EPA 550/9-78-102
FEDERAL NOISE RESEARCH
FEBRUARY. 1978
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OFFICE OF NOISE ABATEMENT AND CONTROL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
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REPORT OF THE SECOND FEDERAL INTERAGENCY
NOISE EFFECTS RESEARCH PANEL
Panel No. 4 of the Four Interagency Panels
Established by the U.S. EPA to Review
Federally-Sponsored Noise Research
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MAIN FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The Federal Noise Effects Research Program was documented
and reviewed. The program expanded slightly over the last
few years, with more agencies participating. The program
is reasonably comprehensive and in general coordinated with
no unjustified overlap of efforts.
2. Research needs to support and justify regulatory and standards
requirements were identified by the Panel as being of the highest
priority. Satisfaction of these relatively short term goals
with present budget restrictions could jeopardize long-range
basic research needs to understand basic effects mechanisms.
To satisfy both requirements, the Panel on the average recommends
an increase in the overall Federal noise effects research budget
of 40%.
3. The Panel recommends several specific research topics for high
priority funding. Some of these recommendations are the same
ones listed among the 1974 recommendations, and the Panel was
concerned about the lack of responsiveness to previous
findings.
4. Among the areas requiring additional support are effects of
noise on sleep, and community or collective response.
5. The area primarily requiring additional support priority and
clarification is the area of non-auditory health effects, since
no major well planned program for this area was apparent.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PANEL FINDINGS AND MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS
1. INTRODUCTION
2. NOISE EFFECTS RESEARCH II-l
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss II-l
Non-Auditory Health Effects II-3
Psychological and Performance Effects II-4
Noise Effects on Sleep II-5
Communication Interference 11-6
Community or Collective Response II-6
Effects of Noise on Domestic Animals & Wildlife H-7
Noise Environment Determination II-8
Human Response to Noise Concomitant with Vibration II-9
3. AGENCY NOISE RESEARCH PROGRAMS III-l
Department of Agriculture III-3
Department of Commerce (NBS) III-4
Consumer Product Safety Commission III-5
Department of Defense (Air Force, Army, Navy) III-6
Energy Research and Development Administration III-9
Environmental Protection Agency 111-10
Department of Health, Education and Welfare III-ll
(NICHHD, NIEHS, NIMH, NINCDS, NIOSH)
Department of Interior (BOM, BOR, MESA) 111-16
Department of Labor (OSHA) III-]9
National Academy of Sciences 111-20
National Aeronautics and Space Administration 111-21
National Science Foundation 111-23
Department of Transportation 111-23
Veterans Administration 111-24
4. SUMMARY TABLES AND COMPARISONS WITH PREVIOUS PANEL'S iv-l
FINDINGS
Funding by Category (Table 1) IV-2
Funding by Agency (Table 2) IV-3
Comparison with Previous Panel's Findings on IV-6
Funding
Consideration of Previous Panel's Recommendations IV-9
5. PANEL'S RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS V-l
Recommendations Regardings Funding Levels y_2
Identification of Research Topics Needing Emphasis V-4
Summary V-5
APPENDICES
Noise Effect Research Panel Members A-l
Project Summaries (separate table of contents) B-l
Research Funded by State, Municipal and Private C-l
Institutions
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
The Noise Control Act of 1972 gives the Environmental Protection Agency
the responsibility for coordinating the noise control research programs
of all Federal agencies. The Act also states that EPA shall report to Congress
from time to time on the status and progress of the Federal program.
To assist in this effort EPA established four interagency panels to
review federal noise research in the following areas:
o Noise effects
o Surface transportation noise
o Machinery/Construction noise
o Aircraft noise
These Panels met for the first time in late 1973 and early 1974. Their
results were presented as EPA's "First Report on the Status and Progress of
Noise Research and Control Programs FY 73-75." In late 1976 the Panels were
reconvened to report on current research.
The present report is the second report of the Federal Interagency Noise
Effects Research Panel, covering the fiscal years 1975, 1976, and 1977.* Panel
members include representatives from the Department of Commerce, the Consumer
Product Safety Commission, the Department of Defense, the Environmental Protection
Agency, the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, the Department of
Interior, the Department of Labor, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, the National Science Foundation, the Department of Trans-
portation, and the Veterans Administration. Every major Federal agency was
invited to send a representative. Because of the relatively small size of
* In some cases agencies reported funding through FY 78 since these funds
represent a continuation of the project as noted. Although FY 78 funds
are shown to indicate the continuation of a project, they are not used
in the analysis of this report.
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their noise programs the Department of Agriculture and the Energy Research
and Development Administration provided information but only limited
participation. The Department of Housing and Urban Development was not
able to provide an active participant. Dr. Henning Von Gierke, Director
of the Biodynamics and Bionics Division of the Air Force Aerospace
Medical Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson AFB, served as chairman
of the Panel, and Ms. Alice Suter of EPA's Office of Noise Abatement and
Control acted as Executive Secretary. See Appendix A for the names and
affiliations of the Panel members.
This report addresses Federally sponsored research concerned with
the effects of noise on the public health and welfare. However, inquiries
were made about the availability of similar research under other sponsorship
Appendix C describes research funded by State, municipal and private
institutions. A separate report discusses research conducted in foreign
countries*. Although considerable information has been made available to
the Panel, particularly on foreign research, it is not nearly as complete
as that supplied by the Federal agencies. Although many foreign projects
were identified, the amount of information on each project presently is
insufficient to assess their potential contribution toward filling Federal
research needs. Hopefully more useful information will be collected on
foreign research.
The research that is being performed by the various Federal agencies
is diverse in nature and reflects each agency's different mandate. When
viewed in the aggregate these studies provide needed information for
assessing and establishing a coordinated Federal research program whose
objective is to develop criteria, standards and guidelines to protect
EPA Report No. 550-9-78-101, Foreign Noise Research in Noise Effects.
January 1978.
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the public health and welfare against the adverse effects of noise.
General areas of funding, emphasis, gaps and priorities will be discussed
in the body of the document. Summaries of the individual projects
arranged according to the sponsoring agency are located in Appendix C.
Panel's Goals and Methods
The Panel's function is to report on current Federal research, and
then make recommendations to Congress and the Office of Management and
Budget for the most effective use of Federal resources. Towards this end
the following objectives were set:
o Review and assess the current state of noise effects research.
o Identify research gaps, areas of overlap, and areas where
more emphasis is needed.
o Prioritize identified areas of need.
o Discuss the relationship of Federally funded programs to
those of the private sector and of the international community
o Discuss current research problems as they arise, and
develop recommendations for their solution.
For the purposes of this report noise effects research projects
have been classified into nine broad subject areas listed below:
I. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
II. Non-Auditory Health Effects
III. Psychological and Performance Effects
IV. Noise Effects on Sleep
V. Communication Interference
VI. Community or Collective Response
VII. Domestic Animals and Wildlife
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VIII. Noise Environment Determination
IX. Human Response to Noise Concomitant with Vibration.
Description of the categories is given in Chapter II. Research on effects
of noise on buildings and other non-living things is outside the scope of
the Panel. This categorization scheme has been kept essentially the
same as the one developed by the first Panel. In this way, past and
present research emphases for each category could be compared to determine
the progress of noise effects research since 1974, and to see the extent
to which the recommendations of the last Panel has been addressed.
The recommendations presented in this report represent a general
consensus of the Panel members. Although there is wide agreement that
certain areas need increased attention, opinions on other areas are
quite mixed and reflect the diversity of interests and missions of the
various Federal agencies. These recommendations primarily address areas
that need further research and the prioritization that should take place
within a coordinated Federal program. Underlying the Panel's agreement
is the feeling that noise effects research is needed by all the agencies—
that work of the agencies, including regulations and Environmental Impact
Statements, should be based on the same criteria, if not always the same
chosen level limits. No attempt has been made to assess the contribution
of specific projects since time and organizational constraints would
have prohibited an attempt at consensus on every project, but an assessment
of the value of various research topics has been made through the process
of prioritization.
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Information on the various agencies' noise effects research projects
has been provided by Panel members. In addition, a literature search
was done by the Smithsonian Scientific Information Exchange, whose data
base includes reports on Federal research in progress.
Preliminary data for FY 78—Between the last Panel meeting and the
final draft of the Panel Report, additional information on FY 78 funding
was acquired. This information may be found on pp. IV-2 and IV-3. Some
agencies were able to provide complete data and others only gross budget
estimates, since not all projects under consideration had yet been initiated.
Thus the following overall funding data may be subject to revision. However,
it is felt the information is now substantially accurate. Moreover, the
picture for FY 78 seems to be a continuation of the trends of the previous
years. There are few abrupt changes in funding, either by agency or by
category, with the possible exception of a new Army project on impulse
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CHAPTER II
NOISE EFFECTS RESEARCH
The effects of noise were broken down into various categories by the first
Federal Interagency Noise Effects Research Panel, and for the sake of consistency
the same categories have been maintained in the present Panel's deliberations.
In those cases where slight changes were made in the titles of categories,
reference will be made to the previous title. In the present report a
category entitled "Human Response to Noise Concomitant with Vibration" was
added since there appears to be new activity in this area.
The purpose of the many research projects discussed in this report
is highly dependent upon the sponsoring agency's mission. However, in most
cases the agencies are concerned with the development of criteria on the
effects of various types of noise on humans or animals, with the eventual
application toward the setting of standards, regulations or guidelines,
the development of protective programs, the education of the public, or
in some cases, the hope of rehabilitation.
The following paragraphs will provide a description of the categories
and their component research topics, as they have been used by the
previous and present Panels.
1. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
This effect is the most widely researched, and the most well-
documented of the effects of noise. It is also the most important in the
sense that it is the nation's most prevalent occupationally-induced disease.
The primary focus of research has been occupational noise, but increasing
attention has been given to hearing loss resulting from non-occupational
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sources such as recreational pursuits, household products, and trans-
portation vehicles. Much of the expenditure in this area is directed
toward the description, mitigation and prevention of noise-induced
hearing loss among Federal agency personnel (such as the Department of
Defense).
The effects of 8-hour durations of moderate and high levels of
occupational noise have been fairly well documented. There is also a
growing body of information on longer durations, lower levels and various
temporal patterns (including impulsive noise), but many gaps in the
existing criteria need to be filled and many questions remain unanswered.
The present controversy over proposals for revision of the noise regulation
of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration makes more accurate
statistical description of the cause-effect criteria relatively mandatory.
Current research on noise-induced hearing loss may be divided into
laboratory and field projects. Considerable effort has been spent
studying the basic mechanisms of noise-induced hearing loss in the
laboratory. Microscopic sections of the inner ears of noise-exposed
animals are examined in order to elucidate the physical and chemical
process of cellular destruction. These studies sometimes include other
toxic agents such as drugs or chemicals, to examine the combined effect.
Since temporary threshold shift (TTS) is considered to be an indicator
of potential permanent threshold shift (PTS) after years of exposure,
controlled doses of continuous, intermittent and impulsive noise are
given to animals and sometimes humans, with TTS as the dependent variable.
TTS as well as various psychoacoustic measures are being tested as
possible indicators of susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss.
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Since hearing impairment adversely affects one's hearing for speech,
laboratory research is being conducted to determine the ability of
individuals with noise-induced hearing loss to understand speech.
Laboratory research is also being done to examine the protective
capabilities of ear plugs and ear muffs.
Field research has largely consisted of cross-sectional studies of
noise-exposed populations to determine the effects of various levels and
durations of noise on hearing, and to test the effectiveness of ear
protectors and hearing conservation programs. A longitudinal study of
the development of normal hearing (and in some cases hearing loss) among
children has recently been instituted.
2. Non-Auditory Health Effects
This category consists of the physiological effects of noise other
than hearing damage. Although this area has been given considerable
attention in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union, relatively little
research has been conducted in the U.S.
It is currently believed that noise acts as a biological stressor,
producing and/or contributing to effects on the body that are typical of
the so-called "stress diseases" (hypertension, ulcers, migraine headache,
etc.). Transient effects, such as temporary rise of blood pressure or
heart rate, have been produced in the laboratory, but these effects have
not been thoroughly quantified, nor is it proven whether or not they
become chronic after protracted exposure.
Laboratory studies in this area attempt to describe the relationship
between noise exposure and various physiological parameters such as
II-3
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blood pressure, heart rate, hormonal secretion, and vestibular changes,
both in animals and in humans. Limited research is being done on the
effects of noise on the fetus in mammals, and also on the potentially
damaging effects of infrasound on body organs. Epidemiological field
studies are unfortunately very limited in Western countries and practically
missing in the U.S.
3. Psychological and Performance Effects
The previous Panel referred to this category as "Individual Behavior
Effects", but the present Panel preferred the above title as being
somewhat more comprehensive. This area includes human reactions to
noise as measured by verbal (and sometimes non-verbal) and behavioral
responses. It includes the effects of noise on job performance. It may
include subconscious or even automatic as well as conscious reactions to
noise. Much of this research is conducted in the laboratory, but some
studies, such as the effects of noise on job performance, are conducted
in the field.
Research over recent years has shown that noise can disrupt the
activities of daily life by degrading the performance of certain tasks.
These performance degradations can sometimes lead to accidents, injuries
and job inefficiency. The amount of degradation is related to the type
and sensitivity of the task, the level and temporal nature of the noise,
and the presence or absence of other stressors. Some tasks appear to be
impervious to noise. An example of noise-induced performance degradation
is the adverse effect of noise on teaching and learning behavior. Noise
can also be a disruptive force in daily life because of its annoying or
II-4
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aversive properties, which can result in tension, anxiety and in some
cases, antisocial behavior. Although these effects are fairly well
documented, criteria in this area are far from complete.
Current research in this area involves laboratory and field studies
of human reaction to levels, durations, spectral qualities and cognitive
components of various noises. The studies include the effects of noise
on task performance, and on physical, social, and mental behavior. They
also include annoyance or aversiveness ratings of noise from various
sources, such as highways and aircraft, and various types of noise such
as impulsive noise and sonic boom.
4. Noise Effects on Sleep
Noise can disrupt sleep by causing individuals to awaken, or it can
degrade the quality of sleep by causing them to shift into a lighter
stage of sleep. While noise-induced sleep disruption is an annoying and
prevalent occurance, the levels that produce awakening or changes in the
quality of sleep appear to vary widely among individuals. Also, information
is lacking on the after effects or consequences of noise-induced sleep
disruption in terms of job performance, and degradation of health and
well-being.
Recent research in this area is very limited. It includes a correla-
tional analysis of existing sleep research data, and the effects of
aircraft and traffic noise on sleep. The relation between noise and
sleep quantity and quality, job performance and medical complaints is
being studied in military environments.
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5. Communication Interference
This category Is primarily concerned with the effects of noise on
speech communication but also includes the masking by noise of warning
signals and other sounds necessary for the safe and efficient conduct of
daily activities.
Speech communication can be extremely difficult in backgrounds of
moderate to high noise level. Adequate communication environments can
be important for formal education in schools, occupational efficiency,
family life patterns, and quality of relaxation. Criteria for speech
interference are fairly well defined, but traditionally have been based
on speech generated in outdoor environments and perceived by individuals
with normal hearing.
Much of the research in this area deals with requirements for
adequate verbal communication in military and civilian aircraft and
related activities. Studies are being conducted to determine the inter-
fering aspects of noise on speech discrimination abilities of hearing-
impaired as well as normal-hearing individuals. Research projects also
include the determination of normal vocal effort in everyday noise
backgrounds, and the development of noise criteria for various types of
rooms and buildings.
6. Community or Collective Response
Studies in this category are directed toward the reaction of residential
populations to noise environments in general and to certain noise
sources in particular. They usually involve the administration of
surveys or questionnaires, which are conducted in the field rather than
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the laboratory. Community reaction to noise may take a variety of
forms, ranging from mild dissatisfaction with the neighborhood to complaints,
threats, and organized legal action. Most of the surveys to date have
dealt with aircraft and traffic noise, and results have usually been
assessed in terms of numbers of people who report that they are highly
annoyed or who are actively complaining.
Current research projects involve the development of a more sensitive
and comprehensive method of evaluating the impact of noise on the community,
extension of social surveys to neighborhoods impacted by sources other
than aircraft noise, the assessment of the social and economic impact of
noise, and the development and validation of guidelines for environmental
impact statements.
7. Effects of Noise on Domestic Animals and Wildlife
In general, noise can have the same type of effects on animals as
it does on humans. Since laboratory animals (such as rats, chinchillas,
and monkeys) are almost always used as human surrogates, projects to
study the effects of noise on these animals are discussed under the
various preceeding categories. Of interest here are possible effects on
farm animals which include changes in size, weight, reproductivity, and
behavior. Effects of noise on wild animals may include changes in
mating behavior, predator-prey relationships, and territorial behavior.
There is fairly little ongoing research in this area, with most of
the projects directed toward the effects of noise on farm animals. One
study entails a review of noise effects criteria in various species of
wild and domestic animals.
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8 . Noise Environment Determination
The title for this category used by the previous Panel was "Measurement
Methodology and Calibration". Since the category has been broadened to
include noise exposure characterization the present title was selected.
Although the determination or description of noise environments is
not strictly the assessment of a noise effect, it is a necessary step
toward developing adequate criteria in all of the various categories.
For example, before assessing the total impact of noise on the American
population, the extent of the exposure problem must be quantified in
terms of numbers of people exposed to various levels and durations of
noise. In order to make these kinds of assessments and to use them in a
meaningful way, standardized measurement techniques, instrumentaton,
calibration procedures and rating schemes must be developed.
While the noise environment has been fairly well defined in many
industrial and military settings, information is lacking on the noise
exposure of the general public. Instrumentation for the measurement of
noise exposure has become more sophisticated with the advent of integrating
sound level meters and personally worn "dosimeters'1, the accuracy and
versatility of which are still being refined. Computerized audiometric
testing and calibration techniques have also been developed over recent
years.
Current research projects in this category include the development
and validation of sound level meters and dosimeters for specific measurement
purposes, improvement of standard measurement techniques, and measurement
of particular occupational environments.
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9. Human Response to Noise Concomitant with Vibration
This is a new category to accommodate a small but growing body of
research on the continued effects of noise and vibration generated by
certain noise sources, such as aircraft and highways.
It has been determined that the annoyance, discomfort, and sometimes
fear that is caused by noise sources is due, at least in part, to the
vibration that is also generated from these sources. The relative
contributions of the noise and vibration need to be assessed in order
to derive criteria for the combined exposure conditions, and to mitigate
the adverse effects.
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CHAPTER III
NOISE RESEARCH PROGRAMS OF THE
VARIOUS FEDERAL AGENCIES
Introduction
In order to present information on the perspectives of the various
agencies on noise research, the following sections briefly summarize for
each agency the general agency mission, the role of noise effects research
in that mission, and current emphases in noise effects research. These
narratives are followed by tables providing at-a-glance information on
funding of noise effects research by category. In some cases one research
project was concerned with more than one category, such as hearing loss,
speech communication and calibration of instrumentation. For the sake of
simplicity, these projects were "force-fit" into the category where the
major emphasis seemed to be. In cases where it appeared that research
efforts were evenly divided among categories, the funding levels were
distributed accordingly.
Agencies
Department of Agriculture
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Department of Commerce (National Bureau of Standards)
Department of Defense (Air Force, Army, Navy)
Environmental Protection Agency (Office of Noise Abatement &
Control, Office of Research & Development)
Energy Research and Development Agency
Department of Health, Education and Welfare (National Institute
of Child Health & Human Development, National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences, National Institute of Neurological,
and Communicative Diseases and Stroke, National Institute
of Occupational Safety and Health)
Department of Interior (Bureau of Mines, Bureau of Reclamation,
Mining Enforcement & Safety Administration)
Department of Labor (Occupational Safety & Health Administration)
National Academy of Sciences
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
National Science Foundation
Department of Transportation
Veterans Administration
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The types of general missions of agencies represented on the Panel
vary. Of the 23 organizational entities represented on the Panel, 18
are involved with research, 7 have regulatory responsibilities and at
least half administer programs (in areas like transportation, health and
welfare, national security, etc.) Of these at least seven combine all
three types of missions.
Turning to the question of the major way or ways in which noise effects
research supports agency missions, protection of the hearing of the American
people is a major concern. A query was directed to Panel members: How does
noise effects research fit into your agency's general mission?" Responses
could be sorted into the following categories:
No. of Responses
Protection of hearing of the general
public, including work force 1^
Protection of general public
from annoyance due to noise 9
Direct support of regulatory development 7
Protection of general public from noise
from agency facilities 5
Hearing protection for own employees 3
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
The Department of Agriculture is directed by law to acquire and
disseminate information on agricultural matters and also to engage
in research, conservation, and regulation in agricultural areas.
Most of USDA's noise effects related research is supported by the
Federal grants program of the Cooperative State Research Service.
Current areas of emphasis are hearing conservation programs for agricultural
workers, and the effects of noise on farm animals.
Yenc
Fiirtdlnp,
(51000)
TOTALS ($1000)
75 76 77
10
100
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Noise-Induced Non-Auditory Psychological Noise F.fCecta Communication Community Domestic Noise Hoiae
Hearing Losa Health & Performance on Sleep Interference or Collective Animals Environment Concomitant
Effects Effects Response & Wildlife Deterwination*'1'1* Vibration
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
III-3
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
The National Bureau of Standards
The mission of the National Bureau of Standards is to advance the
nation's science and technology and promote their effective application
for the public benefit. NBS is responsible for the standardization of
physical measurement systems, and conducts research to improve materials
for technological application.
The main objective of the Bureau's noise effects research is to
establish a psychoacoustical basis for noise measurement by identifying
and quantifying human adverse response to noise. Current areas of
emphasis are development of noise criteria for communities, for buildings
and room noise, and noise isolation requirements for building partitions
and exterior walls. In addition to its own program NBS is performing
the following work for other government agencies: a study on highway
noise criteria for DOT; development of noise criteria for buildings,
household appliances, and consumer products for EPA; and criteria for
transmission line noise for ERDA.
FiSMl
300H
Vcac
Funding TOTALS ($1000)
($1000)
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liO-
100-
50-
M
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75 76 77
202 335 258
1
Noise-Jnduced Non-Auditory Psychological No lee Effects Communication. Community Moment Jc Noise Noise
Hearing Loss Health & Performance on Sleep Interference or Collective Animals Environment Concomitant
Effects Effects RcRponne & WiJdlife Determination vlth Vibration
NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS
1 1 1-4
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CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is directed to:
o protect the public against unreasonable risks of injury
associated with consumer products;
o assist consumers to evaluate the comparative safety of
consumer products;
o develop uniform safety standards for consumer products and
minimize conflicting state and local regulations; and
o promote research and investigation into the causes and
prevention of product-related deaths, illnesses and
injuries.
Fiscal
Year
Funding
(51000)
35(1
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25O
20C-
150-
100"
50-
The Consumer Product Safety Act of 1972 and previous legislation
constitute the Commission's mandate. The Commission issues mandatory
safety standards and can ban hazardous consumer products. Part of its
mission is the acquisition of information on noise effects associated with
consumer productG, sufficient for regulatory purposes.
TOTALS ($1000)
75 . 76 7J_
36
Noise-Induced Non-Auditory Psychological Noise Effects Ct.nraunlcat lull Community Domestic Noise ^^
Hearing Loss Health 4 Performance on Sleep Interference or Collective Animals Environment concom
Effects Effects Response & Wildlife Determination «t«<
CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - Air Force, Army, Navy
The noise-effects research of DOD is directed to support mission needs including
protecting the hearing and health of military personnel, insuring the performance
capability and mission effectiveness of personnel in noise and combined noise and
stress environments, and reducing the impact of peace-time military operations on
the surrounding communities.
Air Force
Air Force biological acoustics research is primarily conducted in the
research facilities of the Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson
AFB, Ohio. The Air Force hearing conservation program and related studies are the
responsibility of the School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks AFB, Texas. Both labor-
atories are under the Aerospace Medical Division, Air Force Systems Command.
Particular noise-related research emphases of the Air Force include: effects
of long-duration continuous noise exposure, effects of high level and impulse noise,
assessment of hearing conservation programs, ear protector evaluation, effects of
aircraft noise on communications, and noise and vibration exposure criteria. Both
in-house and contract studies are being performed.
Fiscal
Funding
(510001
450
350-
300
100-
50-
TOTALS ($1000)
75 76 77
333
630
694
•JLL
W1 U1
11
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Noise-Induced Hun-Auditory Psychological Noise Effects Communication Community Donestlc Noise Noise
Hearing Loss Health & Performance oil Sleep Interference or Collective Animals Environment Concomitant
Effects Effects Response S Wildlife Determination with Vibration
AIR FORCE
III-6
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Klsc.il
Year
Funding
($11)00)
500-
450.
400.
350-
300-
2iO-
200-
150-
ino-
Army
Research on the effects of noise is being performed at the Human
Engineering Laboratory at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md., the Construction
Engineering Research Laboratory, Champaign, 111., and the Army Aeromedical
Research Laboratory at Fort Rucker, Ala. The Army Environmental Hygiene
Agency at Aberdeen Proving Grounds evaluates the environmental impact of
noise on the community, and manages the Army's hearing conservation program,
but they classify their work as statistical analysis rather than research,
and it has not been reported for this reason. Noise effects research at
the Human Engineering Research Laboratory and the Aeromedical Research
Laboratory has dealt with the development of criteria for prevention of
hearing loss, particularly due to impulsive noise, testing and refinement
of ear protection, and criteria for adequate speech communication. The
Construction Engineering Laboratory is primarily concerned with the
propagation of noise, and is currently studying the impact of blast noise
and steady-state noise on the community.
TOTALS ($1000)
75 76 77
345
676
82-5
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.1 O
I
NoLae-Induced Non-Auditory I'aycliolunlcal Noise Effects Communication Community Domestic Noise
Hearing I.OB> Health 4 Performance on Sleep Interference or Collective AnLmalo environment
EfCects Etfectn Response & Wildlife Decermin.iLion'
ARMY
III-7
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600-
550-
5 00--
Navy
Research and development areas receiving emphasis by the Navy
during the current reporting period include: 1. the assessment and
quantification of auditory and non-auditory risks associated with noise
exposure in naval environments; 2. the optimization of personnel
performance in high intensity acoustic environments; 3. the development
of damage risk criteria for special military environments.
330'
300-
200-
150-
100-
30-
riaeal.
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fund IBS
(51000)
C4 ft
O
;
a
ll.
TOTALS (31000)
75 76 77
504 605 429
a
3
-
1
Noiia-IaduceJ Non-Auditory Paychological Holaa Effect* Coinaunlc«tion Coocunity Domestic llaiae tala
Hearing Lot* Health I Parfomanc* on Sleep Interference or Collective Aj»Iajl» . Savironnenc cl£aHf>t
Effects Effect* Response! & Wildlife Oeceraioatloo »i«-litt"to
NAVY
iii-e
-------
Fiscal
Year
Funding
(51000)
550
500
4501
sse
300.
25(f
locr
ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
ERDA was established in 1975 to consolidate under one agency activities
relating to the research and development of various sources of energy.
Its broad mandate is to "develop, and increase the efficiency and reliability
of use of all energy sources to meet the needs of present and future
generations...".
ERDA's limited noise effects research activities relate to its
responsibility to enhance environmental quality while protecting the
public's health and safety. Presently, there is one active project to
develop criteria for adverse response to transmission line noise.
