Noise and Health: Why We Need More Research

This paper will examine research on noise and health and suggest new topics and methods of investigation. First, it will discuss noise exposure and argue that new approaches need to be considered. Secondly, it will examine possible underlying mechanisms and show that it is inappropriate to use stress as a model for effects of noise on health. The next section will suggest that it is important to examine combined effects of noise and other risk factors rather than considering noise in isolation. Similarly, the importance of individual differences will be emphasized and the need for an objective measure of noise sensitivity discussed. Finally, a new model of an effect of noise on health will be presented. This will be based on the speculation that exposure to noise in childhood may reduce intelligence which will not only have an effect on cognitive functioning but will increase the risk of future health problems.