| 1. |
- Nilsson, Kerstin, et al.
(author)
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54 forskare: Inte alla klarar höjd pensions-ålder
- 2017
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In: Svenska Dagbladet, Stockholm. - 1101-2412.
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Journal article (pop. science, debate, etc.)abstract
- Ett hållbart och acceptabelt pensionssystem måste utformas utifrån personliga förutsättningar och förhållanden i arbetslivet, så att fler klarar att arbeta i högre ålder. Att enbart genom ekonomiska åtgärder höja pensionsåldern är inte långsiktigt hållbart, skriver 54 forskare.DEBATT | PENSIONForskning visar att cirka var fjärde har en diagnos eller skada orsakad av sitt arbete. Detta gör arbetsorsakad sjukdom och skada till ett betydelsefullt folkhälsoproblem. Att då enbart genom ekonomiska åtgärder höja pensionsåldern för samtliga (yrkes)grupper utifrån deras kronologiska ålder är inte långsiktigt hållbart när individers biologiska ålder är så olika bland annat till följd av arbetslivet. Detta är en demokratifråga. Forskning om äldre i arbetslivet och hållbart arbete visar att man då främst flyttar individer från pensionssystemet till sjukförsäkringssystemet och ökar klyftorna i samhället.Debatt Det här är en argumenterande text med syfte att påverka. Åsikterna som uttrycks är skribentens egna.Vi är 54 forskare som nu gemensamt har skrivit denna debattartikel. Anledningen är att vi är oroade över att cirka var fjärde blir sjuk av sitt arbete samtidigt som man i det förslag som ligger om att senarelägga ålderspensionen i princip utgår ifrån att arbetskraftsdeltagande enbart styrs av ekonomin. Vi vill trycka på betydelsen av åtgärder i arbetslivet för att komma tillrätta med ohälsan, det vill säga inte enbart ekonomiska restriktioner som tvingar folk som inte kan, vill och orkar att stanna kvar i arbetslivet till en högre kronologisk ålder.Pensionssystemet bygger på att vi ska arbeta en viss del av våra liv för att förtjäna möjligheter till pension. Vi bör dock inte enbart utgå ifrån antalet år sedan en person föddes, då korttidsutbildade generellt träder in på arbetsmarknaden tidigare än långtidsutbildade. De har alltså varit en del av arbetskraften från en yngre ålder. Människor med kortare utbildning har oftare ett arbete som innebär påfrestningar som kan inverka negativt på hälsotillståndet och som till och med kan påskynda det biologiska åldrandet. Dessutom lever korttidsutbildade generellt sett inte lika länge som långtidsutbildade, vilket delvis även avspeglar skilda livs- och arbetsvillkor.Den svenska sjukförsäkringsreformen 2008 avsåg att få tillbaka människor i arbete. Men studien fann att den faktiskt bidrog till att fler gick i tidig ålderspension av dem som var i åldern 55–64 år. Ökningen var störst bland korttidsutbildade. Mer än 5 procent fler gick i tidig ålderspension då det blev svårare att få sjukpenning och sjukersättning. Vi kan notera att det är vanligare att manliga chefer tar ut tidig ålderspension, jämfört med kvinnliga maskinskötare inom tillverkningsindustrin. I vissa yrken är det dessutom vanligare att människor, trots pension, både orkar och faktiskt ges möjlighet att arbeta vidare om de har en specialkompetens som efterfrågas. Om vi endast kombinerar ekonomiska morötter med piskor finns en stor risk att vi ökar klyftan mellan grupper som både kan och vill fortsätta att yrkesarbeta och personer som av olika skäl inte längre kan eller orkar.Ta nytta av den forskning som vi har tagit fram. Ett hållbart och acceptabelt pensionssystem måste utformas utifrån personliga förutsättningar och förhållanden i arbetslivet. Ett hållbart arbetsliv för allt fler i vår åldrande befolkning fordrar att vi samtidigt beaktar faktorer som relaterar till biologisk/kroppslig ålder, mental/kognitiv ålder samt social ålder/livsloppsfas och våra attityder som är kopplade till ålder. Vi måste ta större hänsyn till olika förutsättningar och varierande funktionsförmåga och utifrån detta anpassa de åtgärder som gör att arbetslivet blir möjligt och hållbart för allt fler även i högre ålder.”Morötter” är viktigare för en god arbetshälsa och hög produktivitet än en piska i form av oron för en dålig ekonomi.Forskning visar att pedagogik som bygger på ”morötter” oftast är betydligt bättre än ”piskor” för att nå framgångsrika och långsiktiga mål. ”Morötter” i samhället, för organisationer, företag och individer är därför viktiga för god arbetshälsa och fortsatt produktivitet och kan bidra till ett längre arbetsliv även för grupper som tidigare inte ens klarat av att arbeta fram till pensionsåldern. Genom forskning inom området har bland annat swage-modellen utarbetats. Detta är ett verktyg som visar på komplexiteten i ett hållbart arbetsliv och tillsammans med systematiskt arbetsmiljöarbete, handlingsplaner och åtgärder syftar till ett mer hållbart arbetsliv. Morötter är enligt forskningen i detta sammanhang åtgärder för en god fysisk och mental arbetsmiljö, avpassad arbetsbelastning, stödjande teknik, att man kan anpassa arbetstakten, alternativa arbetstidsmodeller vid behov. Det är viktigt att man känner sig trygg och förväntas och tillåts vara delaktig, att man blir sedd av chefen och arbetskamraterna. Att de egna arbetsuppgifterna upplevs som meningsfulla och behövda av andra skapar självförverkligande och tillfredsställelse i arbetet. Att man känner att ens arbetsuppgifter och man själv är viktig för organisationen och företaget. Att man trots högre ålder inkluderas i olika nysatsningar och får tillgång till kompetensutveckling och inte blir åsidosatt eller åldersdiskriminerad. Utvärderingar visar att de äldre medarbetarna som fick några av dessa anpassningar och möjligheter var mer effektiva, utvilade, stimulerade när de var på arbetet samtidigt som sjukfrånvaron minskade. Vilket i sin tur bidrar till ett längre arbetsliv för grupper som tidigare inte klarat av att arbeta fram till pensionsåldern. I organisationer som bygger på en deltagar- och lärandekultur rustas de anställda för att klara omställningar, nya arbetsuppgifter och vid behov även yrkesbyten.Med en åldrande befolkning där allt fler lever allt längre behöver vi arbeta till en högre ålder i framtiden för att pensionssystemet ska hålla. Men ”morötter” är viktigare för en god arbetshälsa och hög produktivitet än en piska i form av oron för en dålig ekonomi. Det kräver också att vi ändrar våra attityder och förhållningssätt till äldre på arbetsmarknaden, vilket vi bäst gör genom att organisationer och företag får incitament till och erbjuder mer individanpassade arbetsvillkor, särskilt för personer i högre ålder. Låt oss därför använda den framtagna kunskapen i praktiken för att göra arbetslivet friskt och hållbart för alla åldrar.
