survey
involving about 1800 households has been completed
and 24 hour noise measurements at every site are now
being collected. One of the many aims of this pro-
ject is to determine if an existing noise index like
L10 (18 hour) or Leq can adequately reflect community
reaction to noise from a wide range of traffic flow
conditions.
M.S. Yeowart, A.W. Rossall
D. Wilcox
Ealford Univ.
Dept. of Electrical Eng.
Salford M5 AWT
ngland
Environmental Impact of Road Improvement Schemes in
Rural Areas
The objectives are to study the factors that affect
the public's perception of the environmental damage
resulting from road improvement schemes and to relate
the implied value to the type of landscape, the
measures adopted for siting and landscaping the road
the scale of the road and traffic. The environmenta
changes considered will include change in noise
D. Fiddes, L.H. Watkins
Transport & Road Research
aboratory
Environmental Div,
Crowthorne
Berkshire RG11 6AU
England
Project
Duration
1976
Current in
1975 or
1976
Current in
1975 or
1976
-------
Country
COMMUNITY OR COLLECTIVE RESPONSE
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
United Kingdom
(cont inued )
levels related to the levels acceptable to people
wishing to use areas adjacent to the road. The
prog'ramme 'will assist in the establishment of suit-
able design standards for roads in rural areas.
To date a survey of public attitudes in Che Lake
District has been made and further surveys are
planned.
Urban Environment Simulation
The objective is to discover the values that people
place on variations in their home environment that
result from road and traffic changes. The method
involves tests of peoples response to a simulated
lounge and variable external environment. A p.ro-
gress report describing the pilot studies has been
published.
Environmental Surveys
The objective is the assessment of the environ-
mental effects of new roads, of changes in existing
roads and of traffic management schemes and of the
relative values that are placed on different ef-
fects. To investigate the possibility of obtain-
ing monetary values to place on such changes.
Evaluation of Environment
This is aimed at evaluating in monetary terms the
so-called "intangibles" in cost-benefit 'analysis
relating to environment. A method has been devised
for collating "market" decisions relating to var-
ious aspects of the environment in a given context.
An estimate of the value lost due to the presence
of noise around the home has been obtained and the
value of historic buildings, the countryside, re-
creational facilities, etc. are being studied.
These data have been used in the cost-benefit ana-
lysis of noise reduction and transportation project
R.F.F. Dawson
Transport & Road Research
Laboratory
Environmental Div.
Crowthorne
Berkshire RG11 6AU
England
(same as above)
R.A. Waller et al
Atkins Research & Develop
ment
Woodcote Grove
Ashley Rd,
Ep som
Surrey KT18 5BW
England
1970-
Current in
1975 or 1976
Current
-1975 or
in
1976
-------
COMMUNITY OR COLLECTIVE RESPONSE
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Jnited Kingdom
External Noise
Carry out studies of subjective reactions of people
in dwellings and the effects upon sleep of mixed
noise exposures arising from road traffic and re-
late these to noise exposures. Examine the range
of sound insulation values provided by facades of
school buildings. Give guidance on the setting up
of Noise Abatement Zones and develop further guid-
ance on the prediction and control of noise from
industrial premises. Study noise emission from
construction sites to determine better prediction
methods. Set up new test facility to compare al-
ternative methods for measuring noise output of
construction plant for inclusion in EEC Directives.
Investigate v.arious methods of measuring Leq. In-
vestigate methods of measuring and predicting noise
from railways.
Four studies in preparation:
- The place of noise in environmental evaluation
- Monetary evaluation of noise
- The reliability of social surveys (a test-retest
study)
- Effect of noise from neighbors in relation to
party wall insulation standards.
Drs. F.J. Langdon, W.A.
Utley, Mr. D.E. Sexton
Building Research
Establishment
Garston, Watford WD2 7JR
Hertfordshire, England
John Langdon
(address same as above)
1976 to
1977
-------
DOMESTIC ANIMALS AND WILDLIFE
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Japan
Effects of a Buzzer Treatment on Egg Laying Perfo-
mances of Japanese Quail (Coturnix Coturnix Japon-
ica) .
Four strains of Japanese quails were raised under a
buzzer treatment of 85 phon every other hour, A
little detrimental effect of the noise was observed
on the egg production rate during the early period
of treatment. On the other hand, shell-less egg
incidence of birds subjected to the noise was in^
creased slightly as compared the same character of
birds raised under noiseless environment.
