Environmental noise and health: An integrated research perspective

In Europe, the proportion of the population exposed to environmental noise above 65 dB(A) has increased during the past decade from 15% to 26%. While the acute effects of such noise exposure are well accepted, firm conclusions about long-term consequences for health are still hampered by inconsistent results. Apart from methodological shortcomings, lack of conceptual clarity in research designs has been blamed for the inconsistencies, but rarely has it been addressed. This paper illustrates the major conceptual models (general stress model, individual-situational difference model, transactional, and contextual model) applied in non-auditory health effects research. It discusses the inherent limitations of these models and evaluates their potential contribution to overcoming the conceptual deficiencies. The integration of physiological, psychological and ecological approaches within a combined transactional-contextual research perspective provides the best available framework for future studies and reanalysis of earlier studies given the necessary information is provided.