LTC Lorraine Babeu
MAJ Cheryl Cameron
The auditory effects of noise on the ear are well known in the audiology community; however, the non-auditory effects of noise have not received much attention. Noise like any other stressor activates the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Activation of the ANS increases heart rate and hormone production as part of the body’s effort to respond to the stressor. This response is commonly known as the “Fight or Flight” response. Prolonged activation of the sympathetic nervous system can cause the sympathetic nervous system to go into to a state of over arousal or under arousal causing negative health effects such as hypertension and heart disease. This presentation will review the autonomic nervous system (ANS), identify non-auditory effects of noise and finally discuss intervention strategies that can help reduce the stress associated with noise exposure.