Chozo Oshima, Lee Won Ho
Takatada Kawahara and
Toru Fujishima
National Institute of
Genetics, Misima, Japan
1974 to
1978
-------
Country
NOISE ENVIRONMENT DETERMINATION
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Denmark
Federal Republl
of Germany
Do We Measure Damaging Noise Correctly?
For steady industrial noise without excessive impulses, the
risk for hearing loss is reasonably well related to the
total noise dose criterion. However, the inadequacy of the
criterion's assessment of the hearing loss risk for fluctuat-
ing industrial noise with relatively high peak values has led
to the investigation of impulses encountered in industrial
environments. The majority of industrial noise has a higher
intensity in the 250 Hz to 500 Hz frequency range than at
6 kHz, while the short duration peaks contain a significant
amount of energy in the 4 kHz to 6 kHz frequency region.
Because the frequencies in the 4 kHz to 6 kHz range are also
amplified in the outer and middle ear, the short duration
peaks seem to play a dominant role in contributing preferen-
tial damage in this range. A simple method for setting
limits for hearing loss risk has been proposed, considering
the crest factor of noise when weighting the noise dose
criteria.
Date of publication: Noise Control Engineering,Mar./Apr. 1977
c Methods of Sound Measurement at Working Places
- comparison between different methods of sound
measurement
- relation to audiograms
A Contribution to the Dosimetry of Work Noise with
due Regard for Long Term Flucuations in Level
Various possibilities are presented for achieving
a more adequate evaluation of long-term-fluctuating
work noises than is possible under DIN 45641:
(1) Determination of a physiologically equivalent
(to the ear) continuous noise level "Leq" from the
period of one sound
(2) Hearing threshold dosimetry
(3) Measurement of one risk-proportional noise
dose (rid).
For each of the listed methods, a measurement tech-
nique is developed and tested.
P. V. Bruel
Bruel & Kjaer
23 Linde alle
DK-2850 Naerum, Denmark
Dr. A. von Luekpe
Suddeutsche Eisen - und
Stahl -Berufsgenossenscha
Institut fuer Larmbekampfung
Hindenburgstr. 8
D-6500 Mainz 1. FRG
Jeinrich Eder
Inst. for Machine Tools
and Management Technology
Muenchen 2, Arcisstr 21
FRG
1976
(planned)
f ten
-------
Country
MOISE ENVIRONMENT DETERMINATION
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Finland
France
Paper Machine Noise
The aim of the study is to determine the noise le-
vel in paper machine halls and the characteristics
of paper machines and machine halls affecting the
noise level.
Study of the Work Environment of the Engine Crews
Employed by the Finnish State Railways
A study concerning the working conditions in the
engines and the engine houses and their effects on
the health of engine crews (engineers, assistants,
apprentices) employed by the Finnish State Rail-
ways was started at the end of 1974. This study
will be carried out in collaboration with the
Board of Administration of the Finnish State Rail-
ways and the Union of Railway Engineers.
The study consists of four subprojects, one of
which is a survey of working conditions in the
engines. It includes measurements of noise, vi-
bration, and temperature in various engine models.
Development of Methods for Measuring Adverse Effect?
of Noise
Attack on Noise and Vibration
The problem of the struggle against noise and vibra
tion takes on a growing importance in modern life
and it is my duty to have recently undertaken di-
verse research with the goal of facilitating and
improving the measurement methods. The long term
goal of this research will be principally to test
and to state precisely a method permitting the ob-
jective evaluation of the inconvenience and nuis-
ance of noise whatever be its origin, duration,
and spectral composition.
P.O. Lehtinen, et al
TYOTERVEYSLAITOS
Inst. of Occupational
Health
Haartmanink. 1, SF-00290
Helsinki 29
Finland
T. Partanen, et al
(same address as above)
(same address as above)
Rene Lehmann
Dept. de Physique
de la Faculte des Science
Univ. du Maine
Route de Laval
B.P. 535
72017 Le Mans, Cedex
France
Es timated
completion
1977
1974-
planned
-------
NOISE ENVIRONMENT DETERMINATION
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Japan
Sweden
Survey and Evaluation of Environmental Noise
Through the Total Amount of Noise Emission and
Personal Noise Exposures
Comprehensive survey is being made for grasping the
emitted power of noise from various sources such as
industrial plants, transportation system, etc., and
personal noise exposures in classified residing
areas and occupations.
For noise exposure survey, two kinds of equivalent
sound level meters were developed. One of them
indicates 24 hour noise exposure index, and the
other can store Leq in every 10 minutes over 24
hours .