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| 2. |
- Nilsson, Kerstin, et al.
(author)
-
Vi är oroade över senare ålderspension
- 2017
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In: Dagens Samhälle. - 1652-6511.
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Journal article (pop. science, debate, etc.)abstract
- Var fjärde person blir i dag sjuk till följd av sitt arbete. Att höja pensionsåldern för alla yrkesgrupper, utan konkreta åtgärder för att minska ohälsan, är därför problematiskt och mycket oroande. Det är, enligt forskarna, inte långsiktigt samhällsekonomiskt lönsamt att utan andra åtgärder höja pensionsåldern för alla. Vi – 54 forskare – är mycket oroade över konsekvenserna av att, som föreslagits, senarelägga ålderspensionen.Förslaget utgår i princip från arbetskraftsdeltagande i princip enbart styrs av ekonomin, medan forskningen visar att det bara är en av flera faktorer som styr hur länge och hur mycket människor väljer att arbeta.Det här sättet att lösa problemet med en åldrande befolkning och ett sviktande pensionssystem är inte samhällsekonomiskt lönsamt på lång sikt, utan riskerar bara att flytta runt folk mellan olika ersättningssystem. Pensionssystemet bygger på att vi ska arbeta en viss del av våra liv för att tjäna in vår pension. Vi bör dock inte enbart utgå ifrån ålder eller antalet år sedan en person föddes då korttidsutbildade generellt träder in på arbetsmarknaden tidigare än långtidsutbildade. De med kortare utbildningstid har alltså varit en del av arbetskraften från en yngre ålder. Människor med kortare utbildning har också oftare ett arbete som innebär påfrestningar som kan inverka negativt på hälsotillståndet och som till och med kan påskynda det biologiska åldrandet. Dessutom lever korttidsutbildade generellt sett inte lika länge som långtidsutbildade, vilket delvis även avspeglar skilda livs- och arbetsvillkor.Ta nytta av den forskning som vi har tagit fram. Ekonomin är självklart viktigt för att vi ska vilja arbeta, men den är som sagt enbart en av flera faktorer med betydelse vårt arbetsliv.Hälsotillståndet, både det fysiska och det mentala, har en avgörande betydelse för hur länge och hur mycket vi orkar arbeta. Ett fysiskt och mentalt belastande arbete är en stark riskfaktor för en nedsatt hälsa i slutet av arbetslivet. Arbetstid, arbetstakt och möjlighet till återhämtning spelar en allt större roll ju äldre vi blir. Andra aspekter är arbetsinnehåll, hur meningsfulla och stimulerande arbetsuppgifterna är, balansen mellan arbete och familjesituation och fritidsaktiviteter. Organisationskultur, ledarskapet, stöd i arbetet och kompetens har stor betydelse för om vi ska kunna och vilja arbeta till en högre ålder. Vi måste ta större hänsyn till olika förutsättningar och varierande funktionsförmåga och utifrån detta anpassa de åtgärder som gör att arbetslivet blir möjligt och hållbart för allt fler även i högre ålder.Ett hållbart och acceptabelt pensionssystem måste därför utformas utifrån personliga förutsättningar och förhållanden i arbetslivet. Ett hållbart arbetsliv för allt fler i vår åldrande befolkning fordrar att vi samtidigt beaktar faktorer som relaterar till biologisk/kroppslig ålder, mental/kognitiv ålder samt social ålder/livsloppsfas samt de attityder som är kopplade till ålder.
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| 3. |
- Aronsson, Gunnar, et al.
(author)
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Healthy workplaces for women and men of all ages
- 2017
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The aim of this knowledge compilation is to contribute with knowledge about the work environment in relation to the ever-older workforce. How do employee needs and possibilities change from a course of life perspective? What should the employer and other work environment actors think about in order for the workforce to be able to and want to work to a high age?The Swedish Work Environment Authority wishes to give an overarching knowledge profile of different aspects of the work environment and the ageing workforce, and we therefore asked seven researchers to summarise the research-based knowledge within each of their areas, from a course of life and gender perspective. An eighth researcher acted as an editor for the anthology, and has also written the preface.In summary, the report shows that we are becoming even healthier, living ever longer and working to an ever higher age. Older people in the workforce are positive for the economy because productivity increases, and the business sector can make use of competent and experienced staff for a longer time. But for the older labour force to be healthy and want to work at higher ages, one needs to take into consideration how ageing influences health and the capacity to work. With age, all people are affected to different degrees by reduced vision, hearing and physical capacity, as well as longer reaction times. Even their cognitive capacity changes. Certain cognitive abilities are strengthened with rising age, while others deteriorate. With an ageing workforce, more employees have chronic illnesses, which, however, seldom affect the actual working ability. Changes in working life also affect health and wellbeing, for example deregulated work and the technical development. Age and previous experiences impact upon our ability to adapt to these changes. One factor that promotes adaptation is partly resilience (that is to say, resistance and the ability to adapt to the new), partly compensation strategies when the mental and physical resources change. There are no great differences between gender when it comes to the consequences of ageing on health and wellbeing in the work. On the other hand, the public health trend shows increasing differences in health between the lower educated and the higher educated - a difference increasing more quickly among women than among men. The gender-segregated labour market also means that more women than men work in physical and mentally burdensome work. Attitudes at the workplace also affect wellbeing and the will to continue working at higher ages. Men tend to be more sensitive to age discrimination while women run the risk of double discrimination, that is to say based upon both gender and age. Work environment and the attitude to an older workforce are central to the considerations that an employee makes in the choice between continuing to work and retiring. Other prerequisites that influence the decision are one’s own health, private finances and self-fulfilling activities.The employer can do a great deal to lengthen and improve their employees’ working life. Systematic work environment management benefits everyone, and it can contribute to everyone keeping their working ability and to older people wanting to and being able to work for longer. Occupational health services of good quality also play an important role. Technical aids and adaptation of the working pace and working tasks are other measures that improve the work environment for the older workforce. The employer can also contribute to stimulating work arrangements and organisational support for the employees in order to strengthen their resilience and promote the development of compensation strategies.
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| 4. |
- Ageborg Morsing, Julia, et al.