TOTALS ($1000)
"75 76 77
165
143
ll
Nolee-Induced Non-Auditory Psychological Noise Effects Communication Community Domestic Noise IToiee
Hearing Loss Health 4 Performance on Sleep Interference or Collective Animals F-nvlroncoent Concomitant
Effects Effects Response & Wildlife Determination vith Vibration
ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
III-9
-------
175-|
.'50
125
100 -
75 -
50 -
23,
Fiscal
Yeac
Funding
(?1000)
\
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
The Noise Control Act of 1972 mandates the Environmental Protection
Agency to conduct and support financially research on noise, including
the psychological and physiological effects of noise on humans and
animals in order to determine acceptable levels of noise. The objective
is to collect and evaluate health effects information for the development
of noise regulating criteria, the provision of technical assistance to
State and local governments and the dissemination of public information.
Under the Act, EPA also issues product noise emissions regulations,
coordinates the programs of all Federal agencies relating to noise
research and noise control, and is required from time to time to review,
revise or supplement its previously published criteria and reports.
Specific research emphases now include: the investigation of the
cardiovascular effects of noise, investigation of the relationship
between annoyance and intrusiveness and assessments of the impact of
household and consumer product noise.
TOTALS ($1000)
75 76 77
190
230
349
o 3
O
11
!/•»
*O
Ji
NoLae-
Hearlii
Induced
g Losn
irt vo r» i/i «o r-- u~v \o r-. to vo r-*
Non-Auditory Psychologicar Noise Effects Connnunication
Health & Performance on Sleep Interference
Effects Effects
Community
or Collective
Response
Domestic
AnUmls
& Wildlife
Noise
Environment
Determiiifit ion
r- r-
Nolsi
CODCC
vlth
mitant
Vibration
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
111-10
-------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH EDUCATION AND WELFARE
National Institutes of Health
The mission of National Institutes of Health is to improve the
health of the American people through biomedical research.
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHED)
The Institute conducts and supports biomedical and behavioral
research on child and maternal health.
One study concerning the detection of auditory damage in the neonate
was reported from NICHHD.
F.scnl
Vr.ar
Funding
(5.1000)
450
350-
250-
200-
150-
100-
50-
TOTALS ($1000)
75 76 77
48
61
\D
ll
Hearing LOBS
Noise-Induced Non-Auditory Psychological Noise Effecte Communication Coranunity Domestic Noise Boise
Health & Performance on Sleep Interference or Collective Animals Environment Concomitant
Effects Effects Response & Wildlife Petcrnlnatloa vita Vibration
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
III-ll
-------
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NiEHS)
The Institute conducts and supports fundamental research concerned
with defining, measuring, and understanding the effects of chemical,
biological, and physical factors in the environment on human health and
well-being.
The general objectives of the NIEHS noise effects program are to
increase understanding of the process by which noise damages the physio-
logical, mechanical, biochemical and electroneural mechanisms of the ear
and other parts of the body. The program also includes the identi-
fication of environmental agents that produce this damage, and the
quantification of expected amounts of damage.
Two areas of noise effects research are currently emphasized:
1. Determining non-auditory (cardiovascular, teratogenic)
effects of noise exposure.
2. Increasing understanding of noise and ototoxic agent
effect(s) on the physiology and biochemistry of tha inner
ear particularly regarding responses to complex sounds in
realistic background noise levels.
30i>
250
200
1,C-
ico-
50"
1 I i* i,.l L
Ye.-.r
Knnfl Lnn
3 s
o
ISO
ii
75 76 77
145 203 319
NoUe-tnduceil Mon-Audltorr Psychological Hotae Eff»ct-l Ccwmiunle.itloo Comunlty Domasclc Nnlse Soilf
Hourly Ijjsa Health 4 Pcrformnnro oa Sleep InLcrfurence or Collective Auim.iln KavtrnnmeiiC Concomitant
Effects Elfecta Response iUlldllCe Determlnacloo vith Tlbcitlr
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES
111-12
-------
Fiscal
V««r
Funding
(51UOO)
350-
300-
250
200
150-
100-
50-
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
The Institute serves as the principal agency for the study of
behavioral science and the cultural and social problems related to
mental health.
NIMH reported one recently completed study that investigated
emotional and behavioral responses of community residents to highway
construction noise.
TOTALS ($1000)
7J 7_6 77_
35
v> \o f~ vtv^r- m >o f* *n df> irt «o »•» m>0r~ art >o j— m>^
Noi0e~(nduced Hon-Auditory FsychalogicaL Holae Effects Connunlcatlon CoanuuiCx Dcwesclc Haiia MOIB
Netting LOBB •. Hfalth & Perfonaancu on Sleep Interference or Collective Anlaalc Euvlron»*nt Conc
Ed.ct" It tret* Re.pon.e i Wildlife Determlnltlan vlth
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH
National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Diseases and Stroke (HINCDS)
NINCDS conducts and supports research on neurological and sensory
disorders, including Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis,
muscular dystrophy, head and spinal cord injuries, stroke, deafness and
other communicative disorders.
Its noise effects research focuses on the effects of noise on the
auditory system. Current research covers a wide range of topics such as
I11-13
-------
1600 _,
1500
1'iUU
Fiscal
Year
Funding
($1000)
susceptibility to hearing loss, the relationship of temporary threshold
shift to permanent threshold shift, cochlear and vestibular effects, and
duration/intensity functions. Many projects deal with normal and abnormal
physiology of the ear, and the mechanism of damage caused by noise of
various spectral and temporal characteristics.
1100 _
1000 -
900 _
800 _
500-
300 .
200.
100 _
TOTALS ($1000)_
75 76 77
1150
1559
1427*
II
Noise-Induced Non-AutUtory Psychological Noise Effects Communication Community Domestic Noise Kol«
Hearing Loss Health 4 Performance an Sleep Interference or Collective Anitnalj Environment c=r,c«it.nt
Effects Effects Response 4 Wildlife Determination vlt" '"""""
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL AND COMMUNICATIVE DISEASES
AND STROKE
* Some of the NINCDS projects cover more than noise effects alone. Therefore,
the funding data for these projects may overestimate actual monies spent
for research solely on noise effects.
111-14
-------
Fiscal
Year
Funding
($1000)
5011 -
450
400-
350-
300.
250
280
150.
100-
Center for Disease Control
National Institute for Occupational Safety and HeaLth ^NIOSH)
The National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety is directed
to perform research leading to criteria for safe and healthful workplace
conditions by authority of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of
1970 and the Federal Coal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1969. Noise is
one of the many agents investigated for deleterious effects on health
and safety.
NIOSH has conducted numerous field and laboratory studies to determine
the relationship between workplace noise of various intensities and
durations to the incidence and magnitude of hearing loss.
Current research emphasizes criteria for impulsive and intermittent
noise. Hearing conservation measures including ear protective devices
are also being evaluated.
TOTALS ($1000)
73 76 77
606
470
328
-------
DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR
Bureau of Mines, Bureau of Reclamation,
Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration
The primary responsibility of the Department of Interior is the
management, conservation and development of the nation's natural
resources, including Federal lands and trust lands, fish and wildlife,
water, fuel and minerals.
The noise effects research being undertaken by the Department of
Interior is mainly directed towards hearing conservation for miners in
compliance with the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 and
the Federal Metal and Non-Metallic Mine Safety Act of 1966- These Acts
led to establishment of mandatory standards prescribing maximum noise
exposure levels for underground and surface mines.
Bureau of Mines
The mission of the Bureau of Mines is to assure the viability of
the domestic minerals and materials economy in ways that best protect
the public interest.
The Bureau's noise program supports compliance with noise exposure
standards for miners. Most of the effort is focused on the development
and implementation of noise abatement technology to reduce noise levels
without seriously impairing production. Some work has been done on the
development of instrumentation and personal hearing protection.
111-16
-------
Year
Rinding
($1000)
350.
300-
250-
200-
150-
50-
TOTALS ($1000)
75 76 . 77
98 44
sfl
I
ft vO
Flscol
Vrar
($1000)
JSfr
250-
150-
5G-
Noise-Induced Non-Aoditory Psychological Noise Effects Corammlcation Cotmnmlty Domestic Noise Noise
Sla.lrlnR Loss Health & rerfnnmmco on Sleep TnlPrferoncc or Collectlite Aninulls Envtroiment Conconltant
Elfects Effects Response & Wildlife Determination with Vibration
BUREAU OF MINES
Bureau of Reclamation
The Bureau of Reclamation is responsible for the development and
operation of water works for the reclamation of arid and semi-arid lands
in western states. The Bureau has one study related to the effects of
noise entitled, "Noise Abatement in Substations."
,TOTALS ($1000)
75 76 77
Holse-lwJuced (ton-Auditory Psychological Noise Effects Coonunlcatlon ixjraunity Domestic Noise Boise
»te.rlmt loss Health S, rcrfotnance on Sleep Interference or Collective Aninals Environment Concomitant
™8 Effects ElfKts Response S Wildlife Dcteralnatlo., with Vibration
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
111-17
-------
fiscal
350..
Year
300
250-
200 -
150-
100-
50-
Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration
MESA is responsible for the development and enforcement of regulations
to protect the health and safety of miners. As part of its general
mission, noise development activities are conducted which involve the
effects of noise on miners. MESA is also responsible for the implementation
of noise abatement procedures. Current noise effects projects include
calibration procedures for dosimeters and sound level meters, evaluation
of ear protectors, and noise environment determination.
In accord with the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, (Public
Law 95-164) effective March 9, 1978, the Mining Enforcement and Safety
Administration will become the Mine Safety and Health Administration and
be transferred to the Department of Labor.
Funding TOTALS ($1000)
(51000)
_75 7_6 77_
7 12 31
—JL
Nolse-Tnduced Non-Auditory Psychological Noise Effects Communication Community Domestic Noise Ko,(!e
Hearing Loos Health & Performance on Sleep Interference or Collective Animals Environment cosc
Effects Effects .Response J, Wildlife Determination «"-
MINING ENFORCEMENT AND SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
111-18
-------
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was established
in 1970 to develop, promulgate and enforce occupational health and
safety standards and regulations. In 1971 OSHA issued an occupational
noise exposure standard. Although OSHA did not report any noise effects
research, a representative was included on the panel because of OSHA's
important regulatory role, and reliance on research for criteria to set
standards.
HI-19
-------
150 -
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
The mission of the National Academy of Sciences is to stimulate
scientific research and its application to the public welfare. The
Academy brings together a group of eminent scientists and engineers who
may be consulted by government agencies on matters of public policy.
Within the last three years one noise-related research project was
sponsored by the Transportation Research Board of the National Research
Board of the Academy concerning the development of a model to determine
the economic impact of traffic noise.
Fiscal
Yoor
FundlnB TOTALS ($1000)
($10(10)
75 76 77
100
O
o
H
Noise-Induced Non-Auditory Psychological Noise EEieccg Communication. Community Domestic Molse a ^
Hearing Loes Health & Performance on Sleep Interference oc Collective Animals Environment Concomitant'
Effects Effects Response & Wildlife Determination with Vibration
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
111-20
-------
J',0-
JOO
(SJOOD)
15f) -
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration conducts research
related to the problems of flight, develops and tests aeronautical and
space vehicles, and conducts the nation's space exploration program.
NASA's noise effects research program is located at the Langley
Research Center in Virginia. Both in-house and contract studies are
being performed. Laboratory and field studies investigate community
annoyance and adverse subjective responses caused by aircraft noise, and
the combination of noise and vibration.
TOTALS ($1000)
75 76 77
514
825
II
O O c:
111
i^-^r- r^^i~ r- r. r- ,-,,,„ .-.,
Noise-induced Non-Auditory Psychological Noise Effects Communication (mmnuulty Domestic j^" ™",.L,.at
u"ri-L°" sss. ip"."::;rQ °"S!ccp """rfQre"ce or«::lve t'Sn. ^:::;:;:';u,,~
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
111-21
-------
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
The National Science Foundation was established in 1950 to stimulate
scientific research, to promote international cooperation through science
and to help develop science education programs. The NSF initiates and
supports fundamental and applied research in all scientific disciplines.
Noise effects research projects currently funded hy NSF include
investigations of the effects of noise and aging on cochlear physiology,
and the relationship between noise levels in the home and the classroom
on the health and behavior of children.
350-
300-
250-
50-
Year
Funding
($1000)
TOTALS ($1000)
75 76 77
49 125
1L L
HolEO-Induced Non-Auil 1tory Psychological Noise Effects Communication Connunity Domestic Noise Noise
Hearing LOBS lle.ilth S Performance on Sleep Interference or Collective Animals Environment Concomitant
Effects Effects Response & Ullilllfe Determination with Vibration
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
111-22
-------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Fiscal
Tear
Funding
(51000)
JOO-r
450
050''
3CO--
2iO"
200-
150--
100-
30-
The Department of Transportation's mission is to assure the coordinated,
effective administration of the transportation programs of the Federal
government, and to develop national transportation policies and procedures
conducive to the provision of safe, fast, efficient and convenient
transportation.
DOT's noise effects research is concerned with assessing the impact
of transportation noise on the public and on vehicle operators. Principle
noise effects research projects in 1977-"/8 include a study for improving
noise descriptors'* for human response to time-varying traffic noise and
an evaluation of descriptors for perceived noisiness for use in conjunction
with aircraft noise certification. In addition, there are current projects
in communication interference (effects of noise in aircraft cockpits)
and in community or collective response (Concorde opinion surveys;
feasibility of a personal noise exposure index for use in community
response studies).
i
TOTALS ($1000)
75 76 77
120
313
571
o
1
Noise-Induced Nod-Auditory Psychological Noise Effecta Cocuaunic* t ion Community Domestic Noise
Hearing Loss Health I Performiinc* on Sleep Interference or Collective Ajiimnls . Environment
Effect* Effects Response 4 VllJlife Determination
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
111-23
Noise
Conconitant
"ith VibraUo-
-------
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
The Veterans Administration administers laws covering a wide range
of benefits for former members, and dependents and beneficiaries of
deceased members, of the Armed Forces. The VA includes a health care
system of more than 170 hospitals and 200 clinics.
The VA's noise-related research program provides support to its
Audiologic Service, whose duties are the diagnosis and rehabilitation of
Veterans' hearing problems, and the determination of disability claims.
Current noise-related research includes investigations of the interaction
of noise and antibiotic drugs, loudness discomfort levels, and the
effects of noise on the communication abilities of hearing-impaired
people.
350" •
TOTALS ($1000)
300
250 •
200
150
100-
50-
75 76 77
54 208 191
U~
iii
Noise-Induced Non-Auditory Psychological Noise Effect* Communication Community Domestic Hoiae Koine
Hearing Loss Health t Performance on Sleep Interference or Collective Anlnals Environment Concomitant
Effect* Effects Response & Wildlife Deteninatloa «lth Vibration
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
111-24
-------
CHAPTER IV
SUMMARY TABLES AND COMPARISONS
WITH PREVIOUS PANEL'S FINDINGS
In this chapter summary tables and graphs will be presented, which
show funding levels for noise effects research by category and by agency.
The figures represent total expenditures over the fiscal years 1975, 1976
and 1977, of the individual agencies listed in Chapter III. Also presented
are the annual funding levels identified by the First Federal Noise Effects
Panel compared to the annual funding levels identified by the Second Panel.
The First Panel's identified research topics in need of additional emphasis
will be listed and brief statements will be made as to the extent that
current research projects address these topics.
Funding by Category
Table 1 gives funding levels for fiscal years 1975, 1976, 1977, and
1978 estimates for each noise research category. Figure 1 portrays the
same information graphically. It appears that there was slightly more
funding in FY 77 than in previous years, but the trend is not consistent
in each category. Noise-induced hearing loss received considerably more
funds than the other areas.
Funding by Agency
Table 2 shows funding levels for fiscal years 1975, 1976, 1977, and
1978 estimates for noise effects research according to agency. Figure 2
gives the same information graphically. It can be seen that the Department
of Defense and two of the agencies within the Department of Health,
Education and Welfare (NINCDS and to a less extent NIOSH) provide most
IV-1
-------
Table 1
NOISE EFFECTS RESEARCH FUNDING BY CATEGORY
(In Thousands of Dollars)
Category
Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Non-Auditory Health Effects
Psychological & Performance Effects
Noise Effects on Sleep
CoiTMiunication Interference
Community Collective Response
Domestic Animals & Wildlife
Noise Environment Determination
Noise Concomitant with Vibration
TOTALS
FY 75
2,300
213
776
81
336
235
51
261
174
4,427
FY 76*
3,563
101
1,143
117
482
330
83
445
279
6,543
FY 77
3,385
179
1,344
130
616
361
17
330
205
6,567
3 YEAR
TOTALS
9,248
493
3,263
328
1,434
926
151
1,036
658
17,537
EST.
FY 78
4,116
226
,1,12J7_
130
394
347
655
375
7,385
^Includes transition1 quarter funding.
IV-2
-------
Table 2
NOISE EFFECTS RESEARCH FUNDING BY AGENCY
(In Thousands of Dollars)
A g o n c y
Department of Agriculture
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Department of Commerce (MBS)
Department of Defense (AF)
(Army)
(Navy)
Environmental Protection
Agency COK-Ar) Cnrcnl
Energy Research and Development
Administration
Department of Health, Education,
and Welfare (KICI1KD)'
(NIE1IS)
(NIMH)
(NINCDS)
(NIOSH)
Department of Interior (BOM , BOR , MESA)
National Academy of Sciences
National Aeronautics and Safety
Administration
National Science Foundation
Department of Transportation
Veterans Administration
TOTALS
FY 75
10
0
202
333
345
504
190
45
0
145
0
1,150
606
109
100
514
0
120
54
4,427
FY 76 *
100
36
335
630
676
605
230
165
48
203
35
1,559
470
56
0
825
49
313
208
6,543
FY 77
2
0
258
694
825
429
349
143
61
33 9
0
1,427
328
31
0
814
125
571
191
6, 567
3 YKAR
TOTALS
112
36
795
1,657
1,846
1,538
769
353
109
667
35
4,136
1,404
196
100
2,153
150
1,004
453
17, 537
* Includes transition quarter funding.
Es t.
FY 78
247
795
2, 210
429
350
143
202
1,426
247
89
740
72
250
185
7 .385
IV-3
-------
3, 500, 000 .
3, 000, 000 -
2, SOO, 000 -
2,000, 000
J, 500, 000
1, 00(1, 000
FIGURE 1
NOISE EFFECTS RESEARCH
FUNDING BY CATEGORY FOR FISCAL YEARS
1975, 1976 and 1977
75 76 77
Non-Audilury
Health Effects
75 76 77
PsycholOKical C
75 76
Noise
-------
3, 2(Ki, OO'l
^, NK>, OfHJ
?, nor), IX"
1 ('(Ml (TOO
t
Ln
FIGURE 2
NOISE EFFECTS RESEARCH
'FUNDING BY AGENCY FOR FISCAL YEARS
1975, 1976 and 1977
C K fc 13 g fc R R fc
DOE) EWD DOD
(AH (Amiy) (N«T)
p s fc
HEW nr.w
(Nianiti) (UHIISI
HEW
(NIMH)
H 5
rst : s r.
flTiW HT.W
(HINLEKI (HIOSHI
Jl
3
I"
RSI: R i» t R ',". '<- K E l:
HAS NASA HSF DO!
Jl
!-' i? Cr
-------
of the funding for noise effects research. The National Aeronautics
and Space Administration and the Department of Transportation are also
significant contributors, while the other agencies (including the Environ-
mental Protection Agency) contribute relatively small amounts.
Comparison with Previous Panel's Findings on Funding
Table 3 shows annual funding levels by category identified by the
First and Second Federal Noise Effects Research Panels. The numbers
represent the mean of three fiscal years in each case. It appears that
considerably more money was spent on noise effects research (approximately
$2 million) during the second period than during the first. One explanation
might be that the Noise Control Act and increasing public awareness have provided
a stimulus for several agencies to embark on needed research. Another might
be that the Second Panel's reporting was somewhat more complete than that
of the First Panel. This possibility is evident on inspection of Table 4,
where quite a few more agencies are included in the second period than
in the first. It is also evident that the largest sources of funds (DOD
and NINCDS) have considerably increased their funding levels between the
first and second periods.
Three categories in Table 3 deserve explanation: First, the large
increase in funding in the category "Psychological and Performance Effects"
is probably due in part to the change in title. The previous Panel had
entitled it "Individual Behavior Effects". By changing its title and
broadening its scope, the category probably took in projects that would
have been categorized under "Community and Collective Response" by the
IV-6
-------
Table 3
Trends in Funding by Category
COMPARISON OF NOISE EFFECTS RESEARCH FUNDING BY
CATEGORY REPORTED BY FIRST AND SECOND PANELS
(In Thousands of Dollars)
Category
Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Non-Auditory Health Effects
Psychological & Performance Effects
Noise Effects on Sleep
Communication Interference
Community Collective Response
Domestic Animals & Wildlife
Noise Environment Determination
Noise Concomitant with Vibration
TOTALS
FY 73 - FY 75
(mean)
1,391
161
276
147
309
626
0
1,076
(new category)
3,986
FY 75 - FY 77
(mean)
3,082
164
1,088
109
478
309
50
338
219
5, 837
IV-7
-------
Table 4
Trends in Funding by Agency
COMPARISON OF NOISE EFFECTS RESEARCH FUNDING BY
AGENCY REPORTED BY FIRST AND SECOND PANELS
(In Thousands of Dollars)
Ag ency
Department of Agriculture
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Department of Commerce (NBS)
Department of Defense (AF, Army, Navy)
1 ( OR-0 ,
Environmental Protection Agency riM^rY
Energy Research and Development
Admin is t rat ion
Department of Health, Education
and Welfare (NICHHD)
(NIEHS)
(NIMH)
(NINCDS)
(NIOSH)
Department of Housing and Urban
Deve lopmen t
Department of Interior (BOM, BOR,MESA)
National Academy of Sciences
National Aeronautics and Space
Ad ministration
National Science Foundation
Department of Transportation
Veterans Administration
TOTALS *
FY 73 - FY_ 75
(mean)
FY 75 - FY 77
(mean)
(not r eoor t ed")
("not reported)
130.3
948
237
(not reported)
(not- reported)
216.3
(not rpnnrtpd)
768. 5
395
405
32
("ROM nnlyl
(not reported)
802
7
77
(not reported)
4,01 8
37
12
265
1,679
256
118
36
222
12
1,379
468
(not reported)
65
33
718
58
334
151
5,843
Totals differ .slightly from those of Table 3 because of rounding errors,
IV-8
-------
earlier Panel. Secondly, the apparent decrease in funding for the
"Community and Collective Response'1 category is due, at least in part,
to the same process. Thirdly, the decrease in funding in the "Noise
Environment Determination" category is largely due to the termination of
a large study by NASA to characterize noise from V/STOL aircraft.
Consideration of Previous Panel's Recommendations
The following paragraphs will outline the research topics that were
identified by the First Noise Effects Research Panel as needing additional
emphasis. A brief statement will follow on the degree to which each of
these needs is currently being addressed by federal programs. The
implications of these statements should be interpreted with caution.
The fact that much of the Federal government's current research does not
directly apply to the First Panel's recommended areas of emphasis should
not be interpreted as a sign that such research is not important. Also,
the fact that research has in some cases been initiated that addresses
the First Panel's recommendations does not necessarily mean that the gap
is filled. In addition, it does not necessarily mean that present work
originated in response to the recommendations. Many data points are
usually needed in order to draw close-response curves.
IV-9
-------
Areas Identified by the First
Panel as Needing Additional
Emphasis
Related Current Federal Research Program
A. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
1. Longitudinal Studies of
Normal Hearing
2. Longitudinal Studies of Noise
Exposed Populations
3. Analysis of Cross-Sectional &
Retrospective Audiometric Data
from Known Occupational
Exposure
4. Definition and Quantification
of Presbycusis
5. Possible High-Risk and Suscep-
tible Populations
6. Social & Economic Impact of
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
B. Non-Auditory Health Effects
1. Non-Auditory Long-Term Health
Effects
a. Epidemiologic (physiolog-
ical and mental health)
b. Longitudinal Studies on
Subhuman Primates
A longitudinal study on normal hearing in children
initiated under the joint sponsorship of the Air
Force and EPA. Also, audiometric data are now
being recorded on normal-hearing as well as hearing-
impaired Air Force personnel.
Data on noise exposed populations are now being
recorded by the Air Force. However, it is not
considered feasible (or ethical) to collect long-
itudinal data on the effects of high levels of
noise on unprotected ears. Hence, studies must
be limited to examining the effectiveness of hearing
conservation programs.
NIOSH is currently funding a study on impulsive
noise in Poland, and is planning a study on inter-
mittent noise in the paperworking industry.
Some research in this area is being funded by
NINCDS, the VA, and the NSF.
A study to investigate susceptibility is currently
being funded by EPA, and a subpart of the NIOSH
study of paperworkers may include a susceptibility
parameter. The DOD continues to study the effects
of noise on military personnel in possible high-
risk conditions such as hyperbaric environments.
Some work on possible susceptibility of the fetus
to noise-induced hearing loss has been initiated by
the Air Force on conjunction with the EPA.
No federally sponsored research is being conducted
on this topic.
NIOSH has completed a contract study on the effects
of noise on absenteeism and accident rates in an
industrial population. This study was under way
during the meetings of the previous Panel.
EPA and NIEHS have recently funded a study on
protacted noise exposure and cardiovascular effects
in rhesus monkeys.
IV-10
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kreas Identified by the First Panel
is Needing Additional Emphasis
Related Current Federal Research Program
I, Health Effects of Impulse
Noise
3.
C.
1.
2.
3.
Health Effects of Infrasound
Ultrasound
Psychological and Performance
Effects
(formerly Individual Behavior
Effects)
Effects on Task Performance in
in Specific Environments
Pure-Tone and Time-Varying
Corrections for Annoyance
Evaluation
No federally sponsored research*.
Limited work in this area is being done by the Navy
to determine the effects of infrasound on lung tissue.
Effects of Noise in Learning
Situations
The NIOSH study on absenteeism and accident rates also
applies to the above topic in that accidents represent
performance decrements. The Air Force continues to
study the effects of noise, and the combined effects
of noise and vibration on task performance.
Studies in this area are being sponsored by a number of
agencies including EPA, NBS, NASA and DOT, but the
problems of tonal and durational corrections are not
always the primary focus. NASA is sponsoring a study
on the effects of duration on human response to aircraft
noise. NBS is performing (under DOT's sponsorship)
a study of human response to time-varying traffic noise.
The NSF is currently funding research on the effects of
noise in the classroom and in the home on the health
and performance of children.
4. Annoyance in Susceptible
Populations (e.g. hospital
environments)
5. Cognitive Components of
Annoying Noise
D. Noise Effects on Sleep
1. Chronic Sleep Interruption by
Noise
2. Sleep Interruptions on Special
Populations (ill, aged, etc.)
No federally sponsored research.
NASA is sponsoring a study to assess the effects of
fear and emotions on human response to aircraft noise.
Noise is one of the factors affecting sleep patterns
in a Navy-sponsored study that is exploring the
relationship between chronic sleep disruption and
job performance and medical complaints.
No Federally sponsored research.
* This finding predated the start of a large Army program on the auditory and non-
auditory effects of impulse noise.
IV-11
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Areas Identified by the First Panel
as Needing Additional Emphasis
Related Current Federal Research Program
E. Communication Interference
1.
2.
3.
4.
F.
1.
2.
3.
Everyday Speech Communication
in Real-Life Noise Situations
a. Various vocabularies
No federally sponsored research.
b. Various Populations (child- Research on the effects of noise on speech communication
ren, females, aged, foreign abilities of elderly people is currently being conducted
dialect, hearing-impaired, by the VA. The VA and NINCDS are sponsoring research
etc.) on the adverse effects of noise on speech discrimination
of hearing-impaired individuals.