Aiming at the unification of the noise rating units
reappraisal and laboratory experiments are also
being carried as a part of the integrated study.
The goal of this project is to obtain the relation-
ship between the total amount of emmitted noise
power and the population exposed to every level of
noise, and to prepare the integrated data for noise
regulation and control in the country.
The project will finish by the end of March, 1979,
and the integrated report will be published after
that date.
Comparison of Noise Dose Meters
Six personal noise dose meters compared with res-
pect to their response to impulsive noise. Pub-
lished as message No. 5 1977 from Arbebgryzpen
mot buller inour Verkstandsindustion.
T. Nimura, T. Sone, S.
Kono, M. Ebata, M. Kuma-
gai et al
Faculty of Engineering
Tohoku Univ.
Sendai, Japan
J. Svensson
Ingemansson Acoustics
Box 53037
S-400 16 Gothenburg
Sweden
April 1976
to March
1979
February to
March 1977
-------
Country
NOISE ENVIRONMENT DETERMINATION
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
United Kingdom
Noise Levels in Industry Hazardous to Hearing;
Impulse Noise
An analysis is being made of weighting and octave
band measurements from many different methods of
predicting hazardous conditions are being compared
Various methods of measuring impulse noise are
being investigated and compared. These include
the use of impulse and other sound level meters,
the level recorder, the pocket dose meter, and the
cathode-ray oscilograph. Special application of
impulse noise such as correlation analysis and the
determination of transfer functions are also being
studied. All work involves extensive use of compu-
ter programs.
Hull College of Technol-
ogy
Dept. of Mathematics
and Physics
England
1968-
-------
NOISE CONCOMITANT WITH VIBRATION
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Federal Repub-
lic of Germany
Poland
NITTS and Peripheral Blood Flow Under Simultaneous
Influence of N.oise and Hand-Arm Vibration
- combined factors noise and vibration
- NITTS, skin temperature, fluvographie, finger-
pulse amplitude
Investigations into the Noise Effects in Miners
and Steel Workers
Special attention given to the influence of noise
and vibrations on sight, hearing and touch senses,
An Acoustic Evaluation of Automotive Vehicles_ from
the Point of View of the Noise and Vibrations Influ-
ence on Driver's Work
This study investigates the acoustic conditions in-
side trucks and buses operated at National Motor
Transport Enterprise, and the effects of noise and
vibration on the drivers performance. Road tests,
and simulated laboratory studies are being done. The
acoustic climate will be determined, and methods for
abating noise, will be explored. Results will help
to set standards. Safe and practical inspection
techniques will be developed.
Dr. H. Dupuis*
Arbeitsgruppe Anthropo-
technik des Max-Planck-
Institues fur Landarbeit
und Landtechnik
Am Kauzenberg, FRG
D-6550 Bad Kreuznach
*and A. Weichenrieder
J. Grzesik
Inst. of Professional
Medicine
Bieruta 20
41-200 Sosnowiec
Poland
Dr. Jerzy Miazga
Instytut Transportu
Samochodowego
40 Stalingradzka St.
03-301 Warsaw, Poland
Current
in 1976
1977
1976 to
1978
-------
NOISE CONCOMITANT WITH VIBRATION
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Jnited Kingdom
Effects of Noise and Vibration on Man
Work investigating the interaction of the effects
of noise and vibration on man.
Low Frequency Noise and Vibration Effects in Trans-
portation
A series of measurements in passenger and commercial
vehicles is now in progress and has already shown
high levels (up to 120 dB) of infrasound at motor-
way speeds. Investigation in vehicles is continu-
ing together with work on a laboratory system to
simulate the complete sonic and infrasonic noise
spectrum from 1 to 20,000 Hz. This work aims to
assess the significance of infrasound in transpor-
tation in relation to comfort and safety, and to
examine the effects of noise and vibration on the
health and well-being of drivers.
Effects of Noise on Aircrew
The effects of noise on aircrew are being studied
with reference to the efficiency of communications
in the air, and to the possible hazard to hearing
due to repeated exposure to noise, speech and other
signals. The acoustic conditions at the ear are bei
measured in flight in fixed wing aircraft, and in
helicopters. Work is also proceeding to improve the
noise attenuating properties of aircrew helmets.
Methods of measurement of the attenuation in use, an
in development and production control, are being
developed .
Work has recently commenced on the effects of simul-
taneous noise and whole body vibration on task
performance and fatigue.