(author)
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Wind Turbine Noise and Sleep: Pilot Studies on the Influence of Noise Characteristics
- 2018
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In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 15:11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The number of onshore wind turbines in Europe has greatly increased over recent years, a trend which can be expected to continue. However, the effects of wind turbine noise on long-term health outcomes for residents living near wind farms is largely unknown, although sleep disturbance may be a cause for particular concern. Presented here are two pilot studies with the aim of examining the acoustical properties of wind turbine noise that might be of special relevance regarding effects on sleep. In both pilots, six participants spent five consecutive nights in a sound environment laboratory. During three of the nights, participants were exposed to wind turbine noise with variations in sound pressure level, amplitude modulation strength and frequency, spectral content, turbine rotational frequency and beating behaviour. The impact of noise on sleep was measured using polysomnography and questionnaires. During nights with wind turbine noise there was more frequent awakening, less deep sleep, less continuous N2 sleep and increased subjective disturbance compared to control nights. The findings indicated that amplitude modulation strength, spectral frequency and the presence of strong beats might be of particular importance for adverse sleep effects. The findings will be used in the development of experimental exposures for use in future, larger studies.
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| 5. |
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Bo i Ro : Texter från ett tvärvetenskapligt symposium om boende, buller och hälsa. Läkaresällskapets hus i Stockholm, den 20 oktober 2016
- 2016
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Editorial proceedings (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Sveriges Regering fattade den 9 april 2015 beslut om en ny förordning medbestämmelser om riktvärden för buller utomhus för spårtrafik, vägar ochflygplatser vid bostadsbyggnader. Förordningen (2015:216) om trafikbullervid bostadsbyggnader träder i kraft den 1 juni 2015. I denna förordning finnsförändrade riktvärden för bullerexponering vid bostader som tillåter betydligtmer buller än tidigare, något som från många håll kritiserats för att medförahälsorisker.Ljudmiljöcentrums målsättning med symposiet Bo i Ro har varit lyfta fram densenaste forskningen om hälsa och buller, synliggöra förändringarna ibullerförordning som kan få konsekvenser vad gäller hälsa och välbefinnandeför stora delar av befolkningen samt diskutera strategier för framtida folkhälsa,boende & bullerhantering.Symposiet arrangerades av Ljudmiljöcentrum vid Lunds universitet isamarbete med arbets- och miljömedicin i Lund och riktade sig särskilt tillintresserade forskare, politiker och beslutsfattare.Nyckelord: Bo i Ro, bostäder, trafikbuller, ljudmiljö, folkhälsa, forskning.
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| 6. |
- Croy, Ilona, et al.
(author)
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Optimal questions for sleep in epidemiological studies: Comparisons of subjective and objective measures in laboratory and field studies
- 2017
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In: Behavioural Sleep Medicine. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1540-2002 .- 1540-2010. ; 15:6, s. 466-482
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Epidemiological studies on sleep often use questionnaires, and measurement of validity provides necessary guidance in selection of valid single sleep questions. Twenty-five items assessing different aspects of sleep, including overall sleep quality, specific sleep parameters, nocturnal restoration, and exposure-related questions, were tested. This involved coherence with objective polysomnographic (PSG) laboratory measurements of sleep in 47 participants and application of selected items under field conditions in over 3,000 participants. Items on overall sleep quality correlated significantly with PSG data. For specific sleep parameter questions, tiredness in the morning, time to fall asleep, difficulties to sleep and estimated number of awakenings were correlated to PSG data. Questions asking specifically about the effect of potential sleep disturbances correlated poorly with PSG data, but showed highest effects between environmental exposure (noise and vibration) and control nights in the laboratory and highest correlation with the dose of exposure in the field. In conclusion, healthy participants seem to be able to access their sleep reliably; and sleep questions asking about specific sleep parameters can be recommended for the assessment of sleep.
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| 7. |
- Fredriksson, Sofie, 1983, et al.
(author)
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Preschool teachers have an increased risk of hearing-related symptoms and report more occupational noise exposure compared to randomly selected women
- 2016
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In: Occupational Health: Think Globally, Act Locally, EPICOH 2016, September 4–7, 2016, Barcelona, Spain. Occupational & Environmental Medicine. ; 73:A191
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Noise-induced hearing disorder has been thoroughly studied among workers in industry-like settings, but less so in female-dominated occupations. In Sweden, noise-related occupational disease among women are reported most frequently in the education sector. We analysed questionnaires from 4,932 women with preschool teacher’s degree who have worked in preschool compared to 5,065 randomly selected women without preschool work-history (response rate 51% vs. 38%). The age range was 24–71 in both cohorts (mean 46 [SD 11] among preschool teachers and 51 [11] among controls). Prevalence and prevalence ratio in age-strata and Mantel-Haenszel pooled risk were calculated for hearing-related symptoms. Noise exposure was compared between the cohorts. A 5% level of significance was applied. Occupational noise exposure and noise annoyance were significantly more common among teachers than controls: 75% vs.31% and 69% vs.26%, respectively. Still, significantly fewer teachers used hearing protection: 3% vs. 4%. Prevalence of hearing-related symptoms was much higher among teachers than controls: sound-induced auditory fatigue (71% [95% CI: 70–72] vs. 31% [30–32]), difficulty perceiving speech (46% [45–47] vs. 26% [25–27] and hyperacusis (38% [37–39] vs. 18% [17–19] and slightly higher for hearing loss (19% [18–20] vs. 17% [6–18] and tinnitus (19% [18–20] vs. 15% [14–16]. Teachers had a twofold risk of sound-induced auditory fatigue (PR-MH 2.2 [95% CI: 2.1–2.3] and hyperacusis (PR-MH 2.1 [1.9–2.2] compared to controls, when adjusted for age. The risk was also increased for difficulty perceiving speech (PR-MH 1.8 [1.7–1.9], tinnitus (PR-MH 1.4 [1.3–1.6] and hearing loss (PR-MH 1.4 [1.3–1.5]. Mean age of onset was significantly lower among teachers for all symptoms, except for hyperacusis (p = 0.902). Leisure-noise was significantly more common among controls. Family history of hearing loss did not differ (p = 0.411). The study is the first to show that preschool teachers have an increased risk of hearing-related symptoms, which may be caused by the work environment.
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| 8. |
- Fredriksson, Sofie, 1983, et al.
(author)
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The effect of occupational noise exposure on tinnitus and sound-induced auditory fatigue among obstetrics personnel: a cross-sectional study.