Criteria for Speech Commun-
ication in Rooms
Effects of Noise on Speech
and Message Production
Effective of Auditory Warning
Signals in the Presence of
Noise
Community or Collective
Response
Community Surveys to Address
Annoyance as a Function of
Exposure Patterns
Noise, Its Sociological
Effects in Relation to Quality
of Life
Criteria for Land Use Compat-
ibility
Research projects in this area are being conducted by
NBS and sponsored by EPA. An EPA-sponsored study in
speech levels in various environments (living rooms,
department stores, classrooms, etc.) was recently
completed.
No federally sponsored studies.
The DOT (through the Coast Guard) is funding a study
to determine the relationship between noise and operator
performance of small boats.
The DOD continues to assess annoyance as a function of
exposure pattern around military sites. In addition,
the EPA has recently completed an analysis of the survey
data from a large urban population, and the design of
a survey questionnaire that can be used by local
communities to assess annoyance due to noise.
The DOT and the NIMH have funded small studies in
this area, and the NAS has recently completed a project
on valuation and compensability of noise pollution.
No federally sponsored studies.
G. Effects of .Noise on Domestic
Animals and Wildlife
Identification and development
of criteria with respect to
behaviorial effects of:
a. Endangered species
b. Other Wildlife
c. Domestic Animals
What limited research that is being done in this area
is mainly concerned with domestic animals (particularly
fowl) and is sponsored by the Department of Agriculture.
ERDA has sponsored a study on the effects of geothermal
noise on wildlife, and EPA has sponsored a criteria
review on the effects of noise on wildlife.
IV-12
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Areas Identified by the First Panel
as Needing Additional Emphasis
Related Current Federal Research Program
H. Noise Environment Determination
(formerly Measurement Methodology
and Calibration)
1. Development of standard method-
ologies
2. Characterization of noise in
terms of environmental impact
3. Characterization of noise
effects of specific sources
4. Development of monitoring
instrumentation for evaluation
of complex noises
Research is being conducted by NIOSH and MESA to
develop standard techniques for assessing occupational
noise exposure, performing industrial audiometry,
and calibrating instrumentation.
Guidelines for the preparation of environmental impact
statements on noise have recently been published
under the sponsorship of EPA and the Air Force.
NASA and the DOT continue to support research to
characterize the effects of aircraft noise. The
EPA is currently attempting to characterize the
effects of motorcycle noise and household and
consumer product noise.
NIOSH and MESA are currently funding the development
of dosimeters, calibrators for the assessment of
occupational noise exposure.
IV-13
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CHAPTER 5
PANEL'S RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSIONS
The Panel's recommendations are based on a review and discussion
of the Federal Noise Effects Research Program documented in Appendix B
of this report and on a general, although not always detailed, familiarity
of most panel members with non-government funded research efforts
(Appendix C) and foreign research (reported separately as EPA report
No. 550-9-78-101 Foreign Noise Research in Noise Effects, January 1978).
Consideration of current research projects supported by the various
Federal agencies leads to the conclusion that the previous Panel's
recommendations are being addressed only to a limited extent. Although
certain research projects appear to respond to the identified areas
needing additional emphasis, sometimes only one or two projects are being
conducted (as in the case of non-auditory long-term health effects), and
sometimes none (as in the case of sleep disturbance in special populations,
and the non-auditory health effects of impulse noise). Funding in some
categories, such as non-auditory health effects has remained static, and
in others such as community or collective response, it has actually
decreased, although additional research in these areas was clearly required
and recommended.
In order to assess the present Panel's opinions on the sufficiency
of current Federal expenditures and the extent to which current research
needs on the effects of noise are being met the Panel members were
questioned on a variety of issues. They were asked to allocate funds
as if there were absolutely no budget restrictions C'blue skies" funding).
V-l
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Then they were asked to redistribute funds among the research categories
given present levels of funding. (Fiscal 1976 figures were used as a
reference because of their completeness at the time). They were also
asked to recommend levels of emphasis for current research topics (but
not individual projects), according to whether funding for topics should
be increased, decreased or maintained at present levels.
The following paragraphs are an attempt to summarize the Panel's
recommendations. They represent a fairly good consensus of the members'
opinions in most cases, although it was not unusual for one or two
members to disagree. Where a consensus was not achieved it will be
noted.
Recommendations Regarding Funding Levels
Agreement was virtually unanimous that funding for noise effects
research should be increased over present levels. When unlimited
funding was hypothesized, recommendations ranged from increases of less
than 1% to as much as 600%. The median recommended increase was about
40% over all categories, with noise-induced hearing loss receiving the
smallest increase and non-auditory health effects receiving the largest.
The consensus also held that research on animals and on noise concomitant
with vibration was fairly adequate at present levels, while research on
community response and sleep interference needed considerably more
funding. There was no research area in which the Panel felt an absolute
decrease in resources was called for.
V-2
-------
When the members were asked how they would distribute funds if
only FY 76 funds were available, the consensus was to considerably
increase funding for non-auditory health effects, and to slightly increase
funding in all other categories (with the exception of psychological
and performance effects) at the expense of research on noise-induced
hearing loss. It should be kept in mind that this action represents a
forced choice, rather than the ideal condition. It certainly does not
mean that research topics in this area are not extremely important. The
number of topics on noise-induced hearing loss that were identified as
high priority is a positive indication of that fact. Instead, it appears
that most Panel members would prefer a redistribution of funds T?ithin
that category with increased emphasis on the topics listed below. It
also probably reflects the fact that the majority of Panel members
represented agencies with regulatory and standards responsibility which
gave priority to information on noise effects criteria to satisfy
regulatory needs, frequently in the near term time frame. The long-term
benefits from fundamental research on basic effects mechanisms and from
an understanding of the causes of the observed dose-response relationships
received second priority, therefore, in this forced-choice approach—
mainly since only one agency (HEW) considered this basic research part
of its primary mandate.
Identification of Research Topics Needing Emphasis
Topics within categories were rated as to whether they should
receive increased, level or decreased emphasis. The following topics
V-3
-------
represent a consensus of opinion for increased emphasis*'
1. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
o Effects of noise on children
o Effects of impulsive and intermittent noise
o Longitudinal studies of hearing in normal and noise-
exposed populations
0 Relationship between temporary and permanent threshold
shift
o Possible high-risk and susceptible populations
o Social and economic impact of noise-induced hearing
loss.
2. Non-Auditory Health Effects
o Cardiovascular and other physiological changes due
to noise (_short-term) in the general population.
o Worker safety and health.
o Long-term non-auditory health effects
o Non-auditory health effects of impulse noise.
3. Effects of Sleep
o Effects of chronic sleep interruption by noise
o Effects of sleep interruption on special populations
(e.g. ill, aged, etc;)
4. Communication Interference
o Prediction of speech intelligibility in noise
o Everyday communication in lifelike noisy environments
o Effects of noise on speech and message production.
* The order in which topics are listed is not intended to indicate the
order of importance.
V-4
-------
5. Community or Collective Response
a. National baseline data bank on environmental noise
exposure levels
b. Sociological effects of noise in relation to quality
of life
6 . Noise Environment Determination
a. Development of standard methodologies to measure and
characterize the effects of noise
b. Audiometry (standardized methods and calibration)
There was moderate consensus on research topics that should be continued
at present levels of funding. These topics include nearly all of the topics
identified by the previous panel, which have not already been listed as high
priority topics above. Only a few topics were considered candidates for
decreased emphasis. Those topics included research to determine hearing
levels in fowl, the effects of noise on drug uptake, and the effects of
military operations noise on communities.
Summary
The Panel was virtually unanimous (with one abstention) in its agreement
that increases in present levels of funding for noise effects are needed in
order to fill existing information gaps in the Federal noise program. A
majority of the members believed that substantial increases are needed over
present funding levels. It was agreed that noise effects information is
needed not merely to advance the state of knowledge in this area, but to
provide solid criteria on which standards, regulations, ordinances, and
educational and technical assistance programs can be based for the efrective
protection of the public. Without adequate criteria, such standards
and programs cannot be expected to be adequately protective, cost-effective
and defendable in court.
V-5
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Although the Panel's charge included noise effects research only,
the Panel noted that vibration effects for the occupational situation as
well as for the communities exposed to street traffic, aircraft and
impulse noise concommitant with vibration deserve additional attention.
Since vibration and noise environments are frequently closely coupled,
emanating from the same basic source,it would behoove agencies to
reevaluate their responsibility with respect to such vibration effects
research programs.
Two areas that have been recognized by both Panels as needing
more research are: the effects of noise on sleep and on community
response. Funding levels however have actually decreased since the
last Panel's deliberations.
The research area most clearly identified as needing immediate
and substantial emphasis was that of non-auditory health effects. It
is an area where criteria are non-existent, but where public concern
is increasingly focused due to the findings of some European studies
and some preliminary research in this country, which have been cited
repeatedly in the news media. It is also an area of need that had
been identified by the previous Panel, but the Panel's recommendation
must have gone unnoticed (or ignored) since funding levels have not
changed. Funding of this area appears mandatory for several years
until authoritative definitive studies on this subject exist which
allow the assessment of the magnitude of this problem area. Once
this magnitude has been determined, its relative importance with
respect to auditory health effects area should be reassessed.
V-6
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APPENDIX A
Noise Effects Research Panel Members
Dr. H. E. von Gierke (Chairman) (513) 255-3602
Director, Biodynamics & Bionics Division
Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory
6570 AMRL/BB
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433
Ms. Alice Suter (Executive Secretary) (202) 557-0592
Office of Noise Control Programs AW471
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C. 20460
Mr. Jerome Brasch (202) 235-1358
Industrial Hygienist (MESA)
4015 Wilson Blvd.
Room 834
Arlington, VA 22203
Dr. Reginald Cook (919) 541-3247
National Institute of Environmental
Health Sciences
P.O. Box 12233
Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27709
Dr. Terrance Dolan (202) 634-1624
Program Director
Sensory Physiology & Perception
National Science Foundation
Washington, D.C. 20550
LCDR (Lieutenant Commanderl Leigh Doptis (202) 295-1028
Code 47
Naval Medical Research and Development Command
National Naval Medical Center
Bethesda, Md. 20014
Dr. Derek Dunn (513) 684-8281
Robert Taft Laboratories
National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health
4676 Columbia Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45226
Dr. Earleen Elkins (301) 496-5061
Communicative Disorders Program
Nat'l Institute of Neurological & Communicative
Diseases & Stroke
'Federal Building, Rm 1 C-14
Bethesda, MD 20014
Dr. Albert Esch (202) 492-6415
Medical Director
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Washington, D.C. 20207
A-l
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Mr. David Lee (202) 523-7177
Division of Health Standards
Occupational Safety & Health Administration
U.S. Department of Labor
Washington, D.C. 20210
Mr. E. Gene Lyman, Director (202) 755-2380
B-5 Aeronautical Man-Vehicle Technology Division
Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
B-9 Washington, D.C. 20546
B-10 Dr. Howard C. Schweitzer (202) 389-7268
B-10 Audiology & Speech Pathology Department
B-22 Veterans Administration Hospital
B-26 50 Irving Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20422
B-34
Dr. George Simon (202) 755-5670
B-35 Environmental Protection Agen"cy
W-603 RD 683
401 M Street, S.W.
B-45 Washington, D.C. 20460
B-45
Mr. Milford L. Skow (202) 634-1240
Staff Engineer
Division of Mining Research Health and Safety
B-51 Bureau of Mines
B-51 2401 E Street, N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20241
B-61
Mr. John Wesler /-onTv/oe 0/n/>
Deputy Director (202)426-8406
B-67 Office of Environmental Quality
Federal Aviation Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
(301)927-2177
Bldg. 226, Rm A313
B~77 Washington, D.C. 20234
B-79
B-83
A-2
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APPENDIX B
PROJECT SUMMARIES
Agencies
Agriculture, Dept. of
Commerce., Dept. -0 f
National Bureau of Standards
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Defense, Dept. of
Air Force
Army
Navy
Energy Research and Development Administration
Environmental Protection Agency (Office of Research Development,
Office of Noise Abatement & Control)
Health, Education and Welfare, Dept. of
National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development
National Institute of Environmental Health
S ciences
National Institute of Mental Health
National Institute of Neurological and
Communicative Diseases and Stroke
National Institute of Occupational Safety and
Health
Interior, Dept. of
(Bureau of Mines, Bureau of Reclamation, Mining
Enforcement and Safety Administration)
National Academy of Sciences
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
National Science Foundation
Transportation, Dept. of
Veterans Administration
B-l
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Agricultural Safety Engineering
One portion of this project is to develop a hearing conservation
program for workers in agricultural processing industries. Noise
level surveys were conducted in one canning plant, two cotton gins,
and three sugar mills. It was found that for all plants average
work station noise levels exceeded OSHA's standard, and that workers
should be limited to 4-5 hour exposures without hearing protection.
Engineering measures are being taken to reduce noise levels.
Sponsor: Cooperative State Research Service
Investigator: D. L. Roberts, Louisiana State University
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
4.3* 3.4*
Human Factors Engineering
The objective of this study is to evaluate agriculture worker's
performance, safety and comfort as affected by machine vibration,
noise, dust, temperature, and other environmental factors. As part
of this project the hearing of full time farmers in Michigan exposed
to tractor noise, combine noise, etc. was tested. Farmers were
asked to come in voluntarily and were counseled to wear hearing
protectors if they showed hearing loss.
Sponsor: Cooperative State Research Service
Investigators: R. H. Wilkinson, Michigan State University
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
2.2*
DOMESTIC ANIMALS AND WILDLIFE
Effect of Environmental Stresses on Large Animals
The purpose of this study is to determine physiological
responses of domestic animals to various environmental stresses.
The effects of heat, cold, and noise are being examined. Domestic
animals (sheep, cattle) have been exposed to different types and
intensities of noise to determine changes in metabolic rate, reproduction,
eating habits and the animals acclimation to noise.
* For noise effects only
B-2
-------
AGRICULTURE (Continued)
Sponsor: Cooperative State Research Service
Investigators: D. L. Ames, Kansas State University
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
3.3 2.9
The Effect of Noise Pollution on the Fowl
The objectives of this study are to determine the hearing
range of chickens, record and analyze hawk sounds, and determine
effects of hawk's frequencies on chickens. Electroencephlograms
are obtained during noise exposures, and damage to the ear is
examined.
Sponsor: Cooperative State Research Service
Investigators: M. A. Boore et al., Clemson University
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
2 Completed
Low Frequency Sound used to Control Stored-Product Insects
Insects will be exposed to various sound frequencies and
intensities to determine if sound will shorten or lengthen life
cycles reduce fecundity, or influence dispersal of fumigants or
inert gases in bulk commodities. This approach will be tested as a
part of an integrated control approach with other physical and
chemical control practices.
Sponsor: Agricultural Research Service, Georgia-South
Investigators: M. A. Mullen, USDA Stored Products Insects R&D Lab
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) 1975 1976 1977 1978
50 Completed
Poultry Production and Environmental Quality
The noise related portions of this project included character-
ization of noise levels within poultry houses and a study examining
the effects of ultrasound on egg production.
Sponsor: Cooperative State Research Service
Investigator(s): W. 0. Wilson, D. Vohra, University of California,
Davis
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
.7* 1.5* 2 2.
* For noise effects only
B-3
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AGRICULTURE (Continued)
NOISE ENVIRONMENT DETERMINATION
Measurement and Control of Dust Emission and Noise Pollution in
Grain Handling Facilities
To meet health and safety needs of plant workers noise levels
are being determined for grain handling and conditioning machinery,
and control methods are being studied.
Sponsor: Agriculture Research Service, Kansas-Nebraska Area.
Investigators: G. H. Foster, C. R. Martin, in-house
Fiscal Year Funding C$1000) 1975 1976 1977 1978
40 Completed
B-4
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NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS
NBS performs research for several government agencies. These projects
axe reported both Tinder sponsoring agency and NBS.
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Hearing Measurements for Standardization
The objectives of this study are as follows:
• to -maintain and disseminate standards for normal threshold of hearing;
• to develop new data on normal hearing, particularly on auditory
resolution capabilities and loudness perception;
• to develop supratheshold tests for auditory perception yielding
diagnostic data for distinguishing noise trauma from ordinary
presbycus-is and other hearing dysfunctions.
To accomplish these aims the following work was planned for 1977.
Measurement of growth of tonal recognition vs. signal duration on a
group of normal subjects, comparison of loudness growth as a function of
duration for pure and complex tones, measurement of resolution of t^ime-
varying test tones as a function of duration and level, and extension,
dissemination, and transfer of normal hearing data for audiometry.
Investigator: E. Corliss, NBS
Fiscal Year Funding C$1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
121 70 SO
(in-house)
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Highway Noise Criteria
The goals of this project are to:
• identify and quantify important physical parameters affecting human
response to time-varying traffic noise, associated with varying
densities of free-flowing highway traffic and stop-and-go urban traffic;
• investigate and compare various measures and compurtational procedures
for rating time-varying traffic noise and determine which method,
or methods, best predict the subjective response of people to the
noise of various types of traffic situations;
• develop, if necessary, improved procedures for rating time-varying
traffic noise in terms of measurable parameters of traffic noise;
• formulate procedures by which the most useful of the above rating
procedures may be related to the environmental noise descriptors
B-5
-------
NBS (Continued)
and criteria developed by the EPA, if the most useful procedures
are found to be different from those recommended by the EPA.
Sponsor: DOT
Investigators: S. Yaniv, D, Flynn, NBS
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
100 100 100
Transmission Line Audible Noise Measurements
The objectives of the study are: to investigate measurement scales
for audible noise generated by high voltage transmission lines, to
relate these scales to human response, to determine the adequacy of
present scales and units; to compare transmission line audible noise
with other environmental noises; to determine whether the high frequency
or low frequency components contribute most to human aversion. The
research involves tape recording the audible noise generated by
extra-high voltage (EHV) and ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission
lines. Individual subjects listen to these noise stimuli in a
simulated living room for about 15 one-hour sessions while their
responses are observed. Four of these experiments will be done.
Sponsor: ERDA
Investigators: J. Molino, Zereley, Lerner, Harwood, NBS
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 TQ' 197Z 1978
93 43 143 143
Noise In and Around Buildings
This program, which was initiated in 1974, is directed towards
a better understanding of human response to noise in buildings. Govern-
ment agencies such as EPA, HUD, and DOT and attitude surveys have
indicated that noise, particularly impact noise, may cause considerable
annoyance in residences. The approach is to obtain physical and
human response measurements of sounds and correlate these findings.
At present a laboratory investigation to assess rating schemes for
predicting loudness response to noise from household appliances is being
completed. NBS is also participating in several standards working
groups.
Investigator : S. Yaniv , NBS
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
60 60 65 70
(in-house)
-------
NBS (Continued)
Human Response to Noise
The objectives of this project are to reduce discrepancies
between estimates of response to environmental noises based upon
physical measurements and standardized rating scales and the actual
responses of human beings to sound exposures, and to produce criteria
for more accurate noise rating scales and sound-measuring equipment.
Work planned for 1977 includes the following activities:
• Improved "acoustic menu" techniques for measuring differences
in aversion reactions, without verbal descriptors;
• Testing and automation of a new "living-room" laboratory for
subjective measurements under realistic conditions;
• Study of time-intensity (duty cycle) relationships to aversion
perception. Scaling of verbal descriptors elicited from
subjects on a scale of emotional reactions.
Investigator: J. Molino, Zerdy, Corner, Harwood, NBS
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
142 i24 68 65
(in-house)
COMMUNICATION INTERFERENCE
Technical Bases for Noise Criteria in Building Regulations
Existing criteria that could be applied to rating the noise
environment in dwellings, isolation between dwellings, and from
outside-to-inside a dwelling were reviewed. It was concluded that
the central problem is to select appropriate criteria for rating
the interior noise environment. Once this is done, criteria for
noise isolation can be derived directly. These criteria can be
used to derive performance requirements for building elements,
such as partitions and exterior walls.
Sponsor: EPA/ONAC
Investigators: S.L. Yaniv and D.R. Flynn, NBS
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
25 Completed
5-7
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NBS (Continued)
NOISE ENVIRONMENT DETERMINATION
Noise Impact from Consumer Products and Household Appliances (Conceptual Model)
This is an investigation of the noise impact of household and
consumer products on people. Its objectives are the development of
a model for assessing the impact of noise from household and consumer
products on the health nad welfare of the national population, and
a demonstration of the application of this model to specific classes
of products. Available and published data are being collected from
the'literature with respect to noise emission characteristics, usage
patterns and installation/operation conditions. Gaps in available
data will be identified and procedures for collection of additional
data will be recommended. A classification scheme (such as the consumer
product safety index) will be developed for these products, and a
step-by-step procedure for assessing health and welfare effects will
be developed. This procedure will be applied to one appliance
to illustrate its use in assessing the noise impact of such products
and in evaluating the benefit to be gained from regulation of such
products. This project should be completed in 1977.
Sponsor: EPA/ONAC
Investigators: S.L. Yaniv and D.R. Flynn, NBS
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977
45
Completed
Sound Pressure Distribution Around Manikin Head and Torso
The transformation of a diffuse sound pressure field to a manikin's
ear, head surface, and torso surface was measured in a 425 m
reverberation chamber between 0.2 and 10.0 kHz using 1/3 octave
bandwidth random white noise. The maximum gain in sound pressure
level at the microphone in an earlike coupler relative to the diffuse-
field pressure was measured to be 15 dB at 2.7 kHz. Further measure-
ments show that the pressure level buildup at the manikin's head
surface and torso surface, when bare (acoustically hard), ranges from
0 dB at low frequencies to +4 dB at high frequencies. Absorptive
clothing reduces the pressure level buildup on the torso, where
body-worn hearing aids or dosimeters may be located, to values
ranging between -1/2 dB to +1 dB for frequencies 1.6 kHz. Theoretical
predictions of the diffuse field gain at the '"eardrum" and head
surface compare well with the experimental data.
Sponsor: NBS
Investigator: G. Kuhn, NBS
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 19.76 1977 1978
30
55
22
(in-house)
-------
CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
NON-AUDITORY HEALTH EFFECTS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Analysis of the Non-Auditory Bromedical and Behavioral Effects of
Acoustic Noise
In the establishment of standards governing the acceptable levels
of acoustic noise associated with consumer products, attention must
be given to the non-auditory effects, as well as the auditory effects,
of such noise. Before standards based on non-auditory effects can
be developed, a better understanding is required of precisely what
the effects are, how important they are for the health and safety
of the product user, and the variability of people in terms of their
non-auditory reactions -to acoustic noise. This one year study involves
a comprehensive and critical review of the literature addressing non-
auditory effects of noise on biomedical and behavioral factors, and
a classification of the identified effects in terms of type and
magnitude. The ouputs of the study will include a complete analysis
of existing and relevant research and identification of requirements
for additional research.
Investigator: Ray B. Webster, Systems Research Co., ^a.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977 1978
36 Completed
B-9
-------
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
AIR FORCE
NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS
USAF Hearing Conservation Program
(Formerly listed as two separate projects - Assessment of Hearing
in Flying Personnel, and the Effects of Noise on Hearing Acuity
and Functional Ability of Flying Personnel in Air Force Operational
Environment.)
Loss of highly trained flying and maintenance personnel due to noise
and compensation for hearing loss continue to be major Air Force problems.
The primary objective of this effort is to monitor the USAF Hearing
Conservation Program, specifically as defined in APR 161-35, 'Hazardous
Noise Exposure' 29 July 1973. The prevention of noise induced hearing
loss among AF members, both military and civilian, requires that these
personnel be included in a comprehensive hearing program and the purpose
of this research is to guarantee that the multifarious elements of this
program are effective. In addition, research will be performed to
validate auditory risk limits, determine the effectiveness of personal
ear protection devices and noise control measures, and insure adequacy
of criteria and procedures for disposition of noise-exposed personnel who
demonstrate shifts in hearing.
Investigator: D. C. Gasaway, H. C. Sutherland
School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks AFB
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977 1978
41.7 292.7 359 289
Auditory Responses to Acoustic Energy Experienced in Air Force Activities
The objectives of this work unit were to determine personnel
exposures in the wide variety of usual and unusual acoustic environs
of Air Force operations, and to control, within acceptable limits,
the intrusion of Air Force noise into residential areas neighboring
Air Force facilities.
Field and laboratory efforts investigated noise-induced hearing loss,
personal sound protective devices, speech interference effects, infrasonic
and impulsive signals and subjective reaction to noise. In addition
procedures for estimating reactions of individuals and communities to
noise exposure were also pursued. These findings support criteria and
guidelines for risk to hearing, adequate voice communication, effective
hearing protection, annoyance and operating procedures which minimize
adverse effects.
Investigator: D. L. Johnson, Aerospace Medical Research Lab (AMRL),
Wright-Patterson AFB
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977
122 122 23 Completed
B-10
-------
AIR FORCE (Continued)
Environmental Noise Research
Research is being conducted on selected contemporary bioenvironmental
noise problems impacting on USA! opera .ions and functions. These studies
include the evaluation of electrically aided voice communications
effectiveness in various AF noise environments, the determination of
human auditory response to short duration acoustic stimuli and definition
of typical 24 hour exposures of selected populations in terms of A-weighted
equivalent sound level. Results of these studies support the laboratory's
program to determine auditory effects of various AF noises on personnel,
to establish exposure criteria, to evaluate and develop personal protective
devices and to incorporate these principles and data into guidelines,
specifications and regulations to control noise exposure within acceptable
levels.
Sponsors: Air Force and EPA/ONAC
Investigator: W. J. Hovey, University of Dayton
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977 1978
10 (AF) 14 (AF) 6 14 (AF) 6
10 (EPA) 10 (EPA) 10 (EPA)
Research on Permanent and Temporary Shifts in Hearing Threshold Produced
by Exposure to Air Force Noise
There is a need to study the response of the nervous system to the
stressfea thac are expected to occur in aerospace environments in order
to determine the fundamental principles for establishing protective
devices and techniques to insure safety and unimpaired performance of
the nervous system.
Chinchillas will be trained to produce behavioral audiograms prior to
exposure to sound environments similar to those expected in Air Force
operational conditions. The results of these behavioral methods will be
compared with anatomical changes using scanning electron microscope
techniques. Human subjects will be used to define the level of long-term
exposure that produces changes in auditory acuity. The environmental
conditions for human experiments will be chosen only after results from
animal studies.
Investigators: D. J. Lim, W. Melnick
Ohio State University
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 TQ 1977
17 15 4 9.3 Completed
Auditory Effects of Noise Exposure Levels Equal to Hearing Levels
This project is specifically designed to test the assumption in the
Levels Document that "one cannot be damaged by sounds which one cannot
hear," an assumption that has not been verified. Subjects will have
hearing levels of 70 to 80 dB at 4 K Hz, and they will be exposed to
pure tones and/or narrow bands of noise at Leg's of approximately
70 to 80 dB. If no TTS is produced, that evidence will support the
Levels Document's assumption. If TTS does occur, then the assumption
should probably be removed when the Levels Document is revised.
B-ll
-------
AIR FORCE (Continued)
Sponsor: EPA/ONAC
Investigator: AMRL, Wright-Patterson AFB
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1S76 1977
4K (EPA)
Loudness Balance Method of Evaluating Hearing Protectors
The hearing protection features of helmets, headsets and hearing
protectors are currently evaluated using standard methods that employ
very low level signals. Evaluation procedures that use high level test
signals may provide more valid estimates of protector performance in
intense noise fields. The objective of this work unit is to assess
the validity and accuracy of a suprathreshold loudness balance method of
evaluating hearing protectors.