W.F. Floyd, J. Sandover
Loughborough Univ. of
Technology
Dept. of Human Sciences
Loughborough
Leicestershire LE11 3TU
England
W. Tempest, P. Lord
Salford Univ.
Dept. of Electrical Eng ,
Salford M5 AWT
England
K. Maslen, G. Rood, S.
Moorse
Royal Aircraft Estab-
1ishment
Flight Systems Dept.
ig Farnborough
Hampshire GU14 6TD
England
Current
1975 or
1976
in
Current
1975 or
1976
in
Curren t
1975 or
1976
-------
NOISE CONCOMITANT WITH VIBRATION
Country
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
United Kingdom
Construction Noise
This is part o-f the DOE research programme undertaken
jointly with BRE. The objectives are to define the
procedures necessary to assess, measure and predict
the impact of noise and vibration arising during
the construction or maintenance of works ancillary
to transport systems. This study will include re-
search on the subjective effects of construction
site noise.
Whole-Body Vibration and Aircrew Performance
Determine effects of vibration level, frequency and
on performance of manual control tasks and visual
tasks. Research conducted in the laboratory with
simulated aircraft (helicopter) configuration and
tasks.
Griffin, M.J. (1976) Human Factors 18 (6) 601-606
" " " & Lewis, C.H. (1977) Sound Vibration
(awaiting publication)
Lewis, C.H. & Griffin, M.J. (1977a) Sound Vibration
(awaiting publication)
Lewis, C.H. & Griffin, M.J. (1977b) Sound Vibration
(awaiting publication)
A Procedure for Evaluating Human Response to Vibra-
tion
To derive a general procedure for predicting the sub-
jective response to complex whole-body vibration
in and around transport systems. Research entails
a series of laboratory experiments and associated
field experiments. Data is being used to ammend
existing vibration standards.
Griffin, M.J» & Whitham, EM (1976) J. Sound Vibratioi
_4_8 (3) 333-339
Griffin, M.J. (1976) J Acoust. Soc. Amer. 60 (5)
1140-1145
riffin, M.J. & Whitham (1977) J. Sound Vib. 54 (1)
Transport & Road Research
Laboratory
Environmental Div.
Crowthorne
Berkshire RG11 6AU
England
Dr. M.J. Griffin, Dr. C.H.
Lewis
Human Factors Research Uni
Inst. of Sound & Vibration
Research
Univ. of Southampton
Southampton S095NH
England
Dr. M.J. Griffin, E.M.
Whitham, K.C. Parsons
.Human Factors Research
Unit
Inst. of Sound & Vibratio
Research
Univ. of Southampton
Southampton S095NH
England
Current in
1975 or 1976
Current in
1975 or 1976
Current in
1975 or 1976
-------
Country
NOISE CONCOMITANT WITH VIBRATION
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duratioi
United Kingdom
continued)
Whitham, E.M. & Griffin, M.J.
Parsons, K.C. & Griffin, M.J.
(awaiting publication)
(1977) SAE Paper 77025
(1977) Ergonomics
-------
Country
OTHER
(INCLUDES NOISE EFFECTS LITERATURE & WORKSHOPS)
Investigator and
Project Title and Brief Description Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Canada
r ance
Federal Repub-
lic of Germany
Sweden
Thiessen, G. Effects of Noise on Man, National
Research of COuncial Associate Committee on Scien-
tific Criteria for Environmental Quality, 1977.
Study of Infra and Ultra Sounds
(Bibliographic Study)
Effects of Intermittent and Impulsive Noise
(Bibliographic Study)
Noise Protect ion Principles : Elucidation of Termi-
nology on Noise Effects
1. Coordination of the implementation of the pro-
gram on "Noise Protect ion Principles" ..
2. Implementation of a research project entitled
"Elucidation of Terminology on Noise Effects".
3. Establishment of a comprehensive bibliography
of national and international literature deal-
ing with noise and sleep, with critical evalua-
tions .