- 2015
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In: BMJ Open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 5:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective There is a lack of research on effects of occupational noise exposure in traditionally female-dominated workplaces. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess risk of noise-induced hearing-related symptoms among obstetrics personnel. Design A cross-sectional study was performed at an obstetric ward in Sweden including a questionnaire among all employees and sound level measurements in 61 work shifts at the same ward. Participants 115 female employees responded to a questionnaire (72% of all 160 employees invited). Main outcome measures Self-reported hearing-related symptoms in relation to calculated occupational noise exposure dose and measured sound levels. Results Sound levels exceeded the 80dB LAeq limit for protection of hearing in 46% of the measured work shifts. One or more hearing-related symptoms were reported by 55% of the personnel. In logistic regression models, a significant association was found between occupational noise exposure dose and tinnitus (OR=1.04, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.09) and sound-induced auditory fatigue (OR=1.04, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.07). Work-related stress and noise annoyance at work were reported by almost half of the personnel. Sound-induced auditory fatigue was associated with work-related stress and noise annoyance at work, although stress slightly missed significance in a multivariable model. No significant interactions were found. Conclusions This study presents new results showing that obstetrics personnel are at risk of noise-induced hearing-related symptoms. Current exposure levels at the workplace are high and occupational noise exposure dose has significant effects on tinnitus and sound-induced auditory fatigue among the personnel. These results indicate that preventative action regarding noise exposure is required in obstetrics care and that risk assessments may be needed in previously unstudied non-industrial communication-intense sound environments.
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| 9. |
- Fredriksson, Sofie, 1983, et al.
(author)
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The effect of occupational noise on hearing-related symptoms - exploring mediating and modifying effect of annoyance and stress
- 2017
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In: Proceedings of the 12th ICBEN Congress on Noise as a Public Health Problem (Vol. 6, pp. 18-22)..
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- ABSTRACT Noise-induced hearing disorder is under reported in female-dominated occupations, hindering knowledge on associated risk factors. We performed a cross-sectional study in Sweden, including 4,718 female preschool teachers and 4,122 randomly selected women age 24-65. In hypothesised causal models, we explored the effect of occupational noise exposure (e.g. self-reported retrospective and current exposure, hearing protection) on hearing-related symptoms (hearing loss, speech perception, tinnitus, hyperacusis, soundinduced auditory fatigue). Noise annoyance, job-stress and stress response were assessed for mediating and modifying effects. Exposure to occupational noise significantly increased the risk of hearing-related symptoms among preschool teachers (RRs 1.19-1.42 in adjusted log-binomial regression models). Consistent with our hypothesis, annoyance mediated the effect of noise exposure on soundinduced auditory fatigue (indirect effect β=0.28). In contrast, annoyance modified the effect of noise exposure on both hyperacusis and speech perception. For sound-induced auditory fatigue and hyperacusis, job-stress exposure and stress response both modified the effect and significantly interacted with noise exposure. The models provide better understanding of possible mechanisms for developing hearing-related symptoms. These findings will be further explored using longitudinal design.
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| 10. |
- Fredriksson, Sofie, 1983, et al.
(author)
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Validating self-reporting of hearing-related symptoms against pure-tone audiometry,otoacoustic emission, and speech audiometry
- 2016
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In: International Journal of Audiology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1499-2027 .- 1708-8186. ; 55:8, s. 454-62
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To validate self-reported hearing-related symptoms among personnel exposed to moderately high occupational noise levels at an obstetrics clinic. Design: Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated for questionnaire items assessing hearing loss, tinnitus, sound sensitivity, poor hearing, difficulty perceiving speech, and sound-induced auditory fatigue. Hearing disorder was diagnosed by pure-tone audiometry, distortion Product otoacoustic emissions, and HINT (Hearing In Noise Test). Study sample: Fifty-five female obstetrics personnel aged 22–63 participated; including 26 subjects reporting hearing loss, poor hearing, tinnitus, or sound sensitivity, and 29 randomly selected subjects who did not report these symptoms. Results: The questionnaire item assessing sound-induced auditory fatigue had the best combination of sensitivity 85% (95% CIs 56 to 100%)and specificity 70% (95% CIs 55 to 84%) for hearing disorder diagnosed by audiometry or otoacoustic emission. Of those reporting sound-induced auditory fatigue 71% were predicted to have disorder diagnosed by otoacoustic emission. Participants reporting any hearing-related symptom had slightly worse measured hearing. Conclusions: We suggest including sound-induced auditory fatigue in questionnaires for identification of hearing disorder among Healthcare personnel, though larger studies are warranted for precise estimates of diagnostic performance. Also, more specific and accurate hearing tests are needed to diagnose mild hearing disorder.
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| 11. |
- Fredriksson, Sofie, 1983, et al.
(author)
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Working in preschool increases the risk of hearing-related symptoms: a cohort study among Swedish women
- 2019
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In: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0340-0131 .- 1432-1246. ; 92:8, s. 1179-90
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- © 2019, The Author(s). Purpose: To assess whether working in preschools increases the risk of hearing-related symptoms and whether age, occupational noise, and stressful working conditions affect the risk. Methods: Questionnaire data on hearing-related symptoms were analysed in women aged 24–65 (4718 preschool teachers, and 4122 randomly selected general population controls). Prevalence and risk ratio (RR) of self-reported hearing loss, tinnitus, difficulty perceiving speech, hyperacusis and sound-induced auditory fatigue were assessed by comparing the cohorts in relation to age and self-reported occupational noise and stressful working conditions (effort–reward imbalance and emotional demands). RR was calculated using log-binomial regression models adjusted for age, education, income, smoking, hearing protection, and leisure noise. Incidence rates and incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated for retrospectively reported onset of all symptoms except sound-induced auditory fatigue. Results: Compared to the controls, preschool teachers had overall more than twofold RR of sound-induced auditory fatigue (RR 2.4, 95% confidence interval 2.2–2.5) and hyperacusis (RR 2.3, 2.1–2.5) and almost twofold for difficulty perceiving speech (RR 1.9, 1.7–2.0). Preschool teachers had a threefold IRR of hyperacusis (IRR 3.1, 2.8–3.4) and twofold for difficulty perceiving speech (IRR 2.4, 2.2–2.6). Significantly although slightly less increased RR and IRR were observed for hearing loss and tinnitus. RR and IRR were generally still increased for preschool teachers when stratified by age and occupational exposure to noise and stress. Conclusions: This large cohort study showed that working as preschool teacher increases the risk of self-reported hearing-related symptoms, indicating a need of preventative measures.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Johansson, Lotta, 1965, et al.
(author)
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Evaluation of a sound environment intervention in an ICU : A feasibility study
- 2018
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In: Australian Critical Care. - Amsterdam : Elsevier. - 1036-7314 .- 1878-1721. ; 31:2, s. 59-70
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Currently, it is well known that the sound environment in intensive care units (ICU) is substandard. Therefore, there is a need of interventions investigating possible improvements. Unfortunately, there are many challenges to consider in the design and performance of clinical intervention studies including sound measurements and clinical outcomes.Objectives: (1) explore whether it is possible to implement a full-scale intervention study in the ICU concerning sound levels and their impact on the development of ICU delirium; (2) discuss methodological challenges and solutions for the forthcoming study; (3) conduct an analysis of the presence of ICU delirium in the study group; and (4) describe the sound pattern in the intervention rooms.Methods: A quasi-randomized clinical trial design was chosen. The intervention consisted of a refurbished two-bed ICU patient room (experimental) with a new suspended wall-to-wall ceiling and a low frequency absorber. An identical two-bed room (control) remained unchanged.Inclusion criteria: Patients >18 years old with ICU lengths of stay (LoS) >48. h. The final study group consisted of 31 patients: six from the rebuilt experimental room and 25 from the control room. Methodological problems and possible solutions were continuously identified and documented.Results: Undertaking a full-scale intervention study with continuous measurements of acoustic data in an ICU is possible. However, this feasibility study demonstrated some aspects to consider before start. The randomization process and the sound measurement procedure must be developed. Furthermore, proper education and training are needed for determining ICU delirium.Conclusion: This study raises a number of points that may be helpful for future complex interventions in an ICU. For a full-scale study to be completed a continuously updated cost calculation is necessary. Furthermore, representatives from the clinic need to be involved in all stages during the project.