Investigators: M. Stephenson, C. Nixon
AMRL, Wright-Patterson AFB
.Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
17 6 (est.) In-house
Implementation of ANSI Specification 53.19-1974 Personal Hearing
Protective Devices for Use in Noise Environments:
Requirements necessary to implement the new standard will be iden-
tified, including specification of the instrumentation needed to generate
the test signals and record the subjects' responses. A survey will be made
of existing facilities to determine whether modifications of these facilities
will be required, as well as to determine possible requirements to procure
additional instrumentation. When the necessary equipment is available
it will be assembled into an instrument console adjacent to the test
laboratory to. initiate hearing protector evaluations using the ANSI S3.19-
1974 standard. Software will be developed to present the data in forms
consistent with current methods and standards.
Investigators: M. Stephenson, R. McKinley
AMRL, Wright-Patterson AFB
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976. 1977 1978 .
8 10.8 (est.) In-house
Evaluation of Hearing Protectors Using ANSI REAT Method
Human subjects were employed in the laboratory evaluation of a
hearing protector's sound attenuation characteristics as measured by
the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) Real Ear Attenuation at
Threshold (REAT) method. Results of these evaluations will be used to
formulate recommendations to the office of the AF Surgeon General
concerning potential application for AF use. Data will be processed
and prepared in formats consistent with general methods used by the
scientific community as well as the AF for estimation of noise reduction
in operational situations. This effort assures that our data base is
current by evaluation of the many modified and new devices appearing
on the commercial market in increasing numbers.
B-12
-------
AIR FORCE (Continued)
Investigators: M. Stephenson, R. McKinley
AMRL, Wright-Patterson AFB
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
13 24 (est.) In-house
Effects of Long-Duration Noise Exposure on Human Auditory Processes *
The approach will be to measure safe temporary hearing losses
induced in human subjects by long duration low level acoustic exposures
and to analyze the hearing recovery curves as additional indicators of
risk. Human subjects will be exposed to broadband noise with exposure
durations of between 24 and 48 hours. Groups of subjects will experience
systematic variations of such acoustic parameters as the intensity,
duration, and duty cycle of the test stimulus. Effects of the stimuli
will be identified by monitoring the subjects' audiometric thresholds
at specific time intervals.
Sponsor: Air Force and EPA/ONAC
Investigators: M. Stephenson, D. Johnson
AMRL, Wright-Patterson AFB
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
17 30.6 (est.) In-house
Longitudinal Study of Human Hearing (Children) *
An ongoing longitudinal study of the development and health history
of over 400 subjects from the ages of 2 years to 25 years is available.
The hearing threshold level of this select population will be obtained
and will be correlated with developmental factors, health history, and
a noise exposure questionnaire.
Sponsors: Air Force and EPA/ONAC
Investigator: A. F. Roche, Samuel S. Fels Institute, OH
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 _TQ 1977 1978
41 3 44
Human Subjects for Operational Acoustic Research
This is a continuing effort which is vital to the accomplishments of
in-house bioacoustic research . During this reporting period subjects have
been furnished on a continuing and timely basis for studies involving
hearing protector evaluations, speech intelligibility evaluations for
some new light weight helmet designs, for a counting task conducted
during noise exposure to infrasound and for an extensive investigation
of speech reception in noise on persons with normal hearing and mild
hearing loss.
*Jointly funded project. Only AMRL funding is given here.
B-13
-------
AIR FORCE (Continued)
Investigator: W. Hovey
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 TQ 1977 1978 1979
3.5(AF) 3.5 10 36 36 5.4
20(EPA)
Hearing Risk Due to Communication Signals
Effective voice communication in high level noise environs
may require air and ground crew personnel to increase the intensity of
the signal to a level that is damaging to hearing. The objective of
this effort is to measure ambient noise and voice communication signal
levels under standard AF communication devices during a variety of air
and ground operations to quantify the hearing damage risk and to consider
alternate operating procedures that eliminate such risk. This effort
will benefit the SG, ASD Life Support SPO, base bioenvironmental engineers,
as well as air and gound crew effectiveness and safety.
Agency: Air Force, AMRL
Investigators: McKinley, R.L.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979
7 7 2.5 (est.)
In-house
Changes in the Organ of Hearing Produced by Sound *
The purpose of this work unit is to examine changes in the auditory
system produced by exposure to excessive sound. The effort will emphasize
studies in the infrasound (1-20 Hz) region and long-term, low-level
exposures at mid-frequencies (600-2000 Hz). Goal of the research is a
reasonable hypothesis of the mechanism of injury production that provides
a rationale for treatment and prevention. Results of this basic research
are used in the AMRL applied technology program in establishing guidelines
for limits of exposure and methods of protection from exposure to excessive
sound. Ultimately this forms the basis for Air Force regulations governing
exposure and protection criteria. Data are also used by the Environmental
Protection Agency.
Infrasound exposures will be carried out only on experimental animals.
Long-term, low-level exposures will be carried out on experimental animals
and human volunteer subjects at levels which do not produce permanent
changes in hearing. Techniques to be employed include light and electron
microscopy of inner ear structures, electro-physiological measures of
middle ear muscle activity and psychoacoustic measures of changes in
auditory acuity.
Sponsors: Air Force and EPA/ONAC
Investigators: D. Lim and W. Melnick
Ohio State University
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980
15 18 18 8
" Jointly funded project. Only AMRL fundine is eiven here.
.B-14
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AIR FORCE (Continued)
NON-AUDITORY HEALTH EFFECTS
The Whole-Body Effects of Air Force Noise on People
A wide range of intense Air Force noise environments not only
affect hearing but may interfere with motor performance, physiological
functioning, though processes and contribute to fatigue in personnel.
This effort, which was completed at the end on 1976, investigated types
of noises and exposure conditions which may produce adverse whole body
effects that interfere with accomplishments of the AF mission.
The approach used was to measure effects of the many kinds of noises
(infrasound, audio frequencies, impulses) on a battery of standard
performance tasks, on circulation in the peripheral members (fingers)
and other physiological processes and on mental tasks such as memory.
Findings are being used to establish exposure limits beyond which un-
desirable effects may occur. The projects entitled "Acoustical Degra-
dation of Human Capabilities" and "Human Capabilities in Infra-Sound"
are follow ons to the work done in this study.
Investigators: C.S. Harris, C.W. Nixon, AMRL Wright-Patterson AFB
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 TQ 1977 1978
54.5 54.5 Completed
Human Capabilities in Infra-Sound
Various AF noise environments contain high intensity acoustic
energy, in the frequency range below approximately 16 Hz (infrasound).
Although this very low frequency energy has little effect on hearing
it may adversely influence physiological functioning, psychomotor and
cognitive performance. The objective of this research is to system-
atically investigate the effects of infrasound exposures on the capabilities
of human subjects to perform selected tasks. The threshold of these
effects, the nature and extent of the interference and the overall
performance limits will be defined in terms of the acoustic exposures.
This effort will provide support for the whole body exposure effects
standards sections in AFR 161-35. The estimated completion date
for this study is the end of 1978.
Investigator: D. Johnson, C. Harris, AMRL, Wright-Patterson AFB
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
8 9 (est.) In-house
Attenuation Characteristics of the Womb
It is evident that before a long-term research program on the
fetal effects of noise can be initiated, more information on how much
sound the fetus actually receives is needed. In order to obtain this
information AMRL proposed to measure the attenuating properties of the
womb in one to three fairly large mammals.
The task will consist of a literature search, the development of
instrumentation and the measurements. Completion is expected around
October 1977.
Sponsor: EPA/ONAC
B-15
-------
AIR FORCE (Continued)
Investigator: R. McKinley, AMRL Wright-Patterson AFB
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 TQ 1977
5 (EPA)
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Acoustical Degradation of Human Capabilities
Air Force noise environments may affect motor performance,
physiological function, thought processes and contribute to fatigue in
personnel as well as affecting hearing. This effort investigates the
types of noise and exposure conditions which contribute to decrements
in cognitive and psychomotor capabilities.
The approach is to measure the effects on human performance on a
battery of standard tasks such as visual search, tracking, and memory
of acoustic stimuli that vary in degreee of predictability. The
degree of predictability of interupted continuous and of impulsive noises
will be determined by the randomly varying on and off times of the
stimuli. Persistency effects will be assessed by measurements taken
at various periods following cessation of the acoustic exposure patterns.
Findings are to be used to define the acoustical characteristic of
Air Force operational environments that contribute to degradation
of human capabilities.
Investigator: C. Harris, C. Nixon, AMRL, Wright-Patterson AFB
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977 1978
10 10 (est.)
In-house
Whole Body Effects of Noise on People
(See Listing Under Non-Auditory Health Effects.)
Auditory Responses to Acoustic Energy Experienced in Air Force
Activities
(See Listing Under Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.)
COMMUNICATIONS INTERFERENCE
Communication Interference System
Future requirements of AFR 161-35 and more powerful propulsion
systems of current and future aircraft call for research and evaluation
of many different communication systems and devices. The objective of
this effort is to develop and implement a research and testing system
to simulate an operational communication environment and to develop
standard research and testing procedures, and data reduction software
for evaluation of AF voice communication systems and devices. This
effort will support ASD Life Support SPO's and Weapons Systems Development
SPO's. This project should be completed in 1978.
Investigator: R. McKinley, M. Skelton , AMRL, Wright-Patterson AFB
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 TQ 1977 1978
15 8.5 (est.)
In-house
B-16
-------
AIR FORCE (Continued)
Performance Limits of Ear Insert Communications
Air and ground crew voice communications are degraded by high level
environments that exceed the performance limits of present standard
communication equipment,creating command and control problems and safety
hazards in routine as well as emergency situations. The objective of
this effort is to establish the communication and protection performance
limits in high intensity noise environments of the ear insert communications
concept. This effort will benefit ASD Life Support SPO and ground crew
effectiveness and safety by identifying noise exposure envelopes within
which the ear insert communications concept will provide adequate hearing
protection and satisfactory voice communication.
The approach incorporates the laboratory simulation of specific
aircraft noise environs, the progressive evaluation of ear insert units
at increasingly intense levels of these environs by measurement of
hearing protection characteristics and then communication effectiveness.
A hearing protection/voice communication envelope of the performance
limits will be developed based on these data for both monaural and
binaural cofigurations of the Ear Insert Receiver and compared to the
performance of current standard items. This effort should be completed
in late 1977.
Investigator: R.L. McKinley, M.R. Stephenson, AMRL, Wright-Patterson AFB
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977 1978
10 3.5 (est.)
In-house
Auditory Nervous System Performance Changes
The objective of this work unit is to investigate how the information
processing capabilities of the auditory nervous system may be altered by
exposure to moderately intense acoustic stimuli. This question has been
extensively studied under the general headings of "auditory fatigue"
and "temporary threshold shifts". Research in the area has concentrated
on behavioral changes in signal detection thresholds and morphological
and biochemical changes within the inner ear. There is some evidence
that there are retrocochlear components to this functional change in
the performance of the auditory system (Salvi, R., et al, Sci,. 31 Oct.
75, 486-487, Saunders, J. and Rhyne, R.L., Br. Res., 24, 1970, 339-342,
Starr, A., J. Neurophysiol., 28, 1965, 850-862). The elucidation of
the mechanisms involved in this phenomenon will provide basic information
that will aid in the development of devices and criteria to protect
Air Force personnel exposed to noisy environments.
B-17
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AIR FORCE (Continued)
Investigator: T. Moore
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 TQ 1977 1978
15 9.5 (est.)
In-house
Auditory Responses to Acoustic Energy Experienced in Air Force Activities
(See Listing Under Noise-Induced Hearing Loss)
Environmental Noise Research
(See Listing Under Noise-Induced Hearing Loss)
COMMUNITY OR COLLECTIVE RESPONSE
Development of Guidelines for the Assessment of Large Impulsive Noises
(Community Annoyance Due to Mining and Quarrying)
The problem of an appropriate methodology for characterizing noise
from large impulses and blasting (due to mining and quarrying operations),
was raised as part of the CHAJ3A EIS guidelines exercise. The sonic
boom methodology described in the EPA Levels Document to apply to blast
noise and certain CHABA WG members disagreed. By July 1975 the CHABA
WG had agreed on this methodology weighting with a nighttime penalty:
"L , ." This rating scheme has been recommended to the Bureau of Mines.
cdn
FY 77 and 78 funds will be used for validation of Lccjn. Through
AMRL, EPA is trying to assure that there is a coordinated approach to
the problem and that everybody (Bureau of Mines, Army) uses the same
measurement methodology.
Sponsor: EPA/ONAC
Investigator: AMRL, Wright Patterson AFB
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977 1978
5(EPA)
Guidelines for Environmental Impact Statements on Noise*
The objective of this study is to develop, in conjunction with
the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council Committee
on Hearing, Bioacoustics and Biotnechanics, guidelines for evaluating
the effects of all types of environmental noise on the general population.
When these guidelines are finished, they will be validated in order
to show that they are correct and reasonable with respect to Air Force
facilities as well as specifications, standards, and regulations on noise
exposure.
Investigator: H. Von Gierke, D. Johnson, AMRL, Wright Patterson AFB
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1975 1977 1978
13.5 Completed
* Jointly funded project only AMRL funding given here.
B--18
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AIR FORCE (Continued)
NOISE ENVIRONMENT DETERMINATION
Bioenvironmental Noise Research Program
The high-level noise environments generated by many Air Force
weapon systems and equipment are a physical hazard to air and ground
crew personnel who must function in these environments to assure mission
success, and pollute the environment in areas adjacent to ground and
flight operations. The magnitude and character of these physical
environments and their bioacoustic effects on man must be known to
evaluate environmental impact and resolve such operational problems.
The objective of this contract is to provide technical procedures, data
and software required to define these noise environments and determine
the effects on man and provide such information to Air Force bioenviron-
mental engineers, medical personnel, civil engineers, base commanders and
others concerned with these problems.
Investigator: W. Hovey, University of Dayton
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977 1978
65 64 76 75
Noise Dosimetry and Typical Noise Doses*
Various personal noise dosimeters are available on the commercial
market. However no systematic study of their merit and shortcoming
has been accomplished. At the present time the AF does not use noise
dosimetry to assess personal noise exposure. It is essential to
evaluate this technical concept to determine if it has a place in the
AF hearing conservation program. The objectives are, to evaluate the
application of personal noise dosimetry in Air Force environments, to
determine the typical noise exposure of Air Force personnel in order
to define typical occupational and non-occupational noise exposures,
and to assess typical noise exposures relative to allowable exposures
specified in AFR 161-35. This work will be coordinated with the USAF
Surgeon General and with base level bioenvironmental engineers as well
as the US EPA.
Investigator: D- Johnson, R. McKinley, Wright Patterson AFB
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
7 6 In-house
^Jointly funded project. Only AMRL funding is given here.
B-19
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AIR FORCE (Continued)
Technology Application to Operational Noise Problems
The objective of the work unit is to provide consultation and
technical assistant services on acoustical problems related to AF base
activities. Laboratory and/or field evaluations are conducted on specific
problems or items of equipment to define the threat potential to health
and performance capability. Individual efforts are usually short _term
and include technical questions relating to sonic boom, noise exposure
limits, ultrasound, infrasound, impulsive noise, communication equipment
and hearing protection. Specific efforts include problems such as
flight helmets effectiveness, communication with a fire fighters helmet
and with a new oxygen mask microphone in noise. Requests originate
from all levels of AF and other governmental agencies and specifically
include base flight surgeons, bioenvironmental engineers, systems develop-
ment offices and the Life Support SPO.
Investigators: C. Nixon, M. Stephenson, AMRL
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
22 95 (est.) In-House
NOISE CONCOMITANT WITH. VIBRATION
Research on Response of Vestibular System to Acoustic Stimuli
This research will better define the dynamic response of the
vestibular system to acoustic stimulation, in terms of intensity level,
acoustic frequency (Hz), and intermittency rate of the stimulus.
Thresholds will be determined for-nystagmic and counter-rolling eye
movements, and postural adjustments. A study of the nature and
mechanisms of the transfer of acoustic energy to the vestibular system
will be made by studying stapes displacement and perilymph and endo-
lymph pressure changes. (Results will contribute toward the development
of threshold criteria for hazardous exposure to high-intensity sounds.)
Investigator: D.E. Parker, Miami University
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1967 1977 1978
10 10 15 15
•Simultaneous Exposure to Acoustic Energy and Other Stressors Found
In Air Force Environments
This effort investigated physiological and psychological responses of
humans exposed to acoustic energy occurring in combination with other
stressful stimuli, in order to provide measures for minimizing adverse
effects of simultaneous exposure to multiple stresses in Air Force
activities.
The approach combined controlled acoustic exposure with mechanical
whole body vibration of volunteers to determine effects of the combined
exposures on psychomotor task performance, mental or cognitive performance,
temporary threshold shift and possible subjective judgments of acceptability.
Single stress effects were compared to the measured multiple stress effects
to determine differential contributions of the respective stress con-
ditions. Follow-up work to this study is being performed in the project
entitled "Combined Noise and Vibration Effects on Human Capabilities."
B-20
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AIR FORCE (Continued)
Investigators: C.S. Harris, AMRL, Wright-Patterson AFB
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
12.5
12.5
Completed
Combined Noise and Vibration Effects on Human Capabilities
Individual and combined effects of whole body vibration and
broadband noise will be studied. Single and combined effects will be
determined on subjective ratings, cognitive performance, and psycho-
motor performance. Emphasis will be placed on the use of random vibration
stimuli which has not been previously investigated and on longer duration
exposures to determine if performance does deteriorate with increasing
exposure time. These performance profiles will be developed using the
AMRL/BB Acoustic-Vibration facility.
Investigators: C. Harris, R. Schoenberger, AMRL
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977
1978
10
12.5 (est.) In-house
B-21
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ARMY
NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Auditory Performance Changes as a Function of Army Material Noise Exposure
Human performance in detecting targets in combat, in communications
tasks and in a variety of other situations, depends upon the ear as a
prime source of information input, yet many noise sources act to degrade
this input. This program is directed toward determining what acoustic
factors produce changes in the ability to detect transient sounds
and the physiological basis for changes in performance. The human auditory
system will be modeled by animal ears. They will be exposed to impulsive,
intermittent and continuous noises and changes in electrophysiological,
histological and behavioral measures will be made of the state of the
ear and its ability to detect sounds. Data will be analyzed to provide
information on both the mechanisms of loss as well as its functional
implications in the Army context. Attempts will also be made to improve
the accuracy of the modeling by comparison of human and animal ears on
the performance measures.
Investigator: G.R. Price, Human Engineering Labs, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
122 100 135
Hearing Conservation—Intense Acoustic Stimulation and Noise Susceptibility
in the Military Environment
The purpose of this research is to study premature hearing loss by
U.S. Army troops. This research objective is critical to the needs to
the U.S. Army. The study will evaluate current noise hazards, effective-
ness of hearing protection devices and current hearing conservation
practices in the field.
Investigators: M. Loeb and E. Alluisi, University of Louisville
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
42.5
Hearing Performance Requirements of Army Personnel
The 'objectives of this program are to develop predictive models of
noise effects on soldiers' performance: (A) To improve existing noise
criteria including effects of long-term exposure. (B) To optimize
methods for assessing human auditory capabilities. (C) To provide
consulative assistance to DOD, national and international acoustical
advisory groups.
During FY 75 experiments were continued to establish combat sound
detection thresholds for subjects having varying degrees of hearing
acuity. The results of these experiments will be used to design future
studies having more realistic listening conditions. If possible, a
library of tape-recorded sounds will be compiled for use in future
experiments.
B-22
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ARMY (Continued)
Investigator: D.C. Hodge, Human Engineering Lab, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
122 100 136
Research of Psychoacoustial Problems Medically Significant to Army
Aviation
The purpose of this program is to provide information about sound
which has medical import to U.S. Army aviation. This program has two
basic components. One entails physical description of the critical
sound stimuli found in U.S. Army aviation. The second approach involves
the effects of these sounds on human receivers. (Note: In
FY 77, The Army began reporting research activities and funding
under this program by work units, which are included in the Army project
descriptions and provide more detailed information).
Investigators: R.T. Camp, B. T. Mozo, Aeromedical Research Lab, Ft. Rucker, Ala
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976
250 250
Military Applications of Auditory Assessment
Experiments will be initiated to study the speech discrimination
capability of auditorily deficient Army aviators in noise environments.
Development and standardization of speech discrimination materials
will be undertaken to establish a basis for granting "waivers" to
Army aviators with hearing losses. In conjunction with studies of
high-intensity impulse noise field audiometric testing and assessment
of temporary threshold shift will be undertaken. Basic studies of
auditory perception will be conducted to provide baseline data for new
audiometric procedures.
Investigator: J.H. Patterson, Aeromedical Research Lab., Ft. Rucker, Ala.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) 1975 1976 1977 1978
74
Medical Assessment of Hearing Protective Devices
There are sounds inherent in the mission of the Army which will
destroy the hearing of personnel exposed to them. The Hearing
Conservation Program was instituted to protect the hearing of Army personnel
and requires the wearing of appropriate hearing protective devices.
This research assesses the sound-attenuating characteristics of new
devices as to their suitability to meet the needs of the Army and provides
a check on the sound-attenuating characteristics of devices already in
use to insure the maintenance of necessary standards.
Investigator: W.R. Nelson, Aeromedical Research Laboratory, Ft. Rucker, Ala.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
110
B--23
-------
ARMY (Continued)
Military Acoustic Hazards: Mechanisms of Hearing Loss
This research explores relationships between the parameters of
noise peculiar to the military environment and the psychophysical
and physiological behavior of the human auditory system. These data
will be used to establish valid damage-risk criteria to insure the adequate
protection of personnel and to maintain an effective Hearing Conservation
Program. Studies concerned with the adequacy of current damage-risk
criteria will be conducted with animal subjects using behavioral audiometery
and histology. Damage-risk criteria for impulse noise will be examined
in terms of specifying exposures with respect to spectral analysis of
the impulses rather than simply in terms of peak pressure level. The
effect of exposure to high-intensity low-frequency noise on the threshold
of hearing will be determined. The development of new animal models
for the assessment of auditory damage resulting from impulse noise
will begin.
Investigator: C.K. Burdick, Aeromedical Research Laboratory, Ft. Rucker, Ala
Fiscal Year Funding($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
105
Research of Impact and Noise Attenuating Crashworthy Helmet Earcup
The purpose of this work-unit is to design, construct and medically
evaluate the impact and noise attenuating properties of a crashworth
aviator's helmet earcup.
Twenty hand-mada "test-bed earcups" will be fabricated. The cups
will be installed in helmets for in-flight evaluation by USAARL flying
personnel under all flying conditions. They will be subjected to
accepted standardized impact and acoustic protection evaluation tech-
niques (ANSI Z24.22, Z90.1, etc.) to determine their effectiveness
in known physical environments.
Investigator: J.L. Haley, Aeromedical Research Lab., Fort Rucker, Ala.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
34
COMMUNICATIONS INTERFERENCE
Medically Significant Problems of Voice Communication Systems
The acoustic environments associated with military training and
operations in Army helicopters and tanks are usually hazardous and
may cause interference with effective voice communications and the
detection of warning signals. Most of the present aviation communication
systems have characteristics that introduce both frequency and amplitude
distortion of the speech signals. This research will be Directed
toward the development of an improved noise-cancelling microphone for
Army aircraft. Improved radio communication systems will be developed
for Army aircraft and armor vehicles (e.g., MICV). New communication
devices such as contact microphones will be evaluated for .their potential
use in Army systems.
Investigator: R.T. Camp, Aeromedical Research Lab., Ft. Rucker, Ala.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977
82
B-24
-------
ARMY (Continued)
Military Applications of Auditory Assessment
(See listing under Noise-Induced Hearing Loss)
COMMUNITY OR COLLECTIVE RESPONSE
Prediction and Reduction of the Noise Impact Within and Adjacent to
Army Facilities
In conjunction with other agencies such as the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency, models to predict the composite noise impact of Army
facilities resulting from the four source types: blast, helicopter,
vehicle, fixed, will each be created and tested both for physical and
psychoacoustical accuracy. The predictions will use common units and
will form "equal noisiness" contours which can be overlayed upon land
use maps to graphically expose imcompatible zones. Based upon the
predictions,operational and physcial means to reduce the noise impact
will be considered and evaluated for cost, effect upon Army operations,
and effectiveness in noise mitigation.
As part of this study psycho-acoustical testing with respect to
blast noise and rotary wing aircraft, and community surveys to assess
the community response to its acoustical environment are being done.
Investigator: P.D. Schomer, Construction Engineering Research Lab.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
*95 *140 *115 *95
NOISE ENVIRONMENT DETERMINATION
Acoustic Environment of Army Prototype Equipment
The development of new Army vehicles, aircraft, weapons and other
materiel creates new potentially hazardous noise sources which can
adversely affect the health, welfare and operational capabilities of
Army personnel. The principal technical objective of this project
is to quantify the acoustic environments associated with new Army
material in order to assess the hearing damage potential and to support
the material developers to produce less hazardous material. The
results of this project will have wide application through the Army in
support of Hearing Conservation, reducing the incidence of noise-induced
hearing loss and providing basic data for research on hearing damage-
risk criteria.
Investigator: B.T. Mozo, Aeromedical Research Lab, Ft. Rucker, Ala.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1975 1977 1978
105
Research of Psychoacoustical Problems Medically Significant to Army Aviation
(See listing under Noise-Induced Hearing Loss)
*Noise effects only.
B-25
-------
NAVY
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Development of Damage Risk Criteria for Continuous Noise Exposures
in Hyperbaric Environments
The objective of this study is to determine the effects of
increased ambient pressure on the development of noise-induced
temporary and permanent auditory threshold shift, and, further,
to establish the maximum allowable levels and durations of noise
exposure experienced by diving research subjects participating
in long-term studies inside pressurized chambers.
Temporary noise-induced shifts in human audiograms will be
measured, using modern audiometric techniques in both normal
ambient pressures and in the increased ambient pressures of a hyper-
baric chamber. The human subjects employed will be divers participating
in research projects conducted in the Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine
Branch of the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory and
approved by the Secretary of the Navy. Permanent shifts in animal
audiograms resulting from noise exposure in normal and hyperbaric
environments will also be examined, using computer-averaged auditory
evoked response (AER) techniques. These data will be employed
to determine the applicability of conventional damage risk criteria
to hyperbaric situations and to develop hearing conservation
standards for long-term hyperbaric investigations.
Investigators: P.G. Lacroix, Naval Submarine Medical Research Lab, "Cpnn.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
14 28 23
Development of Damage Risk Criteria and Habitability Standards
for Exposure to Sonar Transmissions
The objective of this study to to develop hearing conservation
standards for submariners exposed to intense tonal stimuli, such
as are transmitted to compartments within attack submarines by
active sonar systems, to specify performance interference levels
for sonar operation and other shipboard tasks and to determine the
habitability of ship compartments subjected to prolonged and intense
sonar signals.
The approach includes measurement of temporary auditory shifts
and other physiological and behavioral changes resulting from
controlled exposure to various sonar signal configurations. Effects
of extraneous echo-ranging signals on sonar operations detection
and classification performance will also be determined.
Investigators: P.F. Smith, Naval Submarine Medical Research Lab, Conn.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
41,8
B-26
-------
NAVY (Continued)
Middle Ear Compliance and Its Relationship to Military-Related
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and Acoustic Trauma
The objective of this study was to determine whether there is any
degree of increased middle ear compliance in patients with hearing
loss secondary to acoustic trauma or excessive prolonged noise exposure.