International Workshop on Health Effects of Environ-
mental Noise
National Research Council
Div. of Physics
Ottawa, Canada
K1A OP6
Institut National de Recherche!
sur la Securite
Route de Neufchateau
54500 - Vandoeuvre
France
Institut National de Recherche,
sur la Securite
Route de Neufchateau
54500 - Vandoeuvre
France
Dr. Werner Klosterkoetter
Inst. for Hygiene and
Labor Medicine of the
Univ. of Essen
Hufelandstrasse 55
Essen, FRG
Dr. Ragnar Rylander
Dept. of Environmental
Hygiene
Univ. of Gothenburg
Fack
S-400 33 Gothenburg 33
Sweden
9/8/73 to
11/1/76
3/1977
-------
Country
OTHER
Project Title and Brief Description
Investigator and
Performing Organization
Project
Duration
Switzerland
Environmental Health Criteria for Noise
The purpose of this document is to present a con-
densed but critical review of noise criteria. The
reviews are based on published scientific papers
and reports and on information obtained from re-
cognized scientific groups and research institutes.
Other objectives are to identify gaps in knowledge
on health effects of noise and to promote the har-
monization of measurement and assessment methods
so as to obtain internationally comparable results.
The Environmental Health Criteria for Noise include
chapters on characteristics and measurement of
noise, effects of noise, evaluation of health risks
to man from exposure to noise and recommendations
for further research.
Dr. V.B. Vouk & Dr. H.W.
de Koning
World Health Organ.
Div. of Environmental
Health
1211 Geneva, Switzerland
1974 to
1977
-------
INDEX OF PROJECTS BY COUNTRY
Page
Aus tralia
Assessment of Community Response to Road Traffic Noise 54
Community Reaction to Noise 54
Austr ia
Impulse Noise and Temporary Threshold Shift 1
Noise Load on Streets; Efficiency and Cost of Noise 54
Abatement Measures
Belgium
Measurement of the Noise Around Small Airports and 54
Inquiry About the Annoyance
Canada
Program on Hearing Protection 1
A Laboratory Study of Annoyance Due to Traffic Noise 28
and the Choice of Noise Descriptors
Rationale for Motor Vehicle Exterior Noise Standards 55
Effects of Noise on Man (Publication) 74
Czechoslavakia
Effect of Noise on the Vegetative Reactions of the 20
Blood Vessels
Effect of Noise on Nervous System 20
Research on Influence of Noise on Population 55
Denmark
Do We Measure Damaging Noise Correctly? 66
Federal Republic of Germany
The Effects of Working Noise on Lumbermen and the 1
Environment
Effect of Noise on Particular Groups of People, Especially 1, (28)*
Children and Old People
Effect of Impulsive Noise on Living Creatures 1
Investigations on Particular Hearing Defects and the 2
Susceptibility to Noise of Those Whose Hearing is Easily
Damaged
Project listed in two categories.
77
-------
Federal Republic of Germany Pa§e
Impact of Working Noise on Safety of the Workplace and 2
Health of Workers in Areas With Sound-Reflecting Walls
Aircraft Boom: Effect on Structures and Living Creatures 2
Medical and Psychological Studies on Noise Exposed 2
Workers, Industrial Workers
Audiologic Longitudinal Studies on Noise Exposed Workers 3
During Some Years to Determine the Progression of NIPTS
Audiologic examinations of Noise Exposed Workers 3
Progression of NIPTS
Noise Effects on the Inner Ear, Caused by Noise During 3
Leisure Time
Audiometric Defining Between Presbyacusis and Noise 3
Induced Hearing Impairment
Development of Subjective and Objective Methods for the 3
Determination of Sound Attenuation of Hearing Protectors
at Different Sound Pressure Levels and in Various Sound
Fields
Hearing Testing Among Employees of the Iron and Steel In- 4
dustry
Investigations of Infant's Adrenal Gland Reactions to 21
Diverse, Quantified Noise Loads
Measurement of the Impact of Individual and Complex 21, (28)
Environmental Conditions on Ships' Crews in Simulated
Test Situations
Noise Effects on the Heart 21
Investigation of the Effect of .Combined Physical and 21
Chemical Stresses at Work Sites on the Basis of
Laboratory Tests
Superposition of Noise and Unilateral/Dynamic Work in 29
Regard to Fatigue/Recuperat ion
Information Processing and Noise 29
Relaxation and Noise
Effects of Noise on Sleep and Psychological Performance 46
Physiologic Investigations About Chronic Effects of Noise 47
on Sleeping Subjects with Special Regard to Traffic Noise
Experimental Investigations About the Effects of Traffic 48
Noise on Sleep Stage Patterns of Elder Subjects
78
-------
Federal Republic of Germany Page
Urban Noise Study 5i