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| 15. |
- Kamp, Irene van, et al.
(author)
-
The Effects of Noise Disturbed Sleep in Children on Cognitive Development and Long Term Health
- 2015
-
In: Journal of Child Adolescent Behavior. - : OMICS Publishing Group. - 2375-4494. ; 3:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Undisturbed sleep is essential for physiological and psychological health. Children have a special need for uninterrupted sleep for growth and cognitive development. Noise is an environmental factor that affects most children, but the knowledge of how children's health, wellbeing and cognitive development are affected by noise disturbed sleep due to road traffic is very incomplete. It has been shown that although children are less likely to wake up or react with sleep cycle shifts due to nighttime exposure, they might be more likely to react with physiological effects such as blood pressure reactions and related motility during sleep. The aim of this paper is to formulate a set of hypotheses as a base for future studies into the short and long term effects of noise induced sleep deprivation on health and child development and how this effects health and wellbeing later on in life. Because the literature is still trying to understand the nature of sleep disturbance among children in general a scoping review was used to achieve this, combining conceptual issues with a description of the scarce literature on noise and sleep disturbance in children as example. Based on this a set of hypotheses was formulated. It is concluded that future studies into the health effect of environmental noise exposure in early life should address these potential hypotheses and mechanisms and pay specific attention to the mediating role of sleep related aspects, including noise in conjunction with other environmental exposures such as indoor climate and exposure to sounds and light from electronic devices.
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| 16. |
- Maclachlan, Laura, et al.
(author)
-
Annoyance in Response to Vibrations from Railways
- 2018
-
In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1660-4601. ; 15:9
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Rail transport is a key stepping stone in the EU’s transport policy and is pinpointed for investment and growth over the coming decades. This expanding infrastructure implies increased exposure to environmental stressors, such as noise and ground-borne vibrations. Little is known about the health impacts of exposure to these vibrations. The aim of this paper is to examine the association between annoyance from rail vibrations and the distance of residential dwelling from the railway. It reports the first results of a large epidemiological study, EpiVib, which was designed to investigate the long-term health effects of exposure to rail vibrations. The first part of this study examines a self-reported questionnaire. In total, 6894 individuals aged between 18 and 80 living within 1 km of a railway in west Sweden participated. Results presented here examine the association between distance to the railway and annoyance from vibrations and are stratified by train type. A positive association between closer distance and increased annoyance is seen. After adjustment for important modifiers, results showed that vibrations from freight trains and maintenance operations are reported to be moderately and highly annoying at distances of up to 400 m from the railway and diesel up to 300 m. Vibration from passenger and fast trains are significantly annoying up to 200 m from the track. Vibration from freight trains and maintenance operations were considered highly annoying up to 300 m from the track, diesel up to 400 m. Vibration from passenger and fast trains are not reported to be highly annoying after adjustment. Heavier, slower moving locomotives, in the form of diesel and freight trains, appear to be the source of annoyance at distances further from the railway compared to passenger and fast trains. This has implications in terms of property, transport, and infrastructure planning.
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| 17. |
- Maclachlan, Laura, et al.
(author)
-
Exploring perception of vibrations from rail: : An interview study
- 2017
-
In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1660-4601. ; 14:11
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Rail transport is an environmentally responsible approach and traffic is expected to increase in the coming decades. Little is known about the implications for quality of life of populations living close to railways. This study explores the way in which vibrations from rail are perceived and described by these populations. The study took place in the Västra Götaland and Värmland regions of Sweden. A qualitative study approach was undertaken using semi-structured interviews within a framework of predetermined questions in participants’ homes. A 26.3% response rate was achieved and 17 participants were interviewed. The experience of vibrations was described in tangible terms through different senses. Important emerging themes included habituation to and acceptance of vibrations, worry about property damage, worry about family members and general safety. Participants did not reflect on health effects, however, chronic exposure to vibrations through multimodal senses in individual living environments may reduce the possibility for restoration in the home. Lack of empowerment to reduce exposure to vibrations was important. This may alter individual coping strategies, as taking actions to avoid the stressor is not possible. The adoption of other strategies, such as avoidance, may negatively affect an individual’s ability to cope with the stressor and their health.
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| 18. |
- Persson Waye, Kerstin, 1959, et al.
(author)
-
A Screening Approach for Classroom Acoustics Using Web-Based Listening Tests and Subjective Ratings
- 2015
-
In: Plos One. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 10:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Perception of speech is crucial in school where speech is the main mode of communication. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether a web based approach including listening tests and questionnaires could be used as a screening tool for poor classroom acoustics. The prime focus was the relation between pupils' comprehension of speech, the classroom acoustics and their description of the acoustic qualities of the classroom. In total, 1106 pupils aged 13-19, from 59 classes and 38 schools in Sweden participated in a listening study using Hagerman's sentences administered via Internet. Four listening conditions were applied: high and low background noise level and positions close and far away from the loudspeaker. The pupils described the acoustic quality of the classroom and teachers provided information on the physical features of the classroom using questionnaires. In 69% of the classes, at least three pupils described the sound environment as adverse and in 88% of the classes one or more pupil reported often having difficulties concentrating due to noise. The pupils' comprehension of speech was strongly influenced by the background noise level (p<0.001) and distance to the loudspeakers (p<0.001). Of the physical classroom features, presence of suspended acoustic panels (p<0.05) and length of the classroom (p<0.01) predicted speech comprehension. Of the pupils' descriptions of acoustic qualities, clattery significantly (p<0.05) predicted speech comprehension. Clattery was furthermore associated to difficulties understanding each other, while the description noisy was associated to concentration difficulties. The majority of classrooms do not seem to have an optimal sound environment. The pupil's descriptions of acoustic qualities and listening tests can be one way of predicting sound conditions in the classroom.
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| 19. |
- Persson Waye, Kerstin, 1959, et al.
