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. 2010 Oct;7(10):3579-94.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph7103580. Epub 2010 Oct 11.

Exploring the relationship between noise sensitivity, annoyance and health-related quality of life in a sample of adults exposed to environmental noise

Daniel Shepherd  1 , David Welch, Kim N Dirks, Renata Mathews
Affiliations

Exploring the relationship between noise sensitivity, annoyance and health-related quality of life in a sample of adults exposed to environmental noise

Daniel Shepherd et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2010 Oct.

Abstract

The relationship between environmental noise and health is poorly understood but of fundamental importance to public health. This study estimated the relationship between noise sensitivity, noise annoyance and health-related quality of life in a sample of adults residing close to the Auckland International Airport, New Zealand. A small sample (n = 105) completed surveys measuring noise sensitivity, noise annoyance, and quality of life. Noise sensitivity was associated with health-related quality of life; annoyance and sleep disturbance mediated the effects of noise sensitivity on health.

Keywords: annoyance; health-related quality of life; noise; noise sensitivity.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Model detailing how noise might compromise health. The dashed lines indicate the physical effects of noise, which include Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), while the solid lines represent the non-physical effects of noise. The box labeled “moderating factors” represents the cumulative effect of traits, contextual factors, and noise parameters (e.g., amplitude modulation). Annoyance and sleep disruption act as mediators between predisposing factors and secondary health effects (e.g., health-related quality of life or disease).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Histogram of Global Noise Sensitivity scores. Global scores are calculated as the mean ratings for all 35 items contained in the NOISEQ. Higher scores represent greater sensitivity to noise.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Histogram showing General Noise Annoyance scores. Scores were the mean of 12 standardized noise annoyance items. Of remark is the multimodal nature of the distribution.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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