This combination is quite common in the military especially in
aviators and supporting personnel. Using the Grayson Stadler oto-admittance
"hn.ni'J?1^ ear "m?liance was measured in personnel seen at this
hospital having audiograms. The results of audiograms, middle ear
compliance and noise exposure history were then correlated to provide
data regarding susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss in
military personnel.
Investigators: W. T. Moroika, U. S. Navy Hospital, San Diego, Cal.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
3.7
Physiological Effects and Mechanism of NAACH Hearing
The purpose of this study was to determine how the NAACH (non-acoustic
auditory coupling to the head) audio system,which was designed for
high intensity noise environments such as aircraft cockpits,functions,
and further to determine whether the high voltages(500-1500 VD-C,
0-3000 VA-C) applied to the head by NAACH systems result in deleterious
effects upon the body or in any way alter vital functions.
Action potentials and cochlear microphonics and the decrement
in each were recorded in anesthetized experimental animals during
separate presentation of airborne, bone-conducted, and NAACH-
transmitted sound before and after each step of sequential impairment
of the ear. The short- and long-term effects of this system on hearing,
equilibrium, orientation, enzyme activities of the brain stem, and other
vital functions was also observed.
Inves-tigator: F.H. Jacobsop, Navy Crew Systems Department, Pa.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
71 45
A Study of Anatomic Changes in Middle Ear Associated With. No is e-
'Induced Hearing Loss and Acoustic Trauma
This study correlated anatomic changes with noise-induced
hearing loss and acoustic trauna, H.tstologic examination of temporal
bones obtained from autopsies were evaluated for changes in the
auditory nerve and organ of Corti. Correlation was made with the
background of noise and acoustic trauma as well as with clinical
findings, including the audiogram ir active duty and retired personnel,
Investigators: M.J. Rensink, T. Aconb, U.S. Navy Hospital, Cal.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 197i
10
B-27
-------
NAVY (Continued)
The Prevalance of Hearing Loss Among Various Navy Rated Personnel
The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of
hearing loss among various Navy rated personnel.
Hearing threshold levels and noise history questionnaire data
on statistically significant numbers of Navy personnel working in
various Navy rated job specialities are being obtained. Average
hearing levels for the various specialities will be compared with
baseline audiometric threshold data obtained from young adult males
entering the Navy and control groups of equivalent time in service.
Investigators: R.M. Robertson, Naval Aerospace Medical
Research Laboratory, FLa.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977 1978
40,8 80 29 102,5
Development of Auditory Screening and Acoustical Tolerance Standards
for Submarine/Shipboard Personnel
The objectives of this research are (1) to validate new
audiometic standards for submarine personnel so as to improve
intelligibility of speech and signals among personnel in jobs
requiring a high level of auditory aruity, (2) to reduce numbers of
submarine personnel, otherwise qualified, who may be unnecessarily lost
by reason of present auditory standards and (3) to prevent the
development of hearing defects among career submarine personnel.
As needed, standards will also be validated for surface ships.
The approach includes experimental studies to assess auditory
perception of a variety of speech materials and signal stimuli,
embedded in various background sound fields, for personnel with
differing levels of acuity determinec- by present standards. Longi-
tudinal studies are being conducted to assess changes in hearing
abilities among submarine personnel ;io as to identify predictive
indices of hearing loss and the habitation process which enhances
operator auditory acuity; the latter having a potential benefit in
the design of training programs, auditory aids, or acoustical
characteristics of submarine environment.
Investigator: P.G. Lacroix, Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
32 33 24.5
B-28
-------
NAVY (Continued)
NON-AUDITORY HEALTH EFFECTS
Sonic Decompression
This study was done to determine the effects of sound on the
decompression process for the following cases: (1) Bubble formation
in non-living substances; (2) Bubble formation in living tissue;
(3) The incidence and onset of decompression sickness in small animals.
The results of these tests will be used to determine if sound can
be used in a method of decompressing divers from long and/or deep
dives and to determine the possible effects of existing sonar
on divers or swimmers.
The approach included testing various non-living substances such
as water and gelatin under decompression conditions subjected to
sound of various frequencies and intensities, and testing small
animals such as frogs, mice, and guinea pigs under conditions of
some decompression. Bubble formation was observed by various means
in living tissue and in post mortem evaluations.
Investigators: J.R. Losee, S. Ridgeway, Undersea Survey & Ocean
Science Department, Cal.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
60 34
Lung Resonance and Acoustic Damage
The objective of this study is to determine to frequency range
and sound pressure levels that are most likely to be destructive
to lung tissue of Navy divers. Acoustic techniques developed will
be employed to radiate submerged laboratory swine. Resonant
frequencies will be determined for the lungs of each individual pig.
The animals will be exposed to sound at high frequency ranges and
then, according to lung resonance, to low frequencies. The sacrificed
animals will be examined grossly and histopathologically for lung
damage.
Investigator: J.C. Sweeney, Naval Undersea Center, Cal.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
15 17
B-29
-------
NAVY (Continued)
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Development of Operational Auditory Performance Standards for Navy
This is a five-year study. The objective of this study is
to develop a workable set of psychoacoustic standards based on
operational requirements for the human auditory system needed for
a broad spectrum of Naval aviation.-tasks. These standards will be
used for screening new personnel and periodic evaluation of existing per-
sonnel. The requirements for the auditory system will be derived from
a simple operational model of task performance. Inputs to the model
will come from: 1) compilation and analyses of operational tasks;
2) description and analyses of operationally relevant auditory
sensory inputs and relevant audiotry processing requirements;
3) description and analyses of environmental and psychophysiological
factors which influence auditory performance; and 4) laboratory
and field experiments with operational personnel to confirm the
applicability of the psychoacoustic standards.
Investigator: J.D. Mosko, Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory, Fla.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
41 60
Airborne Noise Criteria for Ships and Submarines
Airborne noise on naval vessels is a constant threat to
operational capability and crew safety. Noise interferes with
hearing verbal commands, produces hearing loss of personnel, limits
habitability of quarters. Since noise quieting is costly, a constant
review of naval missions and shipboard tasks as affected by noise
is necessary to set realistic criteria for acceptable noise on ships
and submarines.
In this study measurements of airborne noise in various ship
interior spaces will be obtained and compared with measures of
performance and habitability by observation, questionnaire and lab
controlled environmental conditions. The adequacy of measurement
procedures under actual shipboard conditions, in lab and field,
will be evaluated.
Investigators: R.S. Gales, Navy, Biosystems Research Development, Cal.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1972 1978
50 50 12.5 60 50
B-30
-------
NAVY (Continued)
SLEEP
Personnel Technology: Effects of Combined Pharmacological and
Biofeedback Procedures on Performance Enhancement
This work unit was concerned with exploring the effectiveness
of combining selected drugs with bio-feedback techniques in teaching
people to learn to control bodily responses associated with sleep,
relaxation, and alert performance. Noise was introduced to increase
the difficulty of going to sleep with anticipation of a demanding
task to be performed upon waking. Drug assisted subjects operating
under bio-feedback with a self generated conditioned stimulus
were compared with controls who were similarly treated but received
no drugs.
Investigator: P.M. Hurst, State College, Pa.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
25
Sleep Patterns and Performance in Operationr.l Environments
Amount of sleep and quality of sleep are concerns in both
operational and medical settings. To date, there are little data
on the pattern of sleep in various operational units, and what
constitutes a sleep problem is unclear. The relation of sleep
patterns to performance and the contribution of sleep problems to
other medical complaints are often inferred, but quantitative studies
are lacking. This research program will survey the sleep patterns
in various naval units and commands to obtain baseline data on
sleep patterns and number and types of reported sleep problems.
The relationship of these sleep data to performance and medical
complaints will be investigated. The effects of environmental
factors, such as noise, temperature, duty schedules, etc., on sleep
patterns and sleep complaints will be studied.
Investigator : P. Naito.h, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, Cal,
Fiscal Year Funding C$1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
77 90
COMMUNICATION INTERFERENCE
Optimization of Speech Communications in Naval Aviation
The objective of this work was to improve speech communications
in various naval aviation acoustical environments.
Tests and procedures were developed for assesssing (1) the
ability of aircrewmen to transmit and perceive speech in various
naval aviation acoustical environments and (2) the capabilities of
a wide variety of naval aviation communication systems to transmit
intelligible speech and those aspects of the acoustic sppech signal
which are important for determining both the identity of the talker
and his physiological and emotional state. This project was
completed in 1975.
B-31
-------
NAVY (Continued)
Investigators: C. Williams, Naval Aerospace Medical Research Lab, Fla.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) 1975 1976 1977 1978
46.4
Surveillance: Identification of Psychological Features in the
Recognition of Complex, Non-Speech Sounds
Aural sonar displays are not considered competitive with machine-
aided visual systems for initial target acquisition, but auditory
skills do emerge as rivals in target-tracking modes, in the extraction
of tactical information, in the presence of noise interference, and
for target classification. A reassessment of the utility of aural
displays in those latter functions has become appropriate due to
new knowledge about auditory capabilities. This program will identify
the parameters of auditory targets that are significant in the
classification task and indicate those that recommend themselves
for improved sonar systems and ASW procedures of the sonar operator.
Observers judge pairs of complex auditory target signals in
terms of "degree of similarity" to each other; and also, they
judge single signals in terms of a label or category which has been
assigned to a set of similat signals to derive a confusion matrix.
The signals vary along four physical dimensions: waveform, frequency,
number of formats, and format position. Through multi-dimensional .
scaling of responses, the psychologically significant features are
identified and related to the physical parameters for each observer
and for all observers as a group. The role of temporal sequence of
auditory signal components is examined in the same manner.
Investigator: J.H. Howard, Catholic University of America
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
34 49 50
The Effects of Ear Protective Devices on the Auditory Performance
of Equipment Operators in High-level Noise Environments
The objective of the this research is.to determine the
effects of ear protectors on the ability of human operators to
detect and troubleshoot subtle changes in equipment noise. These
effects are being examined for operators having normal hearing and
for those suffering some degree of hypacusis.
Measures of the ability to detect changes in the acoustic
power spectra of various equipment in high-level noise are obtained
from normal-hearing and nypacusic persons. Similar measures are then
obtained under conditions simulating the wearing of ear protectors.
Investigator: P.F. Smith, Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory, Conn,
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
14 22 20.4 40
B-32
-------
NAVY (Continued)
Optimization of Auditory Performance and Speech Communications
in Navy Operational Environments
The work performed during 1975 and 1976 was summarized as follows.
Modifications to a new sound powered phone unit (9AN/3SP)
being considered for Navy use have been completed by the manufacturer
and evaluated in the laboratory plus aboard the U.S.S. Lexington
during air operations. The modified units performed better than
previous production units and provided adequate noise attenuation
(approx. 30 dBA). Addition of a noise enhancer did not improve
speech level or clarity. Questionnaire data revealed that, compared
to currently used sound powered phones, users could hear transmissions
better and outside noises sounded quieter. Production model units
(436) have been subjected to quality control checks and have been
distributed to carriers for a fleet technical evaluation. Verbal
comments and questionnaire responses from flight deck and deck-edge
users aboard the U.S.S. Kennedy were positive. Data collection and
reduction have been completed in the study of the effect of noise
exposure during helicopter flight training on the hearing of naval
aviation officer candidates. Two publications. This project has
been terminated because of lack of resources.
Investigator: C.E. Williams, Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory, FLa.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
60.5 48
NOISE ENVIRONMENT DETERMINATION
Personnel Technology: Survey of Occupational Noise Exposure in
Selected Spaces . . .on Selected Destroyer Ships
The objective of this work unit was to identify the magnitude
of the occupational noise exposure problem, determine the state
and extent of noise control technology, and identify related costs,
within selected spaces onboard operational destroyer type ships.
Investigator: B.A. Kuglar, Bolt Beranek and Newman, Cal.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) 1975 1976 1977
41
B-33
-------
ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Transmission Line Audible Noise Measurements
The objectives of this study are: to investigate measurement
scales for audible noise generated by high voltage transmission
lines, to relate these scales to human response, to determine
the adequacy of present scales and units; to compare transmission
line audible noise with other environmental noises; to"determine
whether the high frequency or low frequency components contribute
most to human aversion. The research involves tape recording the
audible noise generated by extra-high voltage (EHV) and ultra-
high voltage (UHV) transmission lines. Individual subjects listen
to these noise stimuli in a simulated living room for about 15
one-hour sessions while their responses are observed. Four of
these experiments will be done.
Investigators: J. Molino, Zereley, Lerner, Harwood, NBS
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 TQ 1977 1978
93 43 143 143
DOMESTIC ANIMALS AND WILDLIFE
The Environmental Effects of Noise from Geothermal Resource Development
Noise is a matter of concern in areas of geothermal resource
development, and its effect on faunal toleration and auditory organs
is little known. This research evaluated the effects of the noise
on selected species of birds and small mammals. The research
included five main tasks: (1) measurement of actual noise levels
in geothermal areas; (2) laboratory measurements of damage to
auditory organs (cochlea of inner ear) by different noise level
and exposure times; (3) field study to evaluate voluntary toleration
limits of selected fauna to noise; (4) literature and field study
to assess the effect of noise of animal communication, hence survival;
and (5) field study to measure the effect of noise on species
reproduction and population density. This study will provide
both physiological and ecological data, two factors which, in addition
to esthetic considerations, are needed in order to assess the effect
of noise from a geothermal operation. During the first year of the
research (NSF/RANN Grant 75-18641) emphasis was on studying noise
at The Geysers, California. During the second year, work started at
Cerro Prieto, Mexico, and the test facility at Niland, Imperial
Valley, California. First-year findings suggest that animal behavior
is not affected at sound levels below 65-70 dB, and that level
is usually reached at the outer margin of the facility construction area.
Investigator: P. Leitner, St. Marys College of California
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
45 29
B-34
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THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Early Detection of Noise Induced Hearing Loss
The relationship between TTS and intensity discrimination in
normal, noise exposed listeners is being investigated.
Temporary noise-induced shifts in auditory pure-tone thresholds,
intensity discrimination (as an analog of loudness recruitment), and
critical band-related tone-on-tone masking are being studied. Decay
(recovery) functions of these three parameters are being compared
and evaluated in terms of their respective potential for detecting
early changes in auditory function due to noise exposure.
Sponsor: EPA/ONAC
Investigators: P. Michael, G. Bienvenue, Pennsylvania State University,
Acoustics Laboratory
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977 1978
47 20
Auditory Effects of Long Duration Noise Exposure *
This project will evaluate effects of intermittent noise over
periods of 24 hours.
Attempt will be made to validate EPA's identified "no effect'1
level by exposing subjects to 24 to 48 hour doses of 65, 70, 75,
80 dBA in the laboratory. The dependent variable will be TTS. Al-
though TTS is not the only means of verifying the level, it will
provide some insight.
Sponsor: EPA/ONAC and Air Force
Investigator: M. Stephenson, Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory, (AMRL),
Wright-Patterson AFB
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
10 10 10 2
* Jointly funded project. Only EPA funding is given here.
B-35
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EPA (Continued)
Longitudinal Study of Hearing Levels in Children *
An ongoing longitudinal study of the development and health
history of over 400 subjects from the ages of 2 years to 25 years is
available. The hearing threshold level of this select population will
be obtained and will be correlated with developmental factors, health
history, a noise exposure questionnaire, and limited dosimetry.
The purpose will be to identify the causes of the differences in
hearing levels between young men and women, to correlate hearing level
of individuals with their medical and developmental histories.
Sponsors: EPA/ONAC and Air Force
Investigators: A. F. Roche, Samuel S. Fels Insittute, OH
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
15 33 30 35
Auditory Effects of Noise Exposure Levels Equal to Hearing Levels
This project is specifically designed to test the assumption in
the Levels Document that "one cannot be damaged by sounds which one
cannot hear," an assumption that has not been verified. Subjects
will have hearing levels of 70 to 80 dB at 4 K Hz, and they will be
exposed to pure tones and/or narrow bands of noise at L 's of
approximately 70 to 80 dB. If no TTS is produced, thate§vidence
will support the Levels Document's assumption. If TTS does occur,
then the assumption should probably be removed when the Levels Docu-
ment is revised.
Sponsor: EPA/ONAC
Investigator: AMRL, Wright-Patterson AFB
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
Changes in the Organ of Hearing Produced by Sound *
The purpose of this work unit is to examine changes in the
auditory system produced by exposure to excessive sound. The effort
will emphasize studies in the intra-sound (1-20 Hz) region and long-
term, low-level exposures at mid-frequencies (600-2000 Hz). Goal
of the research is a reasonable hypothesis of the mechanism of
injury production that provides a rationale for treatment and pre-
vention.
* Jointly funded project. Only EPA funding is given here.
B-36
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EPA (Continued)
Infrasound exposures will be carried out only on experimental
animals. Long-term, low-level exposures will be carried out on experi-
mental animals and human volunteer subjects at levels which do not
produce permanent changes in hearing. Techniques to be employed include
light and electron microscopy of inner ear structures, electrophysio-
logical measures of middle ear muscle activity and psychoacoustic
measures of changes in auditory acuity.
Sponsors: EPA/ONAC and Air Force
Investigators: D. Lim, W. Melnick, Ohio State University
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977
8
NON-AUDITORY HEALTH EFFECTS
Attenuation Characteristics of the Womb
It is evident that before a long-term research program on the
fetal effects of noise can be initiated, more information on how much
sound the fetus actually receives is needed. In order to obtain this
information AMRL proposes to measure the attenuating properties of
the womb in one to three fairly large mammals.
The task will consist of a literature search, the development
of instrumentation and the measurements. Completion is expected
around October 1977.
Sponsor: EPA/ONAC
Investigator: R. McKinley, AMRL, Wright-Patterson AFB
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
5 10
Protracted Noise Exposure and Cardiovascular Function *
Quantitative criteria for the effects of noise on the cardio-
vascular system are needed in order to protect the health and welfare
of the American Public from adverse effects of noise. Research on
the nonauditory physiological effects of noise has been identified
as a particularly pressing need. This project will help fill this
gap by generating data on the presence (or absence) and degree of
significant cardiovascular adjustments as a result of protracted
noise exposure.
Preliminary results show that prolonged exposure to moderate
noise levels, such as urban traffic noise, caused significant increases
in heart rate in a female Rhesus monkey. The heart rate had still
failed to return to normal 4 months after the noise had stopped.
* Jointly funded study. Only EPA funding is given here.
B-37
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EPA (Continued)
Sponsors EPA/ONAC and NIEHS
Investigator: E. A. Peterson, University of Miami, Florida
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
58.6 30.2
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Assessment of the Relationship Between Annoyance and Intrusiveness
of Noise Sources
The purpose of the proposed program is to investigate and
empirically establish the relationship between acoustic intrusiveness
and community annoyance. The technical approach proposed is a labora-
tory investigation to study the concept of scaling annoyance by
detectability. The overall objectives of this program are (a) to
determine if annoyance is a function of the background noise environment,
(b) to ascertain whether signals of equal detectability of intrusive-
ness are equally annoying, (c) to determine the existence of an
orderly relation between annoyance and detectability of intrusiveness
and (d) to provide a scaling of the intrusiveness-annoyance relation-
ship. This contract action will enhance EPArs efforts in determining
the potential health and welfare benefits/impacts that may result
subsequent to various source emission regulatory programs associated
with products identified as candidates for regulations or labeling.
Sponsor: EPA/ONAC
Investigator: S, Fidell, Bolt Beranek, and Newman
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
70
Evaluation of Data on the Subjective Effects of Noise
The objective of the proposed contract is to determine (a) the
best methodology or calculation rating scheme for assessing the sub-
jective magnitude of sound, (b) the importance of non-acoustical
factors in the assessment of aversiveness of noise, and (c) the best
frequency weighting for the assessment of the subjective magnitude of
noise. The Contractor shall, under the direction of the Project
Officer, assemble and evaluate published and unpublished data on the
subjective effects of noise and recommend additional data and research
needs which may be required to arrive at the most accurate and precise
methodology to assess the health and welfare effects of noise. The
effort must be vigorously pursued in order that the required informa-
tion will be available to EPA/ONAC for the determination of health
and welfare benefits associated with ongoing regulatory activities,
and prior to the inception of further regulatory activity of products
identified as major sources of noise.
Sponsor: EPA/ONAC
Investigator: B. Scharf, Northeastern University
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
20
B-38
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EPA (Continued)
Review of Literature on Lcmdness and Annoyance of Impulsive Noise
The study included both subjective and objective aspects of
impulsive noise. The subjective aspect, based solely on the avail-
able literature, emphasized evaluation of annoyance and loudness from
repetitive impulse noise such as from unmuffled two-cycle motorcycles,
rock drills, pavement breakers, and industrial garbage compactors.
The objective portion of the study included an experimental evaluation
of the measurement of a wide variety of simulated repetitive impulsive-
type signals varying in duty cycle, repetition rate, pulse frequency,
and ratio pulse peak signal level to continuous background noise level,
'Sponsor: EPA/ONAC
Investigators; L, C. Sutherland, M, C. Lee, R, E. Burke,
Wyle Laboratories, CA
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000); 1975 1976 1977 1978
15
Behavioral Correlates of Varying Noise Environments
Phase I of the studies investigated influence of noise environ-
ments on motor skill performance as a function of personality variables.
Phase II investigated additional behavioral correlates of noise environ^
ments plus specific biochemical substances indicative of physiological
arousal. Phase III examined the effects of moderate noise levels on
individual signal detection capability, and extended the work in
depth of Phase II.
An annotated bibliography on Behavioral and Physiological
Correlates of Varying Noise Environments from 1969 through 1974 was
published as an ORD research report.
The_final reports for Phase I, II, and III will also be published
as part of ORD report series on health effects. The completion date
for this project is October 1977.
Sponsor: EPA/ORD
Investigator: Dr. L. Sharp, Air Force Academy
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
60
NOISE EFFECTS ON SLEEP
Correlational Analysis of Foreign and Domestic Data on the Effects
of Noise on Human Sleep
This study provided a review of the recent experimental sleep and
noise literature. It also provided some additional points to an earlier
scatter plot to the frequency of no sleep disruption at various noise
B-39
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EPA (Continued)
levels. A tentative composite measure of subjective sleep quality
was proposed and its relationship shown to composite measures of the
night time noise environment.
Sponsor: EPA/ORD
Investigator: J. Lucas, Stanford Research Institute
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976
16
COMMUNICATIONS INTERFERENCE
Improved Criteria for Verbal Communication in Noise
This study provided measures of typical speech levels in homes,
schools, hospitals, trains, airplanes and public places. Measurements
were also made of speech levels in an anechoic chamber. Tabulations
of 1/3 octave level statistical distributions of speech levels for the
anechoic measurements are provided as data supplement. This study was
completed in December 1976.
Sponsor: EPA/ORD
Investigator: K. Pearsons, Bolt, Beranek and Newman
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977
64
Criteria for Noise in Buildings
Under an EPA/NBS IAG, NBS was contracted to undertake a critical
examination of the various noise criteria and rating schemes in current
use by building designers for indoor dwelling spaces. This analysis
included a review of the origins of these human response criteria in
order to determine their validity for possible incorporation in a
forthcoming EPA Model Building Code.
Sponsor: EPA/ONAC
Investigators: S. Yaniv, D. Flynn, HBS
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
25
B-40
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EPA (Continued)
COMMUNITY OR COLLECTIVE RESPONSE
Social Survey Questionnaire
Wyle Labs is reviewing over 30 selected, noise related attitudinal
surveys. Emphasis has been placed on those community noise surveys
which include an integrated physical and attitudinal monitoring program.
The implementation methodologies and questionnaire designs within these
surveys will be analyzed and evaluated. This examination should pro-
vide the necessary background documentation for development of a new
comprehensive community attitudinal questionnaire. The questionnaire
will become part of a community monitoring workbook for assessment
of local noise problems and development of responsive local noise
control strategies.
Sponsor: EPA/ONAC
Investigator: L. Sutherland, Wyle Laboratory
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978_
44
Data Analysis - National Urban Study
An analysis of noise exposure and social survey data collected
and tabulated in the National Urban Survey (EPA Contract No. 68-
01-2275) was done. This previously compiled survey data had not
been subjected to a full, systematic and detailed analysis before.
The overall objectives of this program were (1) to establish relation-
ships between noise exposure and human response as a function of
situational and attitudinal variables associated with the life styles
of people residing in urban areas away from airports and highways;
(2) establish the outdoor noise levels at which noise becomes the
salient factor in the generation of annoyance; (3) complete the base-
line data bank for future evaluation of EPA effectiveness in fulfilling
its responsibilities under the Noise Control Act; (4) further identify
and establish, from a public health and welfare standpoint, a
priority of products which require noise emission regulation and/or
labeling.
Sponsor: EPA/ONAC
Investigator: S. Fidell, Bolt, Beranek and Newman, CA
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
40
B-41
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EPA (Continued)
Guidelines for the Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements
on Noise *
The objective of this study is to develop, in conjunction with the
National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council Committee on
Hearing, Bioacoustics and Biomechanics, guidelines for evaluating the
effects of all types of environmental noise on the general population.
When these guidelines are finished, they will be validated in order
to show that they are correct and reasonable with respect to Air Force
facilities as well as specifications, standards and regulations on
noise exposure.
A working group of leading scientific/technical personnel is
preparing these guidelines. Upon completion, they will be used to
compare established predicted effects of noise on a community with
actual measured behavioral responses.
Sponsors: EPA/ONAC, and Air Force
Investigators: H. Von Gierke, D. Johnson, AMRL, Wright-Patterson AFB
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
20 15
Development of Guidelines for the Assessment of Large Impulsive
Noises. (Community Annoyance Due to Mining and Quarrying)
The problem of an appropriate methodology for characterizing
noise from large impulses and blasting (due to mining and quarrying
operations), was raised as part of the CEABA EIS guidelines exercise.
The sonic boom methodology described in the EPA Levels Document was
applied to blast noise, and certain CHABA WG members disagreed. By
1975 the CHABA WG had agreed on this methodology - weighting with a
nighttime penalty: "L , ," This rating scheme has been recommended
to the Bureau of Mines. FY 77 and 78 funds will be used for validation
of Lcdn. Through AMRL, EPA is trying to assure that there is a
coordinated approach to the problem and that everybody (Bureau of
Mines, Army, EPA, etc.) uses the same measurement methodology.
Sponsor: EPA/ONAC
Investigator: AMRL, Wright-Patterson AFB
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
* Jointly funded project. Only EPA funding is given here.
B-42
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EPA (Continued)
DOMESTIC ANIMALS AND WILDLIFE
Criteria Review of Effects of Noise on Wildlife
This project will provide a Summary/Update of research on the
effects of noise on wildlife and other animals , since the publication
of EPA's 1971 report on that topic (NTID 300.5, December 31, 1971).
The Summary will be based on published literature and on the pro-
ceedings of a Symposium and discussion by experts (to be published
independently).
In addition to reviewing the state of the art, the project is
seen as providing impetus and direction for future research. Emphasis
will be placed on the needs of governmental and other criteria-writing
bodies.
Sponsor: EPA/ONAC
Investigator: J. Fletcher, University of Tennessee
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
15
NOISE ENVIRONMENT DETERMINATION
Exposure of Motorcycle Operators to Noise
The objectives of this project are as follows:
o develop, evaluate and refine a portable data acquisition
system capable of determining noise levels at motorcycle operator
and passenger ear position;
o measure noise at motorcycle operator and passenger ear
position;
o summarize and analyze wind measurement data.