Content Analysis of Noise Complaints 55
Contribution to the Determination of the Irritation 56
Level Caused by Traffic Noise as a Function of Traffic
Patterns and Traffic Density in Areas of Population Con-
cen tration
Disruptive Effect of "Autobahn" Noise on. Those 56
Living along its Right-of-Way
Methods of Sound Measurement at Working Places 66
A Contribution to the Dosimetry of Work Noise with due 66
Regard for Long Term Flucuations in Level
NITTS and Peripheral Blood Flow Under Simultaneous 70
Influence of Noise and Hand-Arm Vibration
Noise Protection Principles: Elucidation of Terminology 74
on Noise Effects
Finland
Paper Machine Noise 67
Study of the Work Environment of the Engine Crews 67
Employed by the Finnish State Railways
Development of Methods for Measuring Adverse Effects 67
of No is e
France
Damage Caused by Intermittent and Impulsive Noises 4
Biochemical Mechanisms Involved in Cochlear Fatigue 4
Special Acoustic Protectors 4
Effect of Metabolic Factors on Sensitivity to Acoustic 5
Trauma
Biological Factors During Exposure to an Acoustic Signal 5
Appreciation of Physiological Damage Due to Noise 5
Exposure, Based on Metabolic and Hormonal Parameters
Effect of Background and Pulsed Noises on Hearing Fatigue 5
Noise Effects on Eye Movements 21
Effect of Noise on Biological and Psychosociological 21
Characteristics
79
-------
France Page
Two Wheeled Vehicles 29
Differential Psychology of Annoyance Due to Noise 29
Analyzing Annoyance by the Method of Acoustic Tests 29
Objective Versus Subjective Variations 29
Psychoacoustic Study of Impulse & Pure Noises 29
Feasibility Study of Statistical Analysis of Noise in 29
Dwellings
Effects of Noise on Sleep and Psychological Performance 46
Noise Effects on Sleep 48
Field Study of Long Term Effects of Road Traffic on 48
Sleep Quality
Effects of Diurnal Noise on Night Sleep 48
Psychophysiological Effects of Aircraft Noise on Sleep 48
Intrinsic Effect and Effect of Noise Interaction with 48
Temperature
Vegetative Modifications on Sleep Induced by Noise During 48
Sleep
Polling Methods on Sleep Disturbance by Noise from Trans- 48
portat ion
EEC and Cardiovascular Responses to the Noise During Sleep 49
Noise Effects on Speech 52
Aircraft Noise Effect on Equilibrium of the Airport 56
Neighbor s
Acoustic Insulation of Dwellings in Relation to Dwellers 56
S at is fact ion
Evaluation of Incovenience due to Noise 57
Elaboration of Noise Inconvenience Index Common to 57
Automobile and Aircraft Traffic
Attack on Noise and Vibration 67
Study of Infra and Ultra Sounds (bibliographic study) 74
Effects of Intermittent and Impulsive Noise (bibliographic 74
s tudy)
80
-------
Hungary Page
Etudy of- Annoyance due to Traffic Noise 57
Iran
Epidemiological Survey of Occupational Exposure to 22
Noise in Three Textile Mills
Israel
The Hospital as an Acoustical Problem 49
Italy
Urban Traffic Noise, Cardiocirculatory Activity and 22
Coronary Risk Factors
Subjective Characters of Sound Impulse Duration 30
Jap an
Establishment of Damage Risk Criteria for Conserving 5
the Hearing Acuity
Epidemiological Study of the Effect of Super-Express 5 (24)
Train Noise
Epidemiological Study on the Effect of Aircraft Noise in 5
the Vicinity of Osaka International Airport
Studies on the Mechanism of Adaptation of Organisms 5
Exposed to Noise
Health Hazards of Noise Pollution 6
Health and Social Effects of Aircraft Noise in the 23
Vicinity of the Osaka International Airport
Effects of Noise on Human Placental Lactogen Levels 23
in Maternal Plasma
HypothaImo-Hypophysical-Adrena1 Response to Noise 24
Effect of Noise from Super-Express Train of Shinkansen 25
Railway on Human
Response of Finger Pulse Amplitude to Intermittent Noise 25
Adult Emergence and Longevity of Flies (Drospophila 25
Melanogaster) Under Noise Environments
Estimating of the Effects of Noise on Learning 30
Pschyological & Physiological Effects of Fluctuating 31
Noise
A Random Walk Model of Loudness Discrimination
Effects of White Noise on the Learning Performance of 31
Mic e
81
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Japan Page
The Psychophysiolpgical Effect of Noise Upon Sleep 50
Field Survey of the Health Effects of Exhaust and Noise 58
from Freeway Traffic
Effects of a Buzzer Treatment on Egg Laying Performances 65
of Japanese Quail (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica)
Survey and Evaluation of Environmental Noise Through the 68
Total Amount of Noise Emission and Personal Noise Exposure
