Author Archives: exposurelab

Noise is among the oldest occupational hazards that related to the occupational hearing loss persisted today. As NIOSH celebrates its 50th anniversary, the NIOSH Hearing Loss Prevention Research Program looks back over 50 years of research and recommendations for preventing occupational hearing loss. The research conducted from 1972 to 2019 are listed as a conclusion.Continue reading “A 50 years Noise Research at NIOSH”

The loud noise is harmful for the health, including hearing loss, tinnitus, hyperacusis and cardiovascular effects that might be life-changing. It also can lower sleep quality, and impair concentration and academic performance. It’s even been tied to depression and other mental-health issues.  Dr. Neitzel found that kids would be protected from noise-induced hearing loss if their exposure was 75 decibelsContinue reading “The definition of loud noise and how harmful it is”

American Public Health Association releases updated policy statement, “Noise as a Public Health Hazard.” This policy calls for national noise standards, enforcement, education, outreach, and action on noise as a public health hazard.  The whole updated policy statement can be found here in APHA’s website.

Living in a city has obvious benefits but also some disadvantages. Air pollution is the one people can think of and has the risk of the cardiovascular diseases and the respiratory diseases. The exposure is another one that is easy to be ignored. In fact, it is a health threat and can cause the stress,Continue reading “The Health Impact of the City Living”

In the decades since 1978, studies have underscored the significance of the hazed of the noise to the health of people. The exposure of noise can increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and so much more. Dr. Neitzel discuss the toll of noise on bodies and also environment and how to mitigateContinue reading “Dr. Neitzel Discuss the Toll of Noise on Bodies and Environment”

When more people move to the city, more people start to suffer from the city noise, especially from the heavy traffic and construction due to the city’s convenience and development. The dense urban environmental cities can have background noise high enough to cause the hearing loss after year or even decades of exposure. The loudContinue reading “Health Impact from City Noise”

The urban noise pollution is getting worse and the persistent exposure to noise can cause chronic health issues. What are the impacts of urban noise, the new efforts to understand and track it, and the solutions that can help mitigate unwanted sound? You will find the answers in this episode, No More Noise: Turning DownContinue reading “Urban Noise Pollution”

CDC estimate that 22 million Americans are exposed to noise at work. The noisiest jobs can be determined by the noise exposure data from the University of Michigan’s Job Exposure Matrix.  Nearly half of these noisiest jobs in America are production occupations and the vast majority of these jobs do not pay well and also haveContinue reading “Noisiest Jobs in America”

Over the last year, the noise was reduced by 3 decibel levels based on the research results from Dr. Neitzel’s team. That’s enough to potentially reduce adverse health impacts, such as hearing loss. However, all the other negative emotions leading to the stress raise concerns of increased health impacts on hearts and brains. The heartContinue reading “During the Pandemic: Less Noise Help Ears But Not Hearts or Brains”