Sponsor: EPA/ONAC
Investigator: E, Odds, McDonnel-Douglas
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000); 1975 1976 1977 1978
20.5
B-43
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EPA (Continued)
Noise Exposure Characterization Through Dosimetry *
The purpose of the present study is to test the feasibility of
dosimetry as a practical method of assessing environmental noise
exposures and to provide some samples (for 50 civilians) of typical
daily exposures over the period of a week.
Plans are underway for a follow-up study of approximately 80
military personnel in a variety of occupations.
Sponsor: EPA/ONAC
Investigator: D. Johnson, University of Dayton, and AMRL
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
20 4
Task on Assessing Noise Impact Attributable to the Operation of
Household and Consumer Products
This work is being performed as part of an interagency agree-
ment between NBS and EPA/ONAC. NBS is developing a conceptual model
for assessing the impact of noise from household and consumer products
on the health and welfare of the national population. Special atten-
tion is being given to the determination of a health and welfare
criteria for the impact of these products in various environmental
situations, e.g., single and multiple family dwellings, urban and
suburban areas, etc., quantification of noise impact. Viable options
for measurement and rating procedures will be examined and specific
problem areas where further research or data are required will be
identified.
Sponsor: EPA/ONAC
Investigator: Yaniv, National Bureau of Standards
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
45 19
* Jointly funded project. Only EPA funding is given here.
B-44
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION A*1D WELFARE
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Specific Effects of Auditory Far Fields in Animals
Far field auditory evoked potentials can be detected on the scalp
by averaging, and used as a measure of neonatal auditory system
development in humans and animals, and the technique is now beginning to
be used as a clinical measure. Many neonatal problems have been
correlated with hearing loss in humans (e.g., ototoxic drugs,
hyperbilirubinemia). It should be possible to detect auditory system
damage from some of these causes in the neonate, at a time when
corrective action may be effective.
The technique involves recording VIIIth nerve and brainstem
electrical activity from surface electrodes by means of averaging the
electrical responses to repeated auditory "click" stimuli. Changes in
the obtained waveform can be observed during postnatal development of a
single subject by repeated recordings during maturation.
This proposal is a continuation of our animal study, in which the
many factors either known or thought to affect auditory far fields can
be controlled. The specific factors we propose to study are: 1) ototoxicity,
2) hyperbilirubinemia, 3) prolonged exposure to loud noise, 4) cochlear
damage in specific frequency ranges, 5) artifacts from other electrogenic
centers, and 6) specific dietary deficiencies.
Investigators: D.L. Jewett, V.L. Schwent, J.S. Williston, R.G. Plantz,
University of Southern California
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1976 1977
48 61
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NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES
NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Auditory Effects of Long Exposure to Low Levels of Noise
The major objective is to specify the quantitative and qualitative
relations between the physical characteristics of noise and the temporary
hearing losses produced by te noise. Knowledge of these relations
will permit the specification of levels of noise that will not injure
the inner ear, will help produce a temporary hearing loss, and will
not delay the decay of an existing hearing loss. In addition, these
relations will provide scientific bases for the development of noise
standards and criteria. Human observers will be exposed to low levels
of continuous and intermitent noises for a period of up to 48 to
1 hrs. Auditory sensitivity for pure tones as well as other tests
of auditory function will be measured before an exposure, during
quiet periods interspersed within an exposure, and after an exposure.
Results will be evaluated with respect to previous human and sub-
human data, a predictive model (the Equivalent Power Model), and
current noise standards and criteria.
Investigator: Prof. J. H. Mills, University of South Carolina
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
58.6 63 60
Combined Impulse Continuous Noise - Auditory Effect
Combinations of non-traumatic impulse and continuous noise can
produce unusually severe changes in hearing sensitivity and cochlear
integrity. The extent of this noise-induced trauma cannot be explained
on the basis of addition of te acoustic power of the two noises. The
purpose of the proposed research is to systematically study the effects
of combined impulse and continuous noise exposure on hearing sensitivity
and cochlear anatomy. Three impulses of variable intensity, spanning
a temporal range from 40 microsec. to .3 sec., will be individually
studied in combination with various intensities and band widths of
a background of continuous noise. Chinchilla will be used as
experimental animal. Noise-induced temporary and permanent threshold
shifts will be measured at regular intervals after exposure using the
auditory evoked response measure. At thirty days after exposure, the
cochlear cell populations will be analyzed using phase microscopy thin
sectioning techniques and electron-miscroscope. The final evaluation
of the particular noise exposure will depend on a correlation of
the noise parameters with the audiological and histological changes.
The ultimate objective of this research is the establishment of a
Damage Risk Criterion for impulse-continuous noise combinations.
B-46
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NIEHS (Continued)
Investigators: R. P. Hamernik, D. Henderson, State University of New York
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979
35.4 39.4 40 36 38
Effects of Noise and Otoxic Agents on Energy Balance and Metabolism
in Cochlea.
The purpose of this project is to increase the understanding of
selected basic auditory mechanisms under normal conditions and under the
influence of sensory disorder and physical/chemical agents. The
present topics are: (1) permeability of cochlear partitions to sodium
and potassium ions, and (2) effect of locally applied ototoxic agents
on cochlear potentials (3) effect of noise on permeability of cochlear
partition and energy balance.
Investigators: T. Konishi, P. J. Walsh, P. E. Hamrick, A. Yankwich,
A. Salt, NIEHS.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
35 25 40
Effect of Otoxic Insult on Coding of Complex Signals in the Auditory
System
Results of behavioral nd audiological tests with humans imply
that ability to understand speech and other complex signals (particularly
in a noisy listening situation) suffers loss from noise insult in excess
of what could be inferred from pure tone thresholds measured in the quiet.
These findings suggest that a complex interaction both between the
various levels of the auditory nervous system itself, and between the
auditory nervous system and various receptors of the auditory end
organ play a vital role in "sharpening" the sensory process. Until
recently it has not been possible to study the effect of noise insult
on rapidly changing speech or speech-like signals because such study
necessitated the use of extremely fast-acting signal analysis (frequency
domain) equipment coupled with the memory capacity of a minicomputer.
The PDF 11440 Minicomputer in our lab is being interfaced with signal
analysis equipment for processing electrophysiological data by Fast
Fourier Transformation Auto and Cross Correlation analysis. The
responses from both multi cochlear microphonic (UH) and responses from
individual nerve fibers of noise exposed and non-noise exposed animals
will be obtained.
Investigator: R. Cook, T. Konishi, NIEHS
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
40 40 20
B-47
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NIEHS (Continued)
Physiological Study of Auditory Fatigue
The cochlear microphonic, whole-nerve action potential and nerve
impulses of single auditory nerve fibers, are to be recorded and measured
in anesthesized guinea pigs and cats. The recovery processes of the
receptor potential and neural responses will be examined after sound
exposure. The effects of both exposure tones (duration, intensity, and
frequency) and test tones (intensity and frequency) on the recovery curve,
ought to be tested. The same experimental -r.radigms ought to be used
in guinea pigs or cats which have been treated with subtoxic doses of
kanamycin (200 rag/Kg, 5 days) in order to test the possible potentiation
effect of the antibiotic in the auditory recovery process after sound
exposure.
Investigators: T. Konishi, R. Cook, A. Yankwich, NIEHS
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
26 26 26 26
Mechanical Impulse Noise Generator for Hearing Loss Experiments
In many cases industry and transportation noise contains .contributions
from sounds of an Impulsive nature with a very short duration and of
high intensity, which do not effect the measured total noise dose
significantly. Also, people subjected to discotheque sound at 110-115
dBA are reported to suffer less loss than experienced by others similarly
exposed in occupational settings. Many other similar examples demonstrate
the need to investigate why these differences exist. It has been
suggested that the sharp peaks associated with mechanical impacts in
industry may be the decisive parameter. Reproduction of sounds with
a very high peak and of short duration is not possible electronically,
i.e., neither tape recorders nor speakers can recreate these sounds.
The objective of this project is to design a mechanical impulse noise
generator for use in laboratory (animal) hearing loss experiments. This
particular device" should be simple to operate and will have the advantage
of controlling the parameters of the generated sound including peak
level and frequency content.
Investigators: A. Akay, R. Cook, NIEHS
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
15 1
B-48
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NIEHS (Continued)
Detection of Single Unit and Other Response After Exposure to
Naturally Ocurring Complex Auditory Stimuli
Pure tones are different from the stimuli to which biological
systems usually are exposed. The purpose of this project is to study
the dynamxc properties of the auditory system of rats or cats after
exposure to the pseudorandom noise. Pseudorandom noise is similar
to the natural stimulation which the auditory system processes. Cross-
correlation and unit impulse responses are determined before and after
exposure to the pseudorandom noise. The relation between unit impulse
and parameters of noise exposure will be studied.
Investigators: Konishi, Cook, Hamm
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) 1975 1976 1977 1978
25 35
NON-AUDITORY HEALTH EFFECTS
Effects of Noise Stress on Developing Mouse Embroyos
Several studies have indicated that noise combined with other
forms of stress is teratogenic in mammals if the pregnant female is
exposed during critical periods of fetal development. One study
indicated that noise alone was capable of producting teratogenic
effects. The reported effects have varied widely, however. To
determine the source of this variability, this experiment is designed
such that the stress was limited to noise alone and the effect of
high level steady state noise can be compared with that produced by
random onset, moderate level impulsive type noise (controlled by a
minicomputer). Typically encountered sounds (jet noise, alarm bells,
etc.) are used as stimuli instead of white noise. Corticosterone
levels are to be monitored in both control and experimental animals.
The teratogenic potential of the noise exposures will be determined
by comparison of the fetuses of control and noise exposed animals
for evidence of external visceral and skeletal alterations.
Investigators: R. E. Staples, PH.D., P. S. Nawrot, Ph.D., R. 0. Cook, Ph
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
58
B-49
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NIEHS (Continued)
Protracted Noise Exposure and Cardiovascular Function*
Quantitative criteria for the effects of noise of the cardio-
vascular system are needed in order to protect the health and welfare
of the American Public from adverse effects of noise. Research on
the non-auditory physiological effects of noise has been identified as
a particularly pressing need. Preliminary results show that prolonged
exposure to moderate noise levels, such as urban traffic noise, caused
significant increases in heart rate in a female Rhesus monkey. The
heart rate had still failed to return to normal 4 months after the
noise had stopped.
Sponsors: NIEHS, EPA/ONAC
Investigator: P. Peterson, University of Miami
Fiscal Year Funding($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
30 44.3
Noise and Cell Mediated Immunity
This was an investigation of the possible effects of noise, both
constant and intermittent, on the ability of rats to develop de novo
sensitization to PPD. In addition, cell mediated immunity after noise
was studied in vitro by lymphocyte stimulations.
Investigators: S. Fox, R. 0. Cook, NIEHS
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
25
*Jointly funded study. Only NIEHS funding is given here.
B-50
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NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH
COMMUNITY OR COLLECTIVE RESPONSE
Personal and Family Adjustment to Urban Noise
This was an exploratory study of the psychological impact of
a new community noise problem. Residents of a community in which a
section of the Interstate Highway System was under construction were
interviewed before the highway was completed, shortly after traffic
began, and then again four to six months later. The investigation
focused on the emotional distress and behavioral disturbances which
occur and the difficulties individuals experience in adjusting to
the noise. The effects of noise were interpreted within the frame-
work of theories of psychological stress and coping. Questions
asked during the interviews concerned attitudes toward the commun-
ity affective responses to the noise, and the different methods
of direct and intrapsychic coping people use. The goals of the
project were to describe the initial short term effects of the
noise, to describe level of the adjustment achieved several months
later, to test and develop hypotheses about the factors which
influence individual differences in sensitivity to noise, to test
and develop hypotheses about the relationship between different
coping mechanisms and eventual adaptation, and to contribute to
the understanding of the significance of noise as an urban mental
health problem.
Investigator: N. D. Weinstein
Rutgers State University
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1976 1977 1978
35
B-51
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NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL AND COMMUNICATIVE DISEASES AND STROKE
NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Effects of Noise
This project is part of a broader program (NS 03856-14) whose
summary states: Psychophysical" studies of auditory patterns,
including discrimination of components within sequential patterns,
recognition of melodies, and discrimination of temporal aspects.
Electrophysiological studies of non-linearities in the response of
the inner ear. Evoked corical potentials of short latency and their
utility in clinical evaluation. Behavioral studies of speech-
sound discimination in animals, young infants and normal and hearing-
impaired adults. Effects of noise exposure on behavioral,
physiological and anatomical aspects ot hearing. Computer-
assisted analysis of speech and voice production, and jof auditory
and non-auditory recognition of speech. Early"developmental^
steps in the language skills of hearing-impaired children.
Current noise projects include Irreversible inner ear damage
from rock music, using six chinchillas taken to a discotheque
and exposed to live "rock" music; Physiological correlates of
cochlear injuries following exposure to noise; Mechanisms of noise
damage in the inner ear, testing the theory of noise damage,
Healing of the noise-damaged ear, (steps leading to the formation
of mature phalangeal scars after hair cell degeneration); Growth
of cochlear damage with increasing exposures.
Investigator: D.H. Eldredge, Central Institute for the Deaf
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
219 226 210 210
Causes of Deafness
This project is concerned with the normal physiology of the
ear and the pathological conditions that result in deafness. The
basic purpose of this program project is to provide the logistic
support of the Kresge Hearing Research Institute to individual
investigators.
Many laboratories utilizing different techniques are involved
in this study of the causes of deafness. Microcirculation of the
ear in normal conditions and under the influence of ototoxic
drugs, noise and congenital abnormalities are studied by closed
circuit television in relation to the energy transformation ability
of the ear. Monkeys are trained so that thresholds and recruitment
determinations can be made on them. These animals are used in
studies of the pathology of ototoxicity, temporary and permanent
threshold shifts. The chemical alteration of fluids and cells is
analyzed and the architectural pathology is determined by histological
surface preparation, transmission and scanning electron microscopy.
Various psychoacoustic properties of hearing are also investigated.
Investigators: M. Lawrence, D.J. Anderson, T.D. Clack, N.B. Gross,
J.E. Hawkins, University of Michigan
B-52
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NINCDS (Continued)
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
189 201 243
Cochlear Nerve Degeneration in Deafened Ears
The objective of this research is to obtain a clearer estimate of
the size and extent of the surviving population of cochlear nerve fibers
in the ears of deaf patients who might be considered as candiaai.es for
an auditory prosthesis designed to bypass the organ of Corti and deliver
electrical stimulation directly to the nerve fibers. The purpose is to
study temporal bones obtained at autopsy from patients known to have
been deafened by noise exposure, ototoxic drugs, aging, or viral disease,
and to measure the extent of loss of both sensory and neural structures,
including the organ of Corti, the myelinated dendrites in the osseous
spiral lamina, the cells of the spiral ganglion, and the axons in the
modiolus. The techniques of microdissection and phase-contrast examination
of surface preparations are employed, followed by sectioning of the
decalcified modiolus embedded in celloidin. Monkeys and chinchillas
trained for behavioral audiometry are used as animal models. After
measurement of their normal thresholds for pure tones they are deafened
by ototoxic drugs, noise exposure, or combinations of the two that are
known to produce extensive injury to cochlear structures. When their
residual hearing, if any, has been measured audiometrically, the animals
are kept for varying periods up to 3 years, then sacrificed for post-
mortem study of the inner ears to determine the extent of cochlear injury
and degeneration, and the degree to which the cochlear nerve fibers
have survived. Information from this research should be helpful in
predicting the likelihood of long-term success for the use of implanted
cochlear prostheses in various forms of acquired deafness. Similarly,
Dalmatian dogs are used as animal models for studying cochlear nerve
degeneration in hereditary and congenital deafness.
Investigators: L. Johnson, J.E. Hawkins, R.E. Preston, University of Michigan
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
46 76 51
Core Program Project in Communicative Disorders
This program consists of interdisciplinary projects in four areas:
(1) Preservation of the cells lining the cochlear duct and the junctions
between them, (2) Ototoxic effects of salidiuretics and antibiotics,
(3) Short and long-term effects of overexposure to noise, (4) Presbycusis
and other age-related changes in the ear. Approaches to these studies
utilize electrophysiological measures of cochlear function along with
morphological and biochemical assessment of the condition of the stria
vascularis and organ of Corti following the different experimental
treatments. In many cases, the same animal is used for two independent
measures of cochlear function (i.e., electrophysiology and biochemistry)
so that the effect of physical changes in cells can be related to changes
in their function.
Investigator: J.H. Ogura, Washington University
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
170 156
B-53
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NINCDS (Continued)
Damaging Effects of Noise and Pure Tones (Guinea Pigs)
This project is part of a broader program (NS 09889-05A1) whose
summary states: The purpose of the Kresge Hearing Research Laboratory is
to conduct intradisciplinary studies of the clinical problems produced
by damage to the ear. The objective of these investigations are to first
identify agents which exert deleterious effects upon the ear; then
attempt to understand the mechanism by which the damage is produced and
finally seek ways to provide protection from, or relief from, or
compensation for the damaging effects. The identification and understanding
of agents producing damage includes those agents which interact with
each other to produce damage as well as the single offenders to the ear.
The methods of investigation involve the use of animal models as
well as human subjects. The techniques utilized are: 1) recording of
electrophysiological events in the auditory system: AC cochlear potential,
endolymphatic potential, Nl action potential of the Vlllth nerve,
single unit activity of the Illth nerve and evoked responses in the
auditory cortex. 2) behavioral measures of hearing in animals using
operant conditioning techniques, 3) histological assessment of the
inner ear including hair cell counts by the surface preparation technique,
serial sectioning using celloidin embedding and electronmicroscopy.
Investigator: M.B. Meikle, University of Michigan
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
138 87
The Determination of Susceptibility to Hearing Loss
The relations among (1) temporary loss of auditory sensitivity, or
temporary threshold shift (TTS), (2) permanent threshold shifts (PTS),
and (3) damage to cochlear structures caused by exposure to noise will be
studied in the chinchilla, with the ultimate goal the prediction of
susceptibility of a given ear to PTS and/or to structural damage on
the basis either of TTS data or of other measurements that can be made
on the intact organism. Studies similar to those already conducted
on the sequelae of a relatively broad-band noise will be performed
using narrow-band noises. Considerable effort will be devoted to study
of the equal-energy hypothesis(which postulates that PTS and cochlear
damage depend only on the total relevant acoustic energy absorbed by
the ear, regardless of temporal pattern of the noise), because of the
practical significance of this principle in regard to damage-risk
criteria. The physiological processes associated with recovery from
severe noise exposures will also be studied by electron microscopy,
particularly the development, shortly after exposure, of small osmiophilic
particles and larger inclusion bodies (thought to be deposits of glycogen)
in the stria vascularis. Possible changes in permeability of cochlear
partitions immediately after intense noise will be studied by means of
the tracer horseradish peroxidase. The influence on TTS and PTS of
certain medications said to ameliorate the effects of acoustic trauma will
also be investigated. This project has been taken over by NIOSH.
B-54
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NINCDS (Continued)
Investigator: W.D. Ward, University of Minnesota
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
64
Development of Neural Mechanisms in Hearing
This research concerned the course of development of auditory
processing in brainstem centers and the susceptibility of this development
to changes induced by manipulations of the early sound environment.
Rats served as experimental subjects for acute unit recording at the
cochlear nucleus and inferior colliculus. Manipulation of the auditory
history of individual animals included deprivation and controlled exposure
to experimental sound environments. The objective was to characterize
the neural events leading to adult auditory processing and to determine
their vulnerability to plausible extremes of sound experience.
Investigator: B.M. Clopton, University of Washington
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
17 71
Disorders of Cochlear Homeostasis and Function
This project has as its objective the exploration of possible means
of minimizing permanent hearing loss caused by noise and ototoxic drugs
through treatment based on improved understanding of cochlear metabolism
and pathophysiology. It begins with the hypothesis that the early
stages of cochlear injury represent a disturbance of the microhomeostasis
and may be reversible by enhanced blood flow and oxygenation, greater
availability of metabolites, or accelerated removal of waste products.
This hypothesis will be tested in the guinea pig cochlea after noise
exposure and ototoxic drug administration sufficient to cause slight
depression of the cochlear potentials without hair cell loss. Cochlear
perfusion will be carried out with artificial perilymph, with and
without the addition of oxygen, glucose, CC>2, or vasoconstrictive
drugs, while cochlear microphonic and action potentials are being
recorded. Similar measurements will be made in animals which will
receive plasma volume expanders, ergot alkaloids, increased CO-> etc;
without cochlear perfusions. Parallel studies of cochlear biochemistry will
be carried out to elucidate the processes involved in the actions of
noise, aminoglycosides, diuretics and combinations of those agents on
hearing. This aspect of the research will also focus on the quantitative
determination of drug concentrations in cochlear fluids and tissues and on
the assay of adenyl cyclase and cyclic AMP, in an effort to establish their
roles in relation to cochlear injury by noise and ototoxic drugs.
Investigators: J.E. Hawkins, J.H. Schacht, University of Michigan
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
58 38
B-55
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NINCDS (Continued)
Latency-Intensity Functions in the Auditory System
In using the nonhuman primate as an auditory model for man, it is hoped
a more precise understanding of the nature of hearing loss due to intense
sound and noise and ototoxic drugs may be obtained. For example, the
conditions which produce broad band versus frequency specific hearing
loss, either reversible or permanent in nature, may be specified.
The cumulative and combined effects of both drugs and noise are examined.
Particularly important is the relation between hearing impairment and
cochlear and brain stem histopathology.
Behavioral conditioning methods, together with audiometric testing
procedures (i.e. Bekesy audiometry) are used for threshold testing, for
frequency and intensity difference thresholds, and for assessment of
the discimination of loudness levels in the study of recruitement. Monkeys
with a clearly established hearing loss as a consequence of exposure to
intense sound or drug treatment are sacrificed and histological changes in
the cochlea and cochlear nucleus of the brain stem are compared with
the final audiometric results.
Investigators: W.C. Stebbins, D.B. Moody, University of Michigan
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
114 79
Mechanisms of Hearing Loss
The research initiates investigations into the mechanisms of hearing
loss, with particular emphasis on the processes involved in hearing loss
caused by exposure to noise and by chemical toxins. In addition, a
major portion of the research is concerned with the identification of
auditory and vestibular deficits associated with specific etiologies of
hearing loss, in order to provide a better basis for differential
diagnosis of auditory disorders.
Data obtained from research techniques in electron microscopy,
psychoacoustics, biochemistry, neurophysiology, vestibiluar physiology,
light microscopy, histochemistry and immunology, as well as those in
clinical medicine, will provide the basis for accomplishment of the primary
goals of this research program, namely: the understanding of the mechanisms
of hearing loss and the improvement of methods of management of patients
with hearing loss.
Investigators: M.M. Paparella, W.D. Ward, M.J. Capps, D.A. Nelson,
A.J. Duvall, University of Minnesota
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
225 226 182
B-56
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NINCDS (Continued)
Microscopic Studies of the Inner Ear
Human temporal bones obtained at autopsy from patients with various forms
of sensorineural deafness are studied by microdissection and phase-
contrast examination of surface preparations for correlation of audio-
logical and pathological findings. Similar studies are carried out in
monkeys treated with ototoxic aminoglycosides and other drugs, for which
complete behavioral audiograms have been obtained before, during, and
after treatment. The patas monkey is studied as a model for drug
ototoxicity in man, because it alone among laboratory animals has been
found to be susceptible to the ototoxic action of dihydrostreptomycin
at dose-levels similar to those formerly used in treating human tuber-
culosis. Structure-activity relationships for various aminoglycosides,
enzymatic modifications, and fragments, are explored in guinea pigs, as
is the possible relationship between salicylate ototoxicity and prosta-
glandin effects on the inner ear microvasculature. The question of
potentiation of cochlear injury by combinations of aminoglycoside treatment
and noise is explored in monkeys. Temporary and permanent threshold shifts
and accompanying cochlear changes are examined in monkeys exposed to
recorded industrial noise from automotive factories and to impulsive
noise from power-actuated tools used in the construction industry.
Investigators: J.E. Hawkins, L. Johnson, University of Michigan
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
29 22
The Perception of Complex Auditory Stimuli by the Deaf
This project is now in its twelfth year. The object of the research,
since the inception of the project, has been to gain an insight into the
nature of speech perception in the severely hearing-impaired population.
Logically, though not temporally, the work began with an analysis of the
confusion matrices of deaf listeners. Results of these researchers and
others show consistenetly poorest performance on discrimination of place
cues. The approach of Pickett's group was to attempt to analyze the
failures of discrimination which would lead to this result. Since the
Haskins group had shown that the discrimination of place depended on
the first and second formant transition, work was begun on attempting
to examine these variables, particularly the latter, in deaf listeners.
An early result was that sensorineural subjects have great difficulty in
discriminating F transitions, because of the presence of F , which
seems to exert an effect like the upward spread of masking. Forward and
backward spread effects can also be seen. The group has gone on to explore
these effects in some detail. The early work was done mostly on students
at Gallaudet College. More recently, similar work has been done on
a presbycusis population.
Investigator: J. Pickett, Gallaudet College
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
87 90 112 102
B-57
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NINCDS (Continued)
Response of Inner Ear to Injury
The goal of this project is to elucidate the reversible and
irreversible morphological alterations which may occur in the cells
lining the cochlear duct of the inner ear after its having been sub-
jected to noise or chemical trauma, ischemia, anoxia or hypoxia. The
possibility of changes in permeability of these cells or the junctions
between them following different experimental treatments will also
be investigated. The ultimate goal of this work is to elucidate the
mechanisms of injury of various traumas to the inner ear.
Evaluation of damaged inner ears includes an overall survey of
the embedded flat preparations by phase contrast microscopy so that
complete cell counts can be made and percentages of missing or severely
damaged cells can be calculated. This is followed by sectioning of
selected areas of damage at radial, horizontal or tangential angles
for light or electron microscopic examination.
Investigators: B.A. Bohne, R. Thalman, C.D. Carr, Washington University
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
45 38
Outpatient Research Center for Sensorineural Deafness
Attention is given to those sensorineural involvements where causes
are not readily apparent. Special attention is, given to symptom complexes
which will help to fferentiate peripheral from central lesions, and
various central lesions from each other. Considerable stress is placed
on attempts to differentiate central from peripheral bases for the
disorder which falls under the broad rubric of presbycusis.
The research group sees the diagnosis of "presbycusis" as one of
exclusion, it is a nosologic entity without definite audiological
characteristics. The overall concept of examining patients who have a
diagnosis of "presbycusis" is an attempt to define what, if any, subgroups
exist in the entity. The research group is looking at these patients
utilizing their entire testing armamentarium with the hypothesis that
there may be some psychoacoustic and/or physiologic correlates of
Schuknecht's four categories of presbycusis (i.e., change in resiliency,
loss of hair cells; loss of spiral ganglion cells and atrophy of the
stria vascularis). They have added a fifth possible entity of presbycusis,
that of central neurologic origin.
The data which is gathered should lead to information as to whether
there are manifest, with present techniques, different subgroups in
the so-called group of presycusities. There should also be some measure
as of the relative incidence of the different subsets.
The concept of a central mechanism of presbycusis may be very
significant and is of importance in rehabilitation of these people.
The experience and expertise of this group in the area of brainstem and
central auditory disorders is of greates importance in the evaluation
of these patients.