(author)
-
Acoustic intervention at preschools impact on children´s perception and response to high frequency sound qualities
- 2016
-
In: Proceedings of the 22nd International Congress on Acoustics, Buenos Aires, ICA 2016, 5 to 9 September, 2016. - 2415-1599. - 9789872471361
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- At pre-schools personnel and children are known to be exposed to high sound levels. Tiredness and sound fatigue among the personnel are reported, while less is known about how children are affected. A previously developed interview protocol (INCH) was used to study the effect of an acoustic intervention at seven preschools. Before, 61 children aged 4-6 yrs were interviewed and 59 after. A reduction of the sound level in a range between 1 to 3 dB LpAeq was measured using stationary noise levels meters. The results were analysed using Generalised Estimating Equations accounting for repeated measure of the intervention. The results showed that a change in noise levels in the dining/activity room positively impacted on children’s perception of scraping and screeching sounds, frequency of reported tummy ache, and frequency of children reporting the teacher to speak with a raised voice. Perception of scraping sound per se, also impacted on angry reactions to scraping sounds, and children’s reporting on teachers speaking with raised voice. Although the intervention affected the noise levels only marginally, it seems to have influenced sound quality aspects related to the higher frequencies in the sound. The results are especially interesting given the new knowledge of children’s hearing.
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| 20. |
- Persson Waye, Kerstin, 1959, et al.
(author)
-
Assessing the exposure-response relationship of sleep disturbance and vibration in field and laboratory settings
- 2019
-
In: Environmental Pollution. - : Elsevier BV. - 0269-7491. ; 245, s. 558-567
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Exposure to nocturnal freight train vibrations may impact sleep, but exposure-response relationships are lacking. The European project CargoVibes evaluated sleep disturbance both in the field and in the laboratory and provides unique data, as measures of response and exposure metrics are comparable. This paper therefore provides data on exposure-response relationships of vibration and sleep disturbance and compares the relationships evaluated in the laboratory and the field. Two field studies (one in Poland and one in the Netherlands) with 233 valid respondents in total, and three laboratory studies in Sweden with a total of 59 subjects over 350 person-nights were performed. The odds ratios (OR) of sleep disturbance were analyzed in relation to nighttime vibration exposure by ordinal logit regression, adjusting for moderating factors common for the studies. Outcome specific fractions were calculated for eleven sleep outcomes and supported comparability between the field and laboratory settings. Vibration exposure was significantly associated with sleep disturbance, OR = 3.51 (95% confidence interval 2.6–4.73) denoting a three and a half times increase in the odds of sleep disturbance with one unit increased 8 h nighttime log10 Root Mean Square vibration. The results suggest no significant difference between field and laboratory settings OR = 1.37 (0.59–3.19). However, odds of sleep disturbance were higher in the Netherlands as compared to Sweden, indicating unexplained differences between study populations or countries, possibly related to cultural and contextual differences and uncertainties in exposure assessments. Future studies should be carefully designed to record explanatory factors in the field and enhance ecological validity in the laboratory. Nevertheless, the presented combined data set provides a first set of exposure response relationships for vibration-induced sleep disturbance, which are useful when considering public health outcomes among exposed populations. Exposure-response relationships of vibration exposure from trains and sleep disturbance were derived from laboratory studies and field studies, with no significant differences between the settings. © 2018 The Authors
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| 21. |
- Persson Waye, Kerstin, et al.
(author)
-
Genusperspektiv på arbetsskada vid bullerexponering och hörselskada
- 2016
-
In: Book of abstracts. - : Mittuniversitetet. ; , s. 27-27
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Ett inkluderande och hållbart arbetsliv bör vara könsneutralt och genusmedvetet vid bedömning av riskexponeringar och hälsorisker. Forskning inom Arbets- och miljömedicin, Göteborgs universitet, indikerar att personal inom kvinnodominerade yrken såsom skola, hälso- och sjukvård rapporterar hörselskador av annan karaktär än vad som kan förväntas. En möjlig orsak är att ljudmiljön inom dessa kvinnodominerade yrken till skillnad från t ex industribuller orsakas av mänsklig aktivitet, är kommunikationsintensiv och mycket oregelbunden med plötsliga starka ljud. Pågående analyser visar att rapportering av hyperakusis är fördubblad för förskollärare jämfört med en kontrollgrupp. Vetenskaplig evidens för samband mellan buller och hörselskada är till stor del baserad på forskning inom mansdominerade yrken. Det är troligt att den typ av bullerexponering som återfinns inom traditionellt manliga yrken och de symptom som rapporteras av exponerade i dessa miljöer utgör normen för hur en bullerskada bedöms. Det föranleder frågeställningen om bedömning av arbetsskadeanmälningar som rör hörselskada skiljer sig åt mellan kvinnodominerade och mansdominerade yrken. Projektet utgår från tesen att beviljande av arbetsskada utgör en viktig signal om skadans betydelse och kostnader för individ och samhälle. En låg beviljningsgrad leder till negativ återkoppling för individen och på sikt berörda yrkeskategorier som minskar incitament till att anmäla. Vi tror även att förekomst av anmälningar är en viktig påverkansfaktor för intensitet av det systematiska arbetsmiljöarbetet och tillsynen. Hypotesen är att beviljande av arbetsskada påverkas av kunskap men även av informella strukturer. Vi planerar undersöka om och i sådant fall vilka skillnader i beviljandegrad för hörselrelaterade sjukdomar och symptom som finns mellan kvinnor och män, med hänsyn tagen till yrke. Kvaliteten i bedömningsunderlaget från arbetsplatsinspektioner och medicinskt underlag granskas med avseende på underlagets omfattning och grad av vetenskaplig evidens. Vidare undersöks om det i huvudsak är exponeringsbedömning, symptombedömning eller samband däremellan som föranleder avslag på arbetsskadeanmälan.
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| 22. |
- Persson Waye, Kerstin, 1959, et al.
