Traffic noise annoyance and noise sensitivity in persons with normal and impaired hearing

A laboratory study to investigate annoyance caused by traffic noise among persons with normal and impaired hearing revealed a higher sensitivity to noise in one of the noise-induced hearing loss groups compared with men with normal hearing as well as in females compared with males in groups with and without hearing impairment.

Abstract

A laboratory study was undertaken to investigate annoyance caused by traffic noise among persons with normal hearing and impaired hearing. The impaired hearing groups are representative of about 10% of the population in Sweden with similar or poorer hearing acuity. Groups with different hearing ability were exposed to 45 dB(A) and 55 dB(A) traffic noise when engaged in four activities, in which noise did or did not interfere with speech. The annoyance ratings were higher for the impaired hearing groups at 45 dB(A) with 55 dB(A) in the activities in which noise did interfere with speech. The greatest differences were found between men with noise-induced hearing loss and men with normal hearing. The results revealed a higher sensitivity to noise in one of the noise-induced hearing loss groups compared with men with normal hearing as well as in females compared with males in groups with and without hearing impairment. Changes in mood after a 2 h exposure to 45 dB(A) and 55 dB(A) traffic noise were also found. Pleasantness and activation decreased after exposure when all subjects were taken as one sample.