B-58
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NINCDS (Continued)
Investigator: P. Noffsinger, Northwestern University
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
103
Studies of Auditory Sensitivity and Discrimination in Very Young Children
This contract was awarded to study auditory sensitivity and discrimina-
tion in children 0 to 6 years of age. Phase I is a two year project to
investigate and develop various measures which could be used to assess
such auditory functioning. Phase II involves making use of the
measures and techniques refined during Phase I to collect baseline data
on the auditory sensitivity and discrimination of young children. The
goal is the development and evaluation of a battery of tests which can be
used to characterize the hearing ability of young children not suspected
of having hearing deficits and to examine the feasibility of using such
a battery to assess the hearing of infants and young children who are
suspected of or are at risk for hearing dysfunction. Measures which have
been or are being investigated are: brain stem evoked responses, auditory
supression of startle blink responses, behavioral measures, (clinical
and non-clinical) cardiac rate changes, and non-nutritive sucking. The
first three of these measures are presently under intensive investigation.
Investigators: W.K. Berg, D.C. Teas, University of Florida
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
116 115 134
COMMUNICATION INTERFERENCE
Binaural Speech Reception
The purpose of this research is to study some basic auditory
factors that may affect speech reception by hearing-impaired persons
under noisy reverberant conditions.
The auditory factors are: 1) the echo-integrating capacity of the
auditory system and 2) the spatial, separating function of the binaural
system. Echo integration refers to the known capacity of the auditory
system to summate, for receptual purposes, a direct speech signal and
an echoed (delayed) version of the same signal. The binaural aspect
of hearing also enhances speech reception in noisy rooms and may interact
with echo integration.
We propose to investigate how echo integration and binaural hearing
together affect speech reception. Speech reception tests will be carried
out in rooms with variable reverberation and also under controlled echo
conditions simulated by a computer. Various speech-to-noise ratios
will be used and the tests will be carried out both monaurally and
binaurally. Noises will be : 1) a voice babble and 2) impulse noise.
Tests will be performed on normal listeners and on listeners with sensori-
neural impairment of hearing who are wearing hearing aids. Normal
listeners will be tested both with and without hearing aids. We expect
the results to have important implications for auditory theory, for the
acoustic design of rooms, and for the use of hearing aids.
B-59
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NINCDS (Continued)
Investigators: A.K. Nabelek, L.W. Asp, C.E. Shipley, Univ. of Tenn.
Fiscal Year Funding($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
34 68 57
B-60
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NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Control Techniques for Hearing Conservation
This was a two year study directed towards the control of
occupational hearing loss through improving the state-of-the-art
of hearing conservation practices including audiometric tracking
of hearing loss, improving the effectiveness of ear protectors
in actual industrial situations, and engineering and administra-
tive control.
Plans for this project included a study of impairment criteria
for the development of more accurate measures of hearing, diagnostic
and audiometric testing to identify persons susceptible to noise
induced hearing loss, a review of the state-of-the-art of automated
audiometry and data processing, performance tests of ear protectors
in industrial situations using a new measurement technique, and
consideration of administrative and engineering noise controls for
promulgation of comprehensive criteria for occupational noise exposure.
Investigator: R. Flemming, P.H.S. Center for Disease Control,
Cincinnati, OH
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977 1978
78 97
Damage Risk Criteria for Intermittent Noise Exposure
Present damage-risk criteria (DRC) for daily 8-hour exposure
to intermittent noise are based on extrapolation from meager data.
It is certain that the equal-energy hypothesis traditionally used
(a hypothesis that assumes that the temporal pattern is irrevelant
and that only the total energy matters) leads to DRC that are too
conservative, since no account is taken of the recuperative powers
of the ear between noise bursts. On the other hand, a recent Amer-
ican DRC sponsored by the Committee on Hearing, Bioacoustics and
Biomechanics (CHABA) of the National Research Council may not be
conservative enough, according to empirical evidence that has since
accumulated. Therefore it is proposed to determine DRC for inter-
mittent noise directly, based on the assumption that any pattern of
noise exposure over an 8-hour period is safe if the auditory fatigue
(temporary threshold shift, or TTS) thereby produced has disappeared
after 16 hours of rest. Normal-hearing young adults will be exposed
for 6 or 8 hours to noise patterns with duty cycles ranging up to
50 minutes, with on-fractions of 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, etc. The intensity-
level for each such pattern will be gradually increased in successive
sessions until the particular TTS is produced that just barely recovers
in 16 hours. DRC based on the results will then be constructed.
Investigator: W. D. Ward, University of Minnesota
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977
47 41 49.6
B-61
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NIOSH (Continued)
The Effects of Impulse Noise on the Auditory System
The purpose of this research is to develop an empirical basis
for an impulse noise Damage Risk Criteria. The strategy behind the
research is to determine the relation between the parameters of the
impulse and the concomitant changes in hearing and cochlear histology
using chinchillas as test subjects. The parametric study of impulse
noise will be followed by low-level, long-term exposures and will
more closely model realistic noise environments. This data is a
necessary prerequisite for the determination of what constitutes a
potentially hazardous impulse noise environment and how to audio-
metrically evaluate the hazard, and will ultimately contribute to
the establishment of a safe Damage Risk Criteria.
Investigator: D. Henderson, E. A. Blakeslee, R. D, Hamernik,
and R. J. Salvi, State University of New York,
Syracuse
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977
107.4 68.6
Evaluation of Hearing Risk Due to Industrial Noise
This study was done to determine parametric relationships
between noise exposure and hearing loss with particular emphasis
on the effects of impact noise, shortened exposures to higher noise
levels, intermittent noise, lengthened exposures, seasonal exposures
and noise spectrum. It included epidemiological studies, computer
analysis and literature research. The investigator proposed to
identify primary sources of industrial noise, collect audiometric
data for statistical analysis, study formulae for predicting or
assessing hearing risk due to noise, and conduct industrial noise
surveys to obtain data on the prevalence and characteristics of
noise exposure. In addition a handbook was to be prepared for
selection of sample populations and data analysis for industrial,
audiometric studies.
Investigator: T. L. Henderson, P.H.S. Center for Disease Control,
Cincinnati, OH
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976
104
Hearing Conservation Methodology
Activities under this project 'are directed toward protecting
industrial workers from hearing loss caused by occupational noise
exposure. Hearing conservation programs are the central theme, with
special emphasis on the use of hearing protectors on-the-job. A
B-62
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NIOSH (Continued)
technical report will be finalized for publication which contains
guidelines for implementing hearing conservation programs. Insert-
type hearing protectors are being evaluated for their on-the-job
effectiveness in reducing noise exposures. The effects on performance
of such factors as physical activity, company policy, protector
category, noise level, and wearing time are being investigated
under an FY'76 contract awarded at the year's end. This work will
lead to determining the adequacy of current procedures for rating
hearing protector attenuation (including those in the NIOSH noise
criteria document.)
Investigator: B. Limpert
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977 1978
25~4 32T9~
Impact/Impulsive Noise Data Base
This is a laboratory animal study being done to determine the
effects of impact/impulsive noise. Results of these experiments
will be correlated with human data acquired from occupational noise
and hearing surveys. The use of an animal data base is essential
since occupational exposures to impulsive noise are too variable to
permit adequate determination of risk criteria from epidemiological
data. Laboratory work using human subjects has been limited to
temporary effects studies for which no relationship has been estab-
lished to predict chronic effects. Moreover, there has been increasing
concern over the safety and propriety of such human subjects studies
in recent years.
Investigator: B. Limpert, P.H.S. Center for Disease Control,
Cincinnati, OH
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977 1978
92.8 122.9 85 149.9
Laboratory Studies of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Studies of temporary and permanent hearing losses in animal
subjects and temporary hearing loss in human subjects were con-
ducted in order to determine effects of impact noise, fluctuating
noise levels, quiet rest periods, shortened exposures at higher
levels, intermittent noise, lengthened exposures, and noise spec-
trum. In order to study the effects of the aforementioned types
of noise on human subjects, evaluations were made of central and
peripheral nervous system effects, middle ear dynamics, and noise
effects on receptive auditory communication.
Investigator: D. Dunn, P.H.S. Center for Disease Control,
Cincinnati, OH
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977
91 27
B-63
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NIOSH (Continued)
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (Human Studies)
An analytical in-house literature study of the hearing loss
effects of impulse/impact noise will be conducted. Based on
occupational impact noise sources identified for NIOSH, 100 workers
will be selected to undergo clinical audiometric tests. Results
will be correlated with data derived from animal impulse noise
exposures, and an interim report will be submitted concerning the
auditory effects of impulse/impact noise on the human auditory system.
In addition, a clinical evaluation of middle-ear disorders in
selected coal miners will be performed under Contract #CDC-99-OSH-83,
Prevalence of Middle-Ear Disorders in Coal Miners, already underway.
Investigator: D. Dunn, P.H.S. Center for Disease Control,
Cincinnati, OH
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977
36.7
The Effect of Noise on Hearing - Critical Issues
A 3 day symposium was held to discuss critical issues in
developing scientifically based damage risk criteria for noise.
Authorities from psychoacoustics, audiology, engineering and public
health were invited to deliver state-of-the-art essays on key
questions concerning the generation of noise standards. The pro-
ceedings of the symposium were to be published, to serve as a
handbook for future investigators and individuals concerned with the
public health aspects of noise pollution.
Investigators: D. Henderson, R. P. Hamernik, D. S. Dosanjh, J. H. Mills,
State University of New York, Syracuse
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
28.3
Study of Noise/Hearing in the Paperworking Industry
This study, which was initiated in late 1973 following a
request by the United Paperworkers International Union, has been
started in paper plants in the Greater Cincinnati area.
The study involves hearing tests and intermittent noise
exposure measurements on approximately 2,700 noise exposed paper-
workers in two age groups and hearing tests on approximately 400
non-noise exposed controls. Hearing tests are given in the NIOSH
mobile hearing laboratory. Intermittent noise measurements will
be documented using the NIOSH-developed noise chrono-dosimeter system.
B-64
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NIOSH (Continued)
The goal of this project is to fill research gaps relating to
non-steady noise identified in the NIOSH Criteria Document on Noise
and the OSHA recommended standard. The study will be expanded to
other industrial classifications if the data from the paperworking
industry do not sufficiently bracket the range of intermittency of
noise prevalent throughout industry.
Investigator:
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977 1973
41 37 63 64.4
NON-AUDITORY HEALTH EFFECTS
Extra-Auditory Effects of Noise
This was a 3 year project completed in FY 1976. The purpose
of this study was to determine if occupational noise exposures can
cause extra-auditory behaviorial problems and other disturbances of
consequence to worker safety and health, and whether noise limits
designed to conserve hearing can nullify these effects.
The planned work included a Contract study to examine the effects
of steady state and impact noise levels deemed safe for hearing by
NIOSH on visual, tactile, vestibular, vibrotactile, and thermal
sense functions. Other work was to concentrate on the effect of
the same noise exposures on task performance necessitating divided
attention. Another study was to investigate the effects of a new
hearing conservation program in reducing employee absenteeism, acci-
dents, somatic disturbances found in records of workers engaged in
the noisiest jobs in a given plant.
Investigator: A. Cohen, NIOSH
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975
95.6
NOISE ENVIRONMENT DETERMINATION
Measurement of Occupational Noise
The aim of this study was to design and test a
dosimeter which allows for the retention of noise and
time duration data as well as accumulated dose over an
8 hour period. The dosimeter was to be tested in ,
field use in conjunction with the project on noise
and hearing in the paperworking industry.
B-65
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NIOSH (Continued)
The use of available noise dosimeters continues to create prob-
lems with established standards which are based on sound level meter
measurements. A need exists for a dosimeter which allows the reten-
tion of noise and time duration data as well as the accumulated dose
over an 8 hour period. Prototypes of such a device will be designed
and tested in field use in conjunction with the project on noise and
hearing in the paperworking industry. This project was completed
in 1976.
Investigator: R. Willson, NIOSH
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
28.3 37.8
B-66
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Evaluation of Methods for Calculation of Attenuation Factors of
Ear Protectors
Currently, many miners are wearing personal hearing protection
devices. For the MESA inspector to accurately determine the noise ex-
posure of the worker, he must know the dBA attenuation (R-factor)
of a particular protective device. To this end, the Branch has been
evaluating various methods for calculating effective R-factors. In
addition, several commercially available hearing protectors have been
evaluated through the use of laboratory as well as actual field testing.
Sponsor: DOI/MESA
Investigator : L. Marraccini, Pittsburgh Technical Support Center
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) 1975 1976 1977 1978
2 3 3.2 3.5
Evaluation of Ear Protectors in the Workplace
This is a planned 1978 study which will be done to determine the
actual attenuation factors of ear protectors in a mine environment.
Sponsor: DOI/BOM
Investigator: Pittsburgh Technical Support Center
Fiscal Year Funding: ($1000) 1978
50
Evaluation of Speech Processing Systems
The purpose of this program was to develop both methods for testing
and evaluating electronic ear protectors. These methods are used to
measure the performance of currently operational electronic ear protective
systems, and to compare the performance of competitive systems.
Sponsor: DOI/BOM
Investigators: P.L. Michael, J.H. Prout, Pennsylvania State University
Fiscal Year Funding: ($1000): I»f5 1976 1977 1978
62.7 10.2
B-67
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DOI (Continued)
COMMUNITY OR COLLECTIVE RESPONSE
Noise Abatement in Substations
The objectives of this project are to:
• establish source and transmission characteristics for circuit breakers;
• liaison with other interested groups;
• correlate community reaction to impact noise;
• investigate noise reduction possibilities;
• conduct a literature survey;
• perform field measurements.
The estimated completion date for this work is 1978.
Sponsor: DOI/Bureau of Reclamation
Investigator: T.H. Logan, DOI
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
3.8
NOISE ENVIRONMENT DETERMINATION
Calibration of Sound Level Meters and Noise Dosimeters
MESA is mandated to perform noise measurements with accurately
calibrated noise instrumentation. The Noise Branch intends to
develop an instrumentation system for calibrating sound level
meters and audio dosimeters and plans to institute a service for
the periodic calibration of the inspectors' instruments.
Sponsor: DOI/MESA
Investigator: J.P. Seiler, Pittsburgh Technical Support Center
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
5.9 21
B-68
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DOI (Continued)
_Fabrication of a Time-Resolved Audio Dosimeter System
Five time-resolved audio dosimeter systems were developed and
tested. This project was completed in July 1977.
Sponsor: DOI/BOM
Investigators: G.R. Sima, Jr., Bendix Corporation, MD.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
34
Development of a Dosimeter Calibrator
The personal noise dosimeter is currently being used by metal
and nonmetal mine inspectors for enforcement of the MESA noise program
To insure the reliability of dosimeter measurements, the Branch
is developing an inexpensive, easy to use calibrator system.
When completed, the device will permit the quick, accurate cali-
bration of the noise dosimeter using the same GenRad calibrators
presently used by inspectors for sound level meter calibration.
Sponsor: DOI/MESA
Investigator: J.P- Sexier, Pittsburgh Technical Support Center
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : _1975 1976 1977 1978
2 15.3 6
Development of an Acoustic Coupler for Dosimeter Calibration
The objective of''this project was to develop an acoustic coupler
for accurately generating high sound pressure levels to allow rapid
calibration of audio dosimeters.
Sponsor: DOI/BOM
Investigator: D. Montgomery, Naval Weapons Support Center, IND
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
34.9
B-69
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DOI (Continued)
Load and Geometry Factor for Noise Levels Underground
The objective of this study is to determine a numerical factor
in mine geometry and for equipment type (under load) which will be
used to calculate underground noise levels based on surface noise measurements.
Noise levels from a given type of machinery measured above ground
can be significantly different from the noise levels measured under-
ground. Two major factors which are involved in this phenomenon are the
geometry of the underground coal mine and the effects of the machine
under load condition such as cutting coal. Newly proposed noise standards
include underground rating of new mine equipment based on above ground
noise measurements. Therefore, it is important to understand this
phenomenon and to be able to calculate underground noise levels from
surface measurements.
Sponsor: DOI/MESA
Investigator: L.C. Marraccini, Pittsburgh Technical Support Center
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977
5 6 6.4
B-70
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NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
COMMUNITY OR COLLECTIVE RESPONSE
Valuation and Compensability of Noise Pollution
This project was concerned with the development of criteria
and measures of determining compensability for excessive noise
levels produced by traffic on existing or proposed highways. The
research focused on four main goals: (1) Efficiency — Increasing
total net benefits from highway transportation, considering both
users and non-users. (2) Equity — Compensating for noise losses
and treating like cases alike. (3) Distribution — Allocating cost
and benefits from highway transportation in accordance with national
and social goals. (4) Public Acceptance — Public satisfaction with
effort to reduce and compensate for noise. A model for estimating
noise impact was developed. Results from this effort will be used
to assess environmental concerns in highway planning, design, cost
analysis, and compensation for noise impacts. This project was
completed in 1976.
Investigator: E. J. Mosback
Jack Faucett, Inc., Md.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
100
B-71
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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Evaluation of Aircraft Single-Event Noise Descriptors
This is an in-house laboratory subjective response study
conducted in both a simulated outdoor environment and an indoor
environment. The subjects were asked to give annoyance judgments
of a. variety of aircraft sounds. The annoyance judgments were
then compared with acoustic analyses of the noises in terms of
the more common physical rating scales.
Investigator: C. A. Powell
Langley Research Center, Noise Effects Branch
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977 1978
25 75 20 27.5 75
Effects of Duration on the Human Response to Aircraft Noise
This is a contract study directed toward determining the
subjective effects of duration of aircraft noise. A variety of
aircraft are used in the study, including general aviation, CTOL,
and Concorde. The estimated completion date is 1980.
Investigator: K. Shepard, University of Utah
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
15 30 10
Effect of Blade Slap and Impulsive Noise on Human Response to
Helicopter Noise
This study includes both in-house and supported contract work.
The in-house effort is pursuing a systematic study to determine
the significant factors of subjective response to helicopter
noise, such as crest factor, level of continuous noise, blade
slap frequency, and blade slap repetition rate. The current
contract study is an investigation of annoyance due to rotor
noise. The estimated date of completion is 1978.
Investigator: H. Sternfeld, Langley Research Center, Boeing Vertol
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
50 50 50
B-72
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NASA (Continued)
Trade-Off of Aircraft Noise and Number
This was an in-house subjective response study in which session
judgments of aircraft noise annoyance were made over 30-minute
sessions. The level and number of stimuli heard during a session
were varied and responses were correlated with cumulative exposure
indices.
Investigator: C. G. Rice, LRC/Instructor of Sound and Vibration
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
SO" '15
Perceived Benefits of Future Aircraft Fleet mixes
This is a university laboratory subjective response study with
the immediate objective of determining the benefits of retrofitting
various classes and types of aircraft in the commercial fleet. Other
community and lab studies relating to human response to aircraft
noise have been conducted in the JFK airport community. The estimated
completion date is 1978.
Investigator: P. Borsky, Columbia University
Fiscal Year Fuding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977 1978
180 90 10 130 100
Effects of Background Noise on the Human Response to Aircraft Noise
This is an in-house laboratory subjective response study in
which subjects rated the annoyance produced by a variety of aircraft
noises in the presence of a highway traffic noise background.
Investigator: C. A. Powell, Langley Research Center
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977 1978
25' 75 20 '27.5~ 75
Effects of Adaptation on Human Response to Aircraft Noise
This is a contract-supported study with a university investigating
the impact a person's history of exposure to aircraft noise has on
his response to the noise. The study is also attempting to correlate
aircraft noise annoyance with annoyance to other every day events.
This project is scheduled for completion in 1980.
Investigator: E. Galanter, Columbia University
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 IQ 1977 1978
54 25 15 113 100
B-73
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NASA (Continued)
Field Survey of Passenger Response to Aircraft Noise and Vibration
University contract studies are underway to determine passenger
ride comfort in response to aircraft noise and vibration. The studies
involve the use of survey questionnaires and have included third-level
air carriers and also passenger trains. The studies will be expanded
in the near future to obtain data from the Concorde. The estimated
date of completion is 1980.
Investigator: I. Jacobsen, University of Virginia
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
50 55 100 75
COMMUNICATIONS INTERFERENCE
Effects of Aircraft Cabin Noise on Passenger Response
This area includes b'oth in-house and contract-supported studies.
at the present time, the studies are emphasizing speech interference
and noise effects on communication ability in an aircraft interior.
The studies are being conducted in the acoustics laboratories at
Langley. The estimated date of completion is 1980.
Investigator: T. K. Dempsey, LRC, University of Virginia, Bolt Beranek &
Newman
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977
35 5" 95~
NOISE EFFECTS ON SLEEP
Effects of Aircraft Noise on Sleep
This is a basic research study being supported under a university
grant. The present studies are directed toward the deveopment of
equal arousal curves which would be analogous to equal noisiness or
equal annoyance curves. The estimated date of completion for this
project is 1980.
Investigator: T. Levere, North Carolina State University
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
40' 40 40' 40
B-74
-------
NASA (Continued)
COMMUNITY OR COLLECTIVE RESPONSE
Effects of Fear and Emotions on Human Response to Aircraft Noise
This is a contract-supported study with a university which is
directed toward determining the impact a person's emotions or fear
of aircraft crashes might have on his response to aircraft noise.
The study involves both laboratory research and community surveys.
The estimated date of completion is 1978.
Investigator: M. Loeb, University of Louisville
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
60 50
Day/Night Weighting of Aircraft Noise
Survey research studies will be conducted to determine the
response and/or sensitivity to aircraft noise as a function of
time-of-day. Of particular interest is qualitative information on
the penalty for nighttime operators of aircraft. The estimated
completion date for'this project is 1979.
Investigator: W. Mayes, Langley Research Center
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
20 100'
Effects of Adaptation on Human Response to Aircraft Noise
(See listing under Psychological and Performance Effects)
B-75
-------
NASA (Continued)
NOISE CONCOMITANT WITH VIBRATION
Laboratory Simulator Studies of Passenger Response to Aircraft Noise
and Vibration
In-house laboratory subjective response studies are being
conducted in Langley's Passenger Ride Quality Apparatus which is
a five-degree-of-freedom simulator. The simulator can be operated
to produce motion in the vertical, lateral, fore and aft, pitch,
and roll directions. The simulator also has noise producing capability
enabling studies to be conducted in a combined noise and vibration
environment. The project is scheduled for completion in 1980.
Investigator: S. A. Clevenson, Langley Research Center
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977TQ 1977 1978
75 85 50' 100 100
Effects of Combined Noise and Building Vibration on Human Reponse
to Aircraft Noise
Laboratory studies will be conducted to assess the effects of
building vibrations and/or secondary response (rattles) on human
response to aircraft noise. The use of loudspeakers and vibration
exciters will provide independent control of the noise/vibration
stimuli. The estimated completion date is 1979.
Investigator: J. M. Cawthorn, Langley Research Center
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
20 25"
Assessment of Concorde Noise-Induced Building Vibration
At the request of the FAA, NASA is conducting studies in the
Dulles International Airport area to assess the effects of Concorde
operations on building vibration. Both building damage and human
effects are being studied. To date, the indoor and outdoor noise
and the associated vibratory response of windows, walls and floors
have been recorded for several hundred aircraft including Concorde.
Estimate date of completion is 1978.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 TQ 1977
25 35
B-76
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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Effects of Acoustic Trauma on Single Auditory Neurons
Traumatic noise exposures produce a diverse set of changes in
normal hearing, presumably because there are modifications in the
"neural code" for hearing. The purpose of this research is to
systematically determine how acoustic trauma influences the functional
properties of single neurons in the VIII nerve and cochlear nucleus.
Laboratory animals will be exposed to traumatic noises and the
resulting changes in neuronal function will be measured in terms of
frequency-threshold curves, tone burst and sweep tone response
patterns, two-tone inhibition, and discharge rate versus intensity
functions. The traumatic effects of the noise will also be assessed
in terms of the degree of hearing loss and the extent of anatomical
alterations will be related to the changes in hearing in order to
better understand: how the nervous system codes loudness, pitch
and other psychoacoustic phenomena, and how the cochlea organizes
the afferent "neural code".
Investigator: Dr. Richard Salvi
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : , 1975 1976 1977 1978
41 42
Changes with Age in Auditory and Vestibular Epithelia
The purpose of this study is to examine morphological changes
in sensory epithelia in. "aged" ears.
Investigator: H.W. Ades, University of W. Florida
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
48.5 23.7
B-77
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NSF (Continued)
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Effects of Prolonged Noise Exposure: A Longitudinal Study
Laboratory research indicates that short-term exposure to
environmental stress can be detrimental to task performance, decrease
altruistic behavior, and result in motivational and cognitive
deficits linked with the deterioration of health. These effects
are often attributed to stress-induced shifts in attentional strategies
and locus of personal control. The difficulty with most of this
research is that it emphasizes acute rather than long-term effects.
This study will suggest some implications of the existing literature on
short-term exposure to environmental stress for predicting the
impact of prolonged exposure. A well-controlled longitudinal study
of the effects of classroom and home noise levels on behavior and
health will be done to test the validity of these suggestions. The
emphasis of the study is to determine both the immediate and long-
term impact of prolonged exposure on children's attentional strategies
and generalized expectancies concerning control. Verbal skills and
health will be assessed in light of their theoretical relationship
to the above mentioned mechanisms. Alternative explanations for the
assumed detrimental effects of noise on children will also be examined.
Investigator: S. Cohen, University of Oregon
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
59.6
B-78
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Highway Noise Criteria
The goals of this project are to:
• identify and quantify important physical parameters
affecting human response to time-varying traffic noise,
associated with varying densities of free-flowing highway
traffic and stop-and-go urban traffic;
• investigate and compare various measures and computational
procedures for rating time-varying traffic noise and determine
which method, or methods, best predict the subjective
response of people to the noise of various types of traffic
situations ;
• develop, if necessary, improved procedures for rating
time-varying traffic noise in terms of measurable para-
meters of traffic noise;
• formulate procedures by which the most useful of the
above rating procedures may be related to the environmental
noise descriptors and criteria developed by the EPA, if the
most useful procedures are found to be different from those
recommended by the EPA.
Sponsor: Federal Highway Administration
Investigators: D. Flynn, S. Yaniv
National Bureau of Standards
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
100 100 100
Noise Effects on Boat Operator Performance
Collision Research Task Order 27
The objective of this study is an analysis of the relation -
ship of noise caused by wind, hull, and engines to the possible
degradation of small boat operator performance.
Sponsor: Coast Guard
Investigator: Wyle Labs, Huntsville, Ala.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
50
B-79
-------
DOT (Continued)
Design and Certification Criteria for Sonic Boom Noise
Twelve families were studied in their homes to determine the
effects of sonic boom intrusions on their daily living activities.
Psychological, sociological and psychophysical measures were ob-
tained. Three ranges of levels were investigated at the rate of 2
per hour from 0700 to 2200 or 30 per day. Actual or simulated boom
signals were obtained and described (rise time, overpressure,
period) as free-field booms (outdoor booms). They were then
attenuated electronically to account for changes due to usual home
structure. A minimum of four speakers were used to present the indoor
booms and acoustical assessment of the booms was obtained at not less
than six different positions in each home. Spectral analyses for all
booms at six positions were obtained via Fourier Transforms.
Sponsor: Federal Aviation Administration
Investigator: Mabry, MAN-acoustic and Noise Inc.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000)1975 1976 1977 1978
35 15"
Laboratory Studies of Effects of Various Recorded Flyover Noises
on Listeners
This project is an attempt to (a) determine whether the "equal
energy" hypothesis is tenable, and (b) determine the effect of heli-
copter blade slap on annoyance judgments.
Sponsor: Federal Aviation Administration
Investigator: E. Gallanter, Columbia University
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) .-1975 1976 TQ 1977 1978
82.2 80
Evaluation of the Utility of Perceived Noisiness Concepts for Certification
of Aircrafts
This project will assess the choice of basic perceived noise
descriptors in the aircraft noise certification. Psychoacoustic
factors such as those dealing with the contribution of pure tones
and multiple pure tones, as well as computational difficulties resulting
from signal analysis, will be evaluated.
