The Epidemiology of Noise Sensitivity in New Zealand
- 11 November 2020
- journal article
- research article
- Published by S. Karger AG in Neuroepidemiology
- Vol. 54 (6), 482-489
- https://doi.org/10.1159/000511353
Abstract
Background: Sensitivity to noise, or nuisance sounds that interrupt relaxation and task-related activities, has been shown to vary significantly across individuals. The current study sought to uncover predictors of noise sensitivity, focussing on possible social and cultural determinants, including social position, education, ethnicity, gender, and the presence of an illness. Method: Data were collected from 746 New Zealand adults residing in 6 areas differentiated by social position. Participants responded to questions probing personal characteristics, noise sensitivity, illness, neighbourhood problems, and noise annoyance. It was hypothesized that those in high-deprivation areas and/or experiencing illness report higher levels of noise sensitivity. Results: Approximately 50 and 10% of the participants reported being moderately or very noise sensitive, respectively. Significant predictors of noise sensitivity included age, length of residence, level of social deprivation, and self-reported illness. Conclusion: There is evidence of social determinants of noise sensitivity, including social position and residential factors.Keywords
This publication has 28 references indexed in Scilit:
- Quiet Areas and the Need for Quietness in AmsterdamInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2012
- Noise exposure of musicians of a ballet orchestraNoise and Health, 2011
- Exploring the Relationship between Noise Sensitivity, Annoyance and Health-Related Quality of Life in a Sample of Adults Exposed to Environmental NoiseInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2010
- Socioeconomic Status and Health across the Life Course: A Test of the Social Causation and Health Selection HypothesesSocial Forces, 2009
- SELF-REPORT OF TRANSPORTATION NOISE EXPOSURE, ANNOYANCE AND NOISE SENSITIVITY IN RELATION TO NOISE MAP INFORMATIONJournal of Sound and Vibration, 2000
- THE CONCEPT OF NOISE ANNOYANCE: HOW INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS SEE ITJournal of Sound and Vibration, 1999
- Noise, noise sensitivity and psychiatric disorder: epidemiological and psychophysiological studiesPsychological Medicine. Monograph Supplement, 1992
- Noise sensitivity and road traffic annoyance in a population sampleJournal of Sound and Vibration, 1991
- Sensitivity to noise in a community sample: I. Measurement of psychiatric disorder and personalityPsychological Medicine, 1985
- Noise annoyance susceptibilityJournal of Sound and Vibration, 1972