(author)
-
Hälsopåverkan av lågfrekvent buller inomhus
- 2017
-
Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Lågfrekvent buller omfattar frekvensområdet 20 till 200 Hz. Sverige har sedan 1996 haft rekommenderade värden för bedömning av störning och annan hälsopåverkan av lågfrekvent buller i den allmänna miljön. Dessa utgår från tredjedelsoktavbandsnivåer vilka inte bör överskridas och återfinns i Folkhälsomyndighetens allmänna råd för buller inomhus (FoHMFS 2014:13). Det har visat sig att riktvärdena för lågfrekvent buller åberopas relativt ofta, och anses väl fungerande av miljöinspektörer som använder dem i sitt arbete. Motsvarande konstruktion av rekommenderade värden för lågfrekvent buller finns sedan 2005 även i arbetsmiljön. Denna rapport sammanställer forskningsresultat kring effekterna av buller innehållande låga frekvenser inomhus i bostäder.För att översiktligt studera vilka källor utöver de redan välkända kontinuerliga källorna (motorer, fläktar, pumpar och kompressorer) som riskerar att ge höga inomhusnivåer i det lågfrekventa området har vi utgått från ett antal mätningar av olika källor, framförallt trafik och tågtrafik. För de källor där endast utomhusnivån är undersökt har vi räknat om till inomhusnivåer med hjälp av uppmätt ljudisolering i villor. För en kortaste utvärderingstid om 30 sekunder riskerar lastbilar, bussar och diesellok att ge upphov till höga nivåer i de lägsta tersbanden utan att Trafikverkets A-vägda riktvärden överskrids. Detsamma gäller höghastighetståg, men här är materialet mycket begränsat. Det är lägre risk att buller från vindkraftverk överskrider tersbandsnivåer så länge som utomhusriktvärdet uppfylls, men marginalerna är små varför det inte går att utesluta i enskilda fall. För varierande och transient buller som lågfrekventa fordonspassager som sker med viss regelbundenhet, men antalet händelser varierar beroende på trafikflödet, är det vår uppfattning att störning och hälsopåverkan inomhus från dessa källor bör utgå från de tersbandsnivåer som anges i Folkhälsomyndighetens allmänna råd för buller inomhus (FoHMFS 2014:13). Det saknas dock tillräckligt underlag för att avgöra hur denna typ av buller skall värderas i förhållande till nämnda tersbandsnivåer. Nuvarande kunskapsläge talar för att hänsyn bör tas till hur ofta händelserna förekommer, speciellt nattetid. Utifrån studier av buller där vi saknar specifikation av lågfrekvensinnehållet, men som rör godståg, flyg och lastbilsbuller kan man se att när antalet händelser ökar över ett vist antal, typiskt 2 till 8 per timme, ökar störning och sömnpåverkan väsentligt. Vår rekommendation är att mätning och värdering av varierande och transienta ljud studeras ytterligare och att ett förslag tas fram som säkerställer korrekt mätteknik samt är kopplat till människans respons på låga frekvenser.
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| 23. |
- Persson Waye, Kerstin, 1959-, et al.
(author)
-
Preschool teachers' perspective on how high noise levels at preschool affect children's behavior
- 2019
-
In: PLOS ONE. - : PLOS. - 1932-6203. ; 14:3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Early-age exposure to noise may have long-term health implications of which we have little knowledge of today. Age-specific hearing, learning inadequate coping strategies, and alterations in biological stress regulatory responses could play a role in the long-term health impacts. In Sweden about half a million children in the age between 1-5 years attend preschool. The noise exposure at preschools is intermittent and unpredictable and levels reach up to 84 dB LAeq (time indoors) with maximum levels of 118 dB LAF, mostly due to child activity. To increase the overall understanding of the possible implications of preschool noise environments for children, this paper describes children's behavioral and emotional reactions to and coping with their everyday sound environment from a teachers perspective. A postal questionnaire study performed in 2013-2014 with answers from 3,986 preschool teachers provided the data. Content analysis was combined with quantitative analysis. Eighty-two percent of the personnel considered that children's behavior was affected rather or very much by preschool noise. The most prevalent behaviors were categorized into: be heard, be distracted, show negative internal emotions, crowd, avoid, withdraw, be exhausted, and learning. The quantitative analyses confirmed an association between the perceived loudness and noise annoyance at preschool and affirmative reporting on noise affecting the children's behavior. Age of the personnel, with the youngest age group reporting noise related behavior less often, and age distribution of the class, with 1-5 years old seeming less affected by noise, were also indicated, while pedagogic orientation was not a significant factor. Future studies should address the long-term health effects of these behaviors.
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| 24. |
- Smith, Michael, et al.
(author)
-
Effects of ground-borne noise from railway tunnels on sleep: A polysomnographic study
- 2019
-
In: Building and Environment. - : Elsevier BV. - 0360-1323. ; 149, s. 288-296
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Residents of dwellings near railway tunnels may be exposed to noise, which propagates through the tunnel and ground and into the home. Noise radiated into bedrooms may disrupt sleep, which can have negative consequences for physical and mental wellbeing. In this paper, we present a laboratory investigation of the impact of ground-borne railway noise on physiologic and self-reported sleep. Over five consecutive nights, including habituation and control nights, 23 healthy participants were exposed to noise of two different frequency spectra at maximum levels of 35,40 and 45 dB. Sleep was measured using polysomnography and questionnaires. Heart rate was measured using electrocardiography. Sleep was significantly disturbed, both in terms of physiologic and self-reported measures, during nights with 45 dB noise, although the number and size of effects was modest. No significant differences in overall sleep structure or subjective sleep disturbance and quality were found between control and 35 dB nights. Within 60 s following noise onset, the noise spectrum with higher amplitude frequencies above 100 Hz led to increases in heart rate at noise levels of 35 dB and above, and increased arousal probability at a noise level of 45 dB. The results generally support that the proposed Swedish guideline value of 35 dB maximum noise level indoors may be suitable for protecting against adverse sleep outcomes due to ground-borne railway noise.
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| 25. |
- Smith, Michael G., et al.
(author)
-
Physiological effects of wind turbine noise on sleep
- 2016
-
In: Proceedings of the 22nd International Congress on Acoustics, ICA. : EN- Environmental Acoustics and Community Noise. Wind Farm Noise: ICA2016-440 - EN- Environmental Acoustics and Community Noise. Wind Farm Noise: ICA2016-440.
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)
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| 26. |
- Smith, Michael, et al.
(author)
-
Physiological effects of railway vibration and noise on sleep
- 2017
-
In: Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. - : Acoustical Society of America (ASA). - 0001-4966 .- 1520-8524. ; 141:5, s. 3262-3269
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper evaluates the relative contribution of vibration and noise from railway on physiological sleep outcomes. Vibration from railway freight often accompanies airborne noise, yet is almost totally absent in the existing literature. In an experimental investigation, 23 participants, each sleeping for six nights in the laboratory, were exposed to 36 simulated railway freight pass-bys per night with vibration alone (aWd,max=0.0204ms−2), noise alone (LAF,max=49.8dB), or both vibration and noise simultaneously. A fourth exposure night involved 52 pass-bys with concurrent vibration and noise. Sleep was measured with polysomnography. Cardiac activity was measured with electrocardiography. The probability of cortical arousals or awakenings was greater following all exposures, including vibration alone, than spontaneous reaction probability (p<0.05). The effects of vibration exposure and noise exposure on changes of sleep stage and arousals were directly additive. Vibration and noise exposure both induced heart rate acceleration above spontaneously expected fluctuations at baseline. The results indicate that vibration and noise are processed in the brain separately yet in parallel, with both contributing towards the likelihood of sleep disruption. The findings show that vibration is of importance when considering the impact of railway freight on sleep.
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| 27. |
- Smith, Michael, et al.
(author)
-
Physiological effects of wind turbine noise on sleep
- 2016
-
In: Proceedings of 22nd International Congress on Acoustics. Buenos Aires, 5 to 9 September, 2016.
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- In accordance with the EU energy policy, wind turbines are becoming increasingly widespread throughout Europe, and this trend is expected to continue globally. More people will consequently live close to wind turbines in the future, and hence may be exposed to wind farm noise. Of particular concern is the potential for nocturnal noise to contribute towards sleep disturbance of nearby residents. To examine the issue, we are implementing a project titled Wind Turbine Noise Effects on Sleep (WiTNES). In a pilot study described in this paper, we performed an initial investigation into the particular acoustical characteristics of wind turbine noise that might have the potential to disturb sleep. Six young, healthy individuals spent 5 nights in our sound exposure laboratory. During the final 3 nights of the study, the participants were exposed to wind turbine noise, which was synthesised based on analysis of field measurements. Exposures involved periods of different amplitude modulation strengths, the presence or absence of beats, different blade rotational periods, and outdoor LAEq,8h=45 or 50 dB with indoor levels based on the windows being fully closed or slightly open. Physiological measurements indicate that nights with low frequency band amplitude modulation and LAEq,8h=45 dB, slightly open window (LAEq,8h=33 dB indoors) impacted sleep the most. The presence of beats and strong amplitude modulation contributed to sleep disturbance, reflected by more electrophysiological awakenings, increased light sleep and wakefulness, and reduced REM and deep sleep. The impact on sleep by these acoustic characteristics is currently the focus of interest in ongoing studies.
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| 28. |
- Smith, Michael, et al.
(author)
-
Physiological reaction thresholds to vibration during sleep
- 2015
-
In: Euronoise 2015.
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In the Night Noise Guidelines for Europe 2009, the World Health Organisation report that there is sufficient available evidence for biological effects of noise on sleep starting from LAF,max,inside=32 dB. There is however no such evidence for vibration. Vibration is expected to affect an increasing number of people living close to rail or trafficked roads. It was therefore the objective to determine vibration amplitude thresholds for sleep disruption. These disruptions include cortical arousals and awakenings, alterations of sleep depth, and changes in cardiovascular activity. An experimental laboratory study was performed in a setting designed to closely resemble a home environment. Participants slept in the sleep laboratory for five consecutive nights, composed of a habituation night, a quiet control night, and three exposure nights. Sleep was measured using polysomnography, and heart rate measured using electrocardiogram (ECG). This pilot study involved five young, healthy participants, free of self-reported sleep problems. Exposure nights composed of 36 simulated freight train passages, with low level noise (LAF,max=30dB) and vibration. Each series of 36 trains involved 12 trains per night with maximum vibration amplitudes of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mm/s. The results indicate that alterations of sleep depth and cortical arousals may begin at 0.3 mm/s. A study involving a larger number of people is currently underway to further investigate thresholds for sleep disruption.
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| 29. |
- Smith, Michael, et al.
(author)
-
Physiological reaction thresholds to vibration during sleep : Vibrationsnivåer som framkallar fysiologisk reaktion under sömn
- 2015
-
Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The World Health Organization Night Noise Guidelines for Europe 2009 report that there is sufficient evidence for biological effects of noise on sleep, starting at LAF,max,inside=32 dB [1]. Alterations in sleep structure and electroencephalogram (EEG) awakenings start to occur at LAF,max,inside=35 dB. Changes in cardiovascular activity during sleep also occur as a result of noise exposure, but threshold levels have not been determined. Noise from freight trains in particular has been found to cause more frequent awakenings [2] and stronger cardiac response [3] than passenger trains. In the field, freight trains are often accompanied by low frequency vibration, with amplitudes commonly around 0.4 – 1.5 mm/s (comfort weighted [4]) near railway lines [5]. As with noise, moderate to high level vibration from freight has been shown to contribute towards cortical EEG reactions and changes of heart rate during sleep [6-8]. However, it is not presently known at what threshold levels physiological effects due to vibration begin to occur. The research group aimed to identify a physiological reaction threshold to vibration during sleep. An initial pilot study was conducted to give a first indication of where such a threshold might lie. A subsequent larger-scale main study further investigated the vibration level response threshold, and also provided knowledge regarding what physiological response occur at 0.4 mm/s, the current lowest limit value enforced for new railway lines in Sweden [9]. Changes in sleep stage and awakenings were observed at 0.4 mm/s, while indications were seen at 0.3 mm/s but not 0.2 mm/s (see Figure 1). Changes in heart rate were seen at 0.3 and 0.4 mm/s, but not at 0.2 mm/s (see Figure 2). This study found that the physiological effects and threshold levels for these WHO defined effects were 0.3 mm/s for changes in cardiac activity, and 0.4 mm/s for EEG awakenings and changes in sleep structure and fragmentation of sleep (see Table 2).
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| 30. |
- Smith, Michael, et al.
(author)
-
The effects on sleep of ground borne noise from trains in tunnels
- 2018
-
In: Euronoise 2018. May 27-31, Hersonissos, Crete.. - 2226-5147.
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In residential areas around railway tunnels, there is no direct airborne noise from the railways, but residents may be exposed to ground borne noise. Nocturnal airborne railway noise has been shown to be potentially disruptive to sleep, but there is only limited previous research on the effects of ground borne railway noise. Here we present laboratory studies investigating how ground borne railway noise at levels occurring in the field impacts on sleep. Data on sound pressure level, duration and frequency content of ground borne noise from railways were collected from the scientific literature, from measurement reports and by renewed measurements at a few locations in Stockholm, Sweden. Using these data as input, the exposures for the sleep studies were synthesised to represent the variation seen in the gathered data. An initial pilot study (n=5) investigated possible differential effects of frequency content and duration (passenger vs. freight trains). Data from the pilot study implicated very low frequency train passages as potentially disruptive for sleep. The following main study (n=23) therefore further examined frequency content, and additionally examined the effect of noise level. Across both studies, young and healthy individuals spent five nights in a laboratory furnished to resemble an apartment. The first night was for adaptation to the study setting. The following four nights included a single quiet night to obtain baseline sleep, and three exposure nights involving synthesised ground borne noise from passenger and freight trains. Effects on sleep physiology and self-reported sleep outcomes were obtained using polysomnography and questionnaires respectively, although physiologic outcomes from the pilot only are herein reported.
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| 31. |
- Smith, Michael, et al.
(author)
-
Vibration from freight trains fragments sleep: A polysomnographic study.
- 2016
-
In: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 6
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- As the number of freight trains on railway networks increases, so does the potential for vibration exposure in dwellings nearby to freight railway lines. Nocturnal trains in particular are of particular importance since night-time exposure may interfere with