Sponsor: Federal Aviation Administration
Investigator: to be determined
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) :_19^5 _ 1976 _ 1977 _ 1978
250
B-80
-------
DOT (Continued)
Evaluation of Experiments Related to the Study of Aircraft Noise
This project examined the feasibility of using airplane cockpit
simulators for experiments on the effects of interior noise on aircrew
performance.
Sponsor: Federal Aviation Administration
Investigator: E. Galanter , Columbia University
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977
5
COMMUNICATIONS INTERFERENCE
Study of Communication Interference and Performance Decrements in
Interior Aircraft Noise Environments
The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of
various airplane cockpit noise spectra on different forms of communication
and on pilot and aircrew performance.
Sponsor: Federal Aviation Administration
Investigator: to be determined
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
100
B-81
-------
DOT (Continued)
COMMUNITY OR COLLECTIVE RESPONSE
Socioeconomic Factors as Determinants of Noise Acceptance
This study evaluated the annoyance levels in single residence
neighborhoods displaying various socioeconomic characteristics where
a similar noise environment was found and attempted to correlate
annoyance levels with certain socioeconomic characteristics.
Sponsor: Urban Mass Transportation Administration
Investigators: J.D. Martins, U.K. Surti, University of Colorado
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) 1975 1976 1977 19,78
9
Opinion Surveys of Concorde Operations at Dulles and'J.F.K. Airports
This project will survey the opinions of residents near Dulles
and J.F.K. International Airports, regarding the limited operations
of the Concorde SST there.
Sponsor: Federal Aviation Agency
Investigators: Dynamic Programming, N.J.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
41 20
Opinion Survey of Concorde Operations at Dulles Airport
This project surveyed the opinions of residents near Dulles International
Airport regarding the decision to admit the Concorde SST to limited op-
erations there.
Sponsor: Federal Aviation Administration
Investigators: Kirschner Associates, Washington, D.C.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
15
NOISE CONCOMITANT WITH VIBRATION
Impacts from Vibrations Related to Highway Use
A significant number of complaints and much of the litigation
pertaining to environmental vibration stem from highway operations. Such
highway vibrations have been cited as causing human psychological dis-
comfort and structural damage. This project will define the nature and
extent of the highway vibration problem, by improving the current under-
standing of vibrations excitations, propagations, and effects.
Sponsor: Federal Highway Administration
Investigators: F. Rudder, Science Applications, Inc.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
76 101 25
B-82
-------
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Electrophysiological Correlates of Noise and Drug-Induced
Threshold Shifts
The purpose of the project is to study the interaction of
the antibiotic kanamycin and noise, both of which can cause
hearing loss due to cochlear damage. The investigators hope
to identify people who are at high risk for cochlear problems.
The degree to which people who have suffered this type of noise
or drug-induced damage, and then recovered, may be more
sensitive later to hearing loss due to age (presbycusis) is
also under study.
Investigator: Dr. R.C. Bone, V.A. Hospital, San Diego, Gal.
Dr. Allen Ryan
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
15 30 30
Relation Between M.C.L. and Threshold for Stapedius Reflex
in the Hearing-Impaired
The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships
among Bekesy-tracked most comfortable loudness (MCL) levels
for continuous and interrupted pure tones at 500, 1000, and
2000 Hz and the acoustic threshold for stapedius muscle activity
for the same stimuli. Subjects will be 75 male patients who
sustain greater than 30 dB HTL sensorineural hearing loss (cochlear
site of lesion) at the test frequencies. Each subject will receive
a complete audiologic diagnostic evaluation (pure tone thresholds,
speech reception thresholds, speech discrimination tests, tone
decay test, SISI, Bekesy, and admittance tests) to verify site of
lesion. Reflex thresholds will be ascertained, and subjects
will track MCL levels on a Grason-Stadler 1701 Automatic Audiometer.
The calculation of regression equations for a loudness-based
physiologic phenomenon (reflex threshold) upon a loudness-based
perceptual phenomenon (MCL) will assist in the diagnosis and rehabili-
tation of incapacitated and/or uncooperative patients as well as
adding to auditory theory regarding the relationships among
loudness-based auditory phenomena.
Investigators: R.W. Matthes, V.A. Hosptial, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
24 24
B-83
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VA (Continued)
Changes in Auditory Function Accompanying Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Two groups of 16 young male subjects with normal low and mid-
frequency hearing were compared on a series of audiometric measures.
One group was composed of subjects with significant histories
of noise exposure and hearing losses at 4000 Hz greater than 40
dB HL (ISO, 1964); the other group was composed of normal hearing
subjects with no history of unusual noise exposure. On fixed-
frequency Bekesy audiometry at 2000 Hz, 12 of the noise exposed
subjects demonstrated significant separation between pulsed and
continuous tone tracings; similar separation occured for only
one of the non-noise exposed subjects. Significant inter-group
differences also occured on these tests of speech discrimination:
PB-50 word lists, and CID W-22 lists presented with two forms of
competing noise.
Investigators: Dr. M.D. Patterson, R.C. Findlay, University of Pittsburgh
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
6.5
NON-AUDITORY HEALTH EFFECTS
Analysis of Cognitive Functioning in Psychopathology
The project consists of four parts, of which one involves
noise. The purpose of this study is to test methods of classifying
subjects into various coronary-prone behavior patterns. The effects
of both failure at a problem and a noise stress of 90 dB white
noise on subjects with either type A behavior (coronary-prone)
or type B behavior (non-coronary-prone) are being studied.
Blood levels of lipids and other coronary risk factors are being
recorded. The data collection is 75% completed.
Investigator: Dr. V. Pishkin, V.A. Hospital, Oklahoma City, OK,.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
1.5 1.5
The Effects of Noise on Behavior
That noise in our urbanized society has deleterious effects on
humans is well-known, especially the effects of high noise levels.
But less well-understood are the effects of various parameters of
moderate noise, the topic of this project. The subjects were young
white rats, exposed to continuous moderate white noise.
Preliminary findings revealed a difference in growth rate
between males and females (as compared with known growth rates of
this strain of rats) apparently based on the effects of the noise
on life processes. Offspring of these rats to several generations
showed increasing sex differences in growth.
Investigator: B.D. Kaiman, V.A. Hospital, Johnson City, Tenn.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
B-84 5 5
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VA (Continued)
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
An Investigation of Learned Helplessness and Depression
The experiment tested two theories of depression—Lewinsohn's
theory and Seligman's concept of Learned Helplessness on a clinical
sample. Learned helplessness has been advanced as a model for
depression in humans. Ninety-six male subjects from the V.A.
Hospital and Northport (psychiatric in- and outpatients, medical
patients, and staff) were required. The present experiment is a
3 (Nondepressed, Low depressed, High depressed ) X 4 (different
experimental pretreatments: Escapable-noise, active contingency;
Escapable-noise, passive contingency; Inescapable noise; and
No Noise) mixed factorial design. The dependent measure will be
performance on an anagrams task, subsequent to the experimental
pretreatment. Learned Helplessness theory predicts that there will
be performance deficits on the anagrams task for depressed subjects
(relative to nondepressed subjects), and inescapable-noise subjects
(relative to escapable-noise subjects); and that Seligman's
prediction of no difference between the performance of active- and
passive-escape subjects will be borne out, rather than Lewinsohn's
prediction of a significant difference generated by active- and
passive-escape contingencies.
Investigators: C.S. Raps, L. Cohen, Va. Hospital, Northport, N.Y.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000) : 1975 1976 1977 1978
7.5
The Relationship Between the Acoustic Reflex and Loudness Discomfort
Two measures of loudness discomfort were studied in two groups
of subjects—one group was instructed to signal the point of
physiological discomfort; the other group the point of annoyance.
The study was done with both white noise and speech. The instruction
to indicate where the sound is annoying or uncomfortable is far more
reliable than the instruction to respond when the sound produces
physiological discomfort.
Discomfort levels for speech were substantially lower in
intensity than for white noise in both groups. Although these
stimuli are close in spectral content, there is an apparent psycho-
logical difference between the concept of loudness discomfort for
white noise and speech. Subjects will seemingly tolerate much
more intensity for speech than for white noise.
Investigators: B.Z. Rappaport, B. Milburn, V.A. Hospital, Ann Arbor, Mich
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
4.5
B-85
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VA (Continued)
COMMUNICATIONS INTERFERENCE
Psychoacoustic and Speech Processing Manifestations of Aging
A major part of this project concerns how well elderly people
perceive speech under difficult listening conditons, such as with
distracting noise. The study is particularly concerned with
reverberation type noise. Speech recognition scores under these
conditions are being compared for groups of elderly people and
younger subjects. The effect of aging on dichotic listening
(two different sounds into each ear) is also being studied.
Investigator: Dr. S.A. Gelfand, V.A. Hospital, East Orange, N.J.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979
110 110 110 110
The Effects of Various Interfering Noises on the Speech Discrimination
of Normal and Pathological Hearing Groups
The purpose of this study is to describe and compare the
effects of several types of interfering noises on the ability of
subjects with normal hearing and sensorineural hearing loss to
discriminate monosyllabic words, to investigate, for patients
with a sensorineurai hearing loss, the relationship between pure
tone configuration and speech discrimination scores in various noise
backgrounds, and'to compare speech discrimination scores to self-
assessment scores of hearing handicapped subjects with sensorineural
hearing loss.
One group will consist of 15 normal subjects and the second
group will consist of 45 males with sensorineural hearing loss.
These groups will be chosen on a basis of pure tone configuration
with respect to onset frequency of loss and degree of loss at
subsequent octave frequencies. All patients will receive the following
audiological battery: 1. Complete Audiometric Examination consisting
of pure tone air and bone, Spondee Threshold test, and Speech
Discrimination Test. In addition, each patient with a sensorineural
hearing loss will be given a scale for self-assessment of hearing
handicap and will be tested for his speech discriminatiion ability
in quiet, and under 3 different types of noise.
Investigator: R.H. Baker, V.A. Hospital, Brooklyn,, N.Y.
Fiscal Year Funding ($1000): 1975 1976 1977 1978
25 25 25 25
B-86
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APPENDIX C
RESEARCH FUNDED BY STATE, MUNICIPAL AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS
NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS
Inter-Industry Noise Study: Steady-State Noise (Phase I);
Intermittent Noise (Phase II)
The inter-industry noise study is financed by a number of
industries and trade associations. Phase I of the study, which
was recently completed dealt with the effects of steady state
noise between 82 and 92 dBA on the hearing loss of industrial
workers. The study was done over a three year period and
involved 610 male and female workers. The study was carefully
designed and controlled to avoid the pitfalls of earlier studies,
and to produce scientifically valid data.
The investigators' conclusions are that the data shows no
meaningful hearing loss at the speech frequencies of 500, 1,000
and 2,000 hertz. The effect of noise on frequencies 3,000 and
above is still in question.
Phase II of the study which commenced in 1977 deals with
the effects of intermittent noise.
Sponsor: Supported by a number of trade associations and industries
Investigator: Joseph Sataloff
1721 Pine Street
Philadelphia, Pa.
Period: Phase I - 1974-77
Phase II - 1977-79
Funding: $200,000 (Phase I)
A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of Cochleas with Noise-
Induced Losses in Sensitivity
The investigator will examine the cilia of hair cells of cats'
cochleas which have shown permanent losses in sensitivity of single
nerve fiber units after exposure to narrow-band noise. A detailed
correlation of the anatomical and physiological changes will be
made to elucidate the normal mechanisms of detecting and coding
the impingement of sound.
Sponsor: Deafness Research Foundation, N.Y.
Investigator: Michael J. Mulroy
University of Massachusetts
Period: 1977 (start date)
Funding: $10,000
C-l
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NIHL (Continued)
A Neurobehavioral Analysis of TTS and Related Phenomena: Response
of Single Cochlear Nucleus Cells in the Behaving Monkey
A physiological and behavioral study of changes in neural
function that underlie acoustic overstimulation, the work will
involve the monitoring of responses in the anteventral cochlear
nucleus of unasesthetized monkeys performing auditory tasks,
and then the sorting of the quantitative data.
Sponsor: Deafness Research Foundation, N.Y.
Investigator: Bryan E. Pfingst
University of Washington
Period: 1977 (start date)
Funding: $10,000
Selected Ultrastructural Aspects of Inner Ear Development in the
Guninea Pig
The researcher intends to acquire information on the develop-
ment of hair cells in the vestibular portion of the guinea pig
cochlea, their innervation, and the presence of glycogen in the
stria vascularis.
Sponsor: Deafness Research Foundation, N.Y.
Investigator: Peter Heywood
Brown University
Period: 1977 (start date)
Funding: $10,000
Functional Differences Between Inner and Outer Hair Cells
Through parallel experiments with three groups of guinea pigs-
(1) with exposed inner ears and kept in silence, (2) with intact
ear structures but exposed to a series of sound-silence stimuli
through cochlear microphonic infusion, and (3) those exposed to
pure-tone stimulation — the researcher wishes to determine the
stimuli organization of synaptic activity in the hair cells and
to find the minimal intensity level needed to cause a detectable
horseradish perioxidase uptake in the inner hair cells.
C-2
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NIHL (Continued)
Sponsor: Deafness Research Foundation, N.Y.
Investigator: William E. Brownell
University of Florida
Period: 1977 (start date)
Funding: $10,000
Studies of the Cochlear After-Potential
Using electrophysiological techniques, the researcher will
try to determine the properties of the cochlear after-potential
and to explore the degree to which these responses can be masked,
fatigued, and influenced by adverse physiological states.
Sponsor: Deafness Research Foundation, N.Y.
Investigator: John D. Durrant
Temple University School of Medicine
Period: 1977 (start date)
Funding: $10,000
Acoustic Stimulation and Brain Development
Groups of embryonic chickens were presented with varying
amounts of calibrated acoustic stimulation during critical periods
of development and several morphological and physiological character-
istics of auditory neurons in the brain stem nuclei magnocellularis
and laminaris were compared in these and appropriate control
animals. The experiment was designed to allow virtually complete
control over the intensity, frequency and duration of acoustic
stimulation presented at any stage in development and to allow
precise quantitative measurement of resulting change in the neurons
under study.
Sponsor: Deafness Research Foundation, N.Y.
Investigator: Dr. E. W. Rubei, T. N. Parks
Yale University
Period: 1976
Funding: $10,000
03
-------
NIHL (Continued)
Receptor Potentials and Neural Response in Acoustico-Lateralis
Sensory Cells
A model has been developed that can be used to study hair
cell transduction. The researcher is measuring the responses
of the model to an applied stimulus, to validate its usefulness
in determining the effect of drugs and of intense stimuli on
transduction.
Sponsor: Deafness Research Foundation, N.Y.
Investigator: John Robert Boston
Carnegie Mellon University
U. of Pittsburgh Medical School
Period: 1977 (start date)
Funding: $10,000
Study of Potentiating Harmful Effects of Low-Level Noise and
Kanamycin on Guinea Pig Cochlea
This research will try to determine the lowest level of noise
in combination with kanamycin that produces hair cell damage, when
this occurs, and whether young and old animals are equally vulnerable.
Early data shows that damage occurs as an effect of noise and otoxicity
in the first five hours after administration of the drug (when its
levels are highest) and that the minimal level of damaging noise in
this kind of experiment is above 80 db of white noise.
Sponsor: Deafness Research Foundation, N.Y.
Investigator: Vijay Shanker Dayal
University of Toronto
Period: 1977 (start date)
Funding: $10,000
Multiple Fiber Sampling from the Auditory Nerves of Chinchillas
Exposed to Intense Sound: A "Neural Cochleogram"
The investigator has built and tested an auditory physiology
laboratory, and has begun his experiments recording the neural
responses of 100-200 individual fibers to one or more stimuli
in each subject, then of studying microscopically each inner ear
to locate and measure sound-induced lesions.
C-4
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NIHL (Continued1)
Sponsor: Deafness Research Foundation, N.Y.
Investigator: Mario A. Ruggero
University of Minnesota
Period: 1977 (start date)
Funding: $10,000
The Physiological Mechanisms Related to Primimg for Audiogenic
Seizures in Rodents
Hamsters and mice were "primed" for audiogenic seizures by
exposing them briefly to noise at selected ages. Priming when 28
days old in the hamsters produced a significant evoked response
threshold loss when tested at 42 days. Re-exposure to the priming
stimulus at 42 days also produced seizure behavior. The susceptibility
to seizure behavior was studied in hamster as a function of age.
Groups of C57BL/6J mice were primed with a brief noise exposure
when 14, 18, 28, 38, or 58 days old. Five days later some of these
animals were behaviorally tested for seizures while the cochlear
microphonic responses of others were measured. Preliminary data
showed that priming on day 18 produced the most severe seizure
behavior and greatest derangement of cochelar function. Priming on
day 14 or 58 had little effect.
Sponsor: Deafness Research Foundation, N.Y.
Investigator: Dr. J. C. Saunders
University of Pennsylvania
School of Medicine
Period: 1975
Funding: $10,000
Terminal Innervation of Inner Ear Structures
The first year (1974) of the two year project was devoted to a
light and electron microscopic study of the terminal innervation of
the guinea pig cochlea.
During the second year (1975). the response of the peripheral
innervation of the inner ear to varying degrees of acoustic trauma
was examined. An effort was made to determine whether there is
differential susceptibility of the various types of nerve fibers
(i.e. afferent, efferent, and autonomic) to high intensity noise
to learn which portions of the innervation are most likely to
survive in a noise-damaged ear. The investigator also studied the
process of retrograde degeneration toward the CNS and the possibility
of regeneration of peripheral auditory nerve fibers following
damage due to noise exposure.
Guinea pigs and chinchillas served as experimental animal
models and the work was done using a combination of light and
electron microscopic methods.
C-5
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NIHL (Continued)
Sponsor: Deafness Research Foundation, N.Y.
Investigator: C. G. Wright
University of Michigan
School of Medicine
Ann Arbor, Mich.
Period: 1974-1975
Funding: $10,000
Effects of Noise on the VIII Nerve and Cochlear Nucleus
The goal of this project was to determine how the normal
discharge patterns of single auditory neurons in the VIII nerve
and cochlear nucleus change during a temporary and permanent
hearing loss. The objective was to learn whether the neuro-
physiological alterations that occur during a temporary hearing
loss are the same as those for a permanent hearing loss, and to
relate the modifications in the discharge patterns to several
audiological disorders for which there are neurophysiological
models.
Sponsor: Deafness Research Foundation, N.Y.
Investigator: Dr. G. F. Reed, D. Henderson
State University of New York
School of Medicine
Syracuse, N.Y.
Period: 1975
Funding: $10,000
The Effectiveness of Ear Protectors in Preventive Temporary Threshold
Shifts
Several different types of insert ear protectors will be evaluated
in different industrial environments with regard to their capability to
prevent temporary threshold shifts.
Sponsor: E. A. R. Corporation
Investigator: L. H. Royster
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, N.C.
Period: June 1977 to September 1978
Funding: $4,000
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NIHL (Continued)
Collaborative Research Program in Neonatal Development
Establishment of a collaborative program of research in
neonatal development between the Perinatal Clinical Research
Center of the Department of Reproductive Biology, School of
Medicine and the Perceptual Development Laboratory of the
Department of Psychology. Studies will include the effect of
noise on the development of hearing in premature infants.
Sponsor: Grant Foundation Incorporated
Investigator: Dr. I. B. Weiner, V. A. Binzley
Case Western Reserve University
Period: 1975
Funding: $28,000
Study of Tinnitujs
This study will examine four or five different ways of
masking tinnitus to be used as relief procedures for this malady.
Sponsor: Murdock Charitable Trust
Medical Research Foundation of Oregon
Investigator: Dr. Jack Vernon
Kresge Hearing Research Laboratory
University of Oregon
School of Medicine
Period: September 1977 to September 1980
Funding: $180,000
Audiometric & Physiologic Correlates of Noise Susceptibility
This project represents a continuing interdisciplinary effort
to develop clinically useful audiometric and physiologic screening
tests for detecting noise susceptibility in human subjects. The
project is designed to investigate correlations between audiometric
and hormone-metabolic response patterns to noise stress which will
ultimately elucidate the mechanisms whereby some individuals are
more prone to develop noise-induced hearing loss than others. One
practical use of such tests would be to screen employees working
in noisy environments to allow management to take appropriate
protective action to prevent both noise-induced hearing impairment
and stress responses.
C-7
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NIHL (Continued)
Sponsor: Rockefeller Foundation
Investigator: A. Anthony, P. L. Michael
Penn State University
Physiology Group
Environmental Acoustics Laboratory
Period: 1978 (completion date)
Funding: $75,000 (over 3 year period)
The Effects of Exposure to High Noise Levels On Employees In
Several Types of Industrial Environments
This study dealt with the effects of noise, 85-90 dBA, on
employees in industrial environments and the effectiveness of
existing hearing conservation programs.
The results, similar to those of Baughn, Robinson, NIOSH,
and Passchier-Vermeer indicated that 10 to 12 years of exposure
to a daily L£ of 89 dBA, causes measurable hearing loss at
A kHz.
Sponsor: Rockefeller Foundation
Investigator: L. H. Royster
Dept. of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
North Carolina State University
Period: March 1975 to December 1977
Funding: $41,000
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NON-AUDITORY HEALTH EFFECTS
Effects of Psychosocial Stress and Noise on Renin
The aim of this study was to determine whether psychosocial
stress of noise acutely and chronically produces changes in renin
secretion, salt metabolism, and blood pressure in unanesthetized
mice and rats. Acute animals were exposed to thirty-minute periods
of "open-field" stress, fear-induced stress (exposure to trained
fighters), or noise, after which they were exsanguinated by
decapitation; renin activity, concentration, and substrate were
measured. Chronic animals were subjected to crowding, territorial-
conflict situations, or intermittent noise; they were monitored
for blood pressure, salt balance, plasma electrolytes, and renin
parameters.
Sponsor: American Heart Association, Inc., Michigan Heart
Association
Investigator: Dr. A. J. Vander
University of Michigan
School of Medicine
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Period: 1976
Funding: $12,000
Cytophotometric Analysis of Neurochemical and Adrenocortical Changes
in Noise Stressed Rats
The main objective of this project was to describe the nature
and extent of histophysiological alterations in selected areas of
the brain in noise-exposed animals using combined techniques of
histochemistry and absorption microspectrophotometry. A supplemental
aim was to initiate investigations focused on describing relation-
ships between events in brain and associated pathways with histo-
chemical changes in the adrenal cortex. It was anticipated the
overall data would provide valuable insight into the nature of
inhibitory-protective neural mechanisms of the nervous system.
Sponsor: Rockefeller Foundation
Investigators: A. Anthony, R. Farwell
Penn State University
Period: 1975
Funding: Unknown
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PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERFORMANCE EFFECTS
Evaluation of the Acoustical Environment of Classrooms
The Environmental Acoustics Laboratory and the Architectural
Engineering Department conducted an interdisciplinary study that was
directed toward the development of an effective method for evaluating
the various aspects of human perceptual response to noise in the
environment and, in particular, in the classroom.
Sponsor: Rockefeller Foundation
Investigators: P. I. Michael, H. F. Kingsbury, G. R. Bienvenue
Penn State University
Period: 1975
Funding: Unknown
Effects of Freeway Noise on Hearing Level and Academic Achievement
of Children
In this study, State achievement test scores of children in
elementary schools near freeways will be examined and compared to
those of children with similar socio-economic backgrounds in schools
not exposed to freeway noise. Noise measurements will be taken
in the schools, hearing tests will be conducted and community noise
levels will be determined.
Sponsor: California State Government (financial assistance also
from DOT/Federal Highway Administration)
Investigator: Dr. Jerome Lukas
California Department of Health
Period: July 1977 to January 1979
Funding: $280,000
Effect of Noise on Educationnaly Related Tasks in a Public School
Purpose: To study the effects of elevated noise levels upon
performance of tasks of auditory discrimination, visual-motor
performance, and visual discrimination.
Subjects: 85 children enrolled in fifth and sixth grade levels
in regular academic classrooms served as subjects.
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PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS (Continued)
Methods: Each classroom was evaluated for a period of two
weeks—one week under normal ambient noise levels and one week under
ambient plus 15 dB. Order of noise conditions was rotated. At the
close of each school day the children were given three tests:
auditory discrimination (comparison of pairs), visual-motor (putting
dots in circles of various sizes), and visual discrimination (visual
search task to match pairs) tasks.
Findings: Early assessment of data indicates noise has an adverse
effect on auditory discrimination and visual discrimination. Results
are are not yet consistent with regard to visual motor performance.
Sponsor: Wichita City Government, Kansas
Investigator: Prof. R. L. McCroskey, J. S. Devens
Wichita State University
Period: 1976
Funding: Unknown
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COMMUNITY OR COLLECTIVE RESPONSE
The Eftects of Electrical Noise Sources on People
Noise from transformers and power lines is the principal
concern. The effects of noise will be studied through laboratory
experiments, behavioral response-awakening in the home, and an
attitudinal community survey.
Sponsor: Electrical Power Research Institute, Palo Alto,
Investigator: K. S. Pearsons
Bolt, Beranek and Newman
Canoga Park, Calif.
Period: February 1977 to Fall of 1978
Funding: $280,000
Noise Effects of the Concorde on the Community Surrounding JFK
International Airport
Sponsor: New York Port Authority
Investigator: Dr. James R. Young
Stanford Research Institute
Menlo Park, Calif. 94025
Period: 1977
Funding: Unknown
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Pit-cse read Instructions on the re ivne before completing)
1. REPORT NO. ' 2. ' '
FPA RRn/9-78-in?
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
Federal Noise Research in Noise Effects
7. AUTHOH(S)
Informatics, Inc.
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Informatics, Inc.
6000 Executive Bldg.
Rockville, Maryland
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Noise Abatement and Control
AW-471
Washington, D.C. 20460
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
5. REPORT DATE
2/14/78
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
68-01-4477
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Final
14. SPONSORING AG_ENCY CODE
EPA/ONAC
•16. ABSTRACT
See attached abstract
17. KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
a. DESCRIPTORS b.lDENTIFI
Noise-induced hearing loss, non-auditory
health effects, sleep distribution, com-
munity response, communication inter-
ference, noise environment determination
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT 19. SECURI
Limited Supply available at EPA/ONAC or 20. SECUHI
NTIS, 425 13th St.,N.W. Washington, DC 2000^ n°
ERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS C. COSATI Field/Group
TY CLASS (This Report) 21 . NO. OF PAGES
la«;<:ifipH
TY CLASS (This page) 22. PRICE
lassified
EPA Form Z220-I (9-73)
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ABSTRACT
The Federal Noise Effects Research Program was documented
and reviewed. The program expanded slightly over the last few
years, with more agencies participating. The program is reasonably
comprehensive and in general coordinated with no unjustified over-
lap of efforts.
Research needs to support and justify regulatory and standards
requirements were identified by the Panel as being of the highest
priority. Satisfaction of these relatively short term goals
with present budget restrictions could jeopardize long-range
basic research needs to understand basic effects mechanisms. To
satisfy both requirements, the Panel on the average recommends
an increase of the overall Federal noise effects research budget
of 40%.
The Panel recommends several specific research topics for
high priority funding. Some of these recommendations are the same
ones listed among the 1974 recommendations, and the Panel was con-
cerned about the only partial responsiveness to previous findings.
Among the areas requiring additional support are effects
of noise on sleep, and community or collective response. The
area primarily requiring additional support priority and clarification
is the area of non-auditory health effects, since no major well
planned program for this area was apparent.
a U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1978 720-335/22
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