Netherland s
Prevalance and Prevention of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss 6
Effects of Noise on Sleep and Psychological Performance 46
Study of the Dose-Effect Relationship for Rail Traffic 58
Noise
Dose-Effect Relation Study for Aircraft Noise 59
Experience with Noise Resisting Equipment in Living 59
S ituat ions
Study for Establishing Airport Noise Zoning Criteria 60
New Zealand
Effect of Loud Noise on Human Performance Efficiency 31
Interaction with Other Stresses
Norway
Investigation of Relationships Between Types of Noise 6
Exposure and Health Hazard
Attempts to Derive a Physical-Mathematical Model for 7
Hearing
Attempts to Derive a Model for Noise Nuisance 33
Road Traffic Noise in Urban Areas 60
Poland
Computer Diagnoses of Industrial Acoustic Trauma 7
Investigations about the Oversensibility of Some 7
People to Industrial Noise
Ototoxic Influence of Exhalations of Gasoline 7
Investigations Into the Noise Effects in Miners and 7
S t eel Workers
82
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P a £ e
Poland
Effect of Impulse and Intermittent Noise on the Hearing 7
Organ of Weavers
Studies on Ear Protectors 7
Dynamics of Chronic Accoustic Trauma in Relation to Age 7
and Concomitant Diseases
Extra-Auditory Effects of Noise on Weaving Mill Workers 24
in A Textile Industry Factory
The Effect of the Acoustic Microclimate in the Shipyard 24
on Disturbances in the Worker's State of Health
An Acoustic Evaluation of Automatic Vehicles from the 33>
Point of View of the Noise and Vibrations Influence on
Driver's Work
The Effect of Airplane Noise on the Inhabitants of Areas 60
Near the Okecie Airport in Warsaw
Sweden
The Equal Energy Principal and Noise Inquiries 8
Impulse Noise in the Construction Industry 8
Physiological and Medical Effects of Noise 26
Prolonged Exposure to a Stressful Stimulus (Noise) 26
as a Cause of Raised Blood Pressure in Man
The Effect of Infra Noise on Humans (Biological Life) 26
Experimental and Epidemiological Studies of the Effects 26
of- Infrasonic Noise on Man
Annoyance Reactions to Noise 34
Individual Doses - Response Relationship 34
The Effect of Noise Disturbances on Sleep 50
Methods to Judge the Effect of Noise on the Ability to 52
Comprehend Speech by People Who Are Handicapped as Far
as Hearing is Concerned
A Sociopsychological Study of the Communication Problems 52
and Degree of Invalidity of Workers with Hearing Impair-
ment s
Annoyance Reactions to Traffic Noise Exposure 61
The Disturbing Effects of Train Noise on Exposed Popula- 61
t i on Groups
Comparison of Noise Dose Meters 68
International Workshop on Health Effects of Environmental 74
Noise
83
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Switz erland Page
Traffic Noise and Annoyance in a Laboratory Condition 35
Social Survey on Modern Flats 61
Environmental Health Criteria for Noise 74
United Kingdom
Relation between Cochlear Potentials and Cochlear Chemis- 9
try in Noise Exposure
Perception of Complex Stimuli 9
Noise-induced Hearing loss of Drop-forgers 9
Hearing Loss In School Children 10
Bio-acoustical Investigation into the Naturally Occurring 10
Noise-protective Mechanism
Discotheque Noise, Amplified Music and Hearing 11
Investigation of Patients with Noise-induced Hearing Loss 11
Discotheque Noise 12
Industrial Hearing Loss 12
Protection Afforded by Earmuffs from Industrial Impact 12
Noise
Acoustic Trauma in Guinea-pigs and Bats after Exposure to 13
Pure Tones
Age Dependent Changes and Acoustic Trauma in the Spiral 14
Organ of the Guinea Pig
Effects of Noise on Normal Auditory Functions 14
A Comparison of Hearing Tests on Children Using Manual 14
Pure Tone and Evoked Response Audiometry
Effectiveness of Hearing Protection Against Impulsive 15
(gunfire type ) Noise
Recommendations on Hearing Conservation 15
Effects of High Level Aircraft Noise On Children Residing 15
in the Most Exposed Areas Near Heathrow Airport
Clinical Studies of Noise-induced Hearing Loss 16
The Reaction of the Diseased Ear to Noise 16
Attenuation of Ear Protectors 17
84
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United Kingdom Page
Noise Problems 17
Potential Hearing Damage From Music 18
Tractor Noise Studies 18
Objective Test for Hearing Protectors 19
Physiological Correlates -of Noise 27
Cardiovascular Responses to Short Duration Sound 27
Psychological Correlates of Noise 36
Effect of Pure Tones on Human Performance 36
Effects of Moderate Level Noise Upon Tasks Involving 37
Auditory Imagery
The Subjective Assessment of Loudness and its Relation to 37
Physiology and Personality
Human Reaction to Noise from Single Vehicles 38
Studies of Noise Sensitivity 38
Noise Sensitivity in Children 39
Preferred Noise Levels Whilst Carrying out Mental Tasks 39
Subjective Responses to In-Cab Heavy Goods Vehicle Noise 40
The Stability and Distribution of Loudness Balances 40
Investigations of the Trade-Off Effects of Aircraft Noise 40
and Number
Noise Masking and Auditory Filter Shape 41
How Noise Affects the Efficiency at Work 41
The Effect of Low Frequency Noise upon Working Efficiency 42
Performance in Noise and Subjective Reactions to Noise 42
Comparative Studies of Accidents in Industry 42
Subjective Effects of Exposure to Noise 43
Noise Rating Scales 43
Rating Helicopter Noise 43
Urban Environment Simulation 44
85
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United Kingdom Page
Investigation of Effects of Noise on Driver Performance 44
in Commercial and Off-Highway Vehicles
Aircraft Noise and Psychiatric Morbidity 44
Effects of Noise on Psychological Performance 46
Habituation to Auditory Stimuli in Sleep 51
Application of the Articulation Index to the Accoustical 52
Desighn of Landscaped Offices
The Effects of Wearing Earmuffs in Noisy Conditions: 52
Speech Intelligibility
Traffic Noise and Schools 53
Tractor Noise Interference with the Perception of 53
External Noises
Effects of Noise on Aircrew 53, (71)
Environmental Factors in Relation to Traffic, in Relation 62
to Residential Areas
Community Reaction to Road Traffic Noise 62
Environmental Impact of Road Improvement Schemes in 62
Rur al Ar eas
Urban Environment Simulation 63
Environmental Surveys 63
Evaluation of Environment 63
External Noise 64
Noise Levels in Industry Hazardous to Hearing; Impulse 69
No is e
Effects of Noise and Vibration on Man 71
Low Frequency Noise and Vibration Effects in Transpor- 71
tat ion
Construction Noise 72
Whole-Body Vibration and Aircrew Performance 72
A Procedure for Evaluating Human Response to Vibration 72
USSR
Effect of Acoustic Stimulation on Lipid Metabolism Indices 27
of the Blood Coagulation System & Development of Experi-
mental Atherosclerosis in Rabbits
'"U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1978-720-335/6049-31
86
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on [he reverse before completing)
1. REPORT NO
EPA 550/9-78-101
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
Foreign Noise Research
in Noise -Effects
5. REPORT DATE
Jan. 1978
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7. AUTHOR(S)
Compiled by Miriam Heilman of
Informatics Tnr,
8 PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
Informatics, Inc.
6000 Executive Blvd.
Rockville, MD 20852
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
68-01-4477
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Noise Abatement and Control
Washington, D. C. 20460
13. TYPE OF RE PORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Final
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA/ONAC
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
16. ABSTRACT
This volume has been compiled from the results of a survey on foreign noise
effects research from 1975-77. THe survey was conducted for the second interagency
noise effects research panel. Included in the volume are 211 project descriptions,
from twenty-two countries. Projects are reported under the following subject areas:
noise-induced hearing loss, non-auditory health effects, psychological and
performance effects, noise effects on sleep, communication interferencevcommcmity
or collective response, effects of noise on domestic animals and wildlife, noise
environment determination, and noise concomitant with vibration.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b. IDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
COSATI Field/Group
Noise, hearing loss, non-auditory physiologi
cal and psychological effects, performance
effects, communication interference, sleep
disturbance, annoyance
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
.
Limited supply available at EPA/ONAC (AW-471
Washington, DC 20460 and at Research Trianq
Park, S. C. Available at NTIS.
19. SECURITY CLASS (This Report)
21. NO. OF PAGES
. SECURITY CLASS (This page)
Unclassified
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (9-73)
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