Physiological aspects of noise-induced stress and annoyance

The relation between environmental noise exposure and physiological stress reactions is analysed, based upon the physiological characteristics of the hearing system. The potential of environmental noises to induce stress reactions is high and dependent how the noise is interpreted in the central nervous system. Occupational and environmental studies demonstrate that stress reactions occur and certain data suggest that medical effects such as increased blood pressure might result from prolonged noise exposure. As there is a relation between the extent of annoyance and stress, future research should define this on a dose-response basis using clinical as well as subjective exposure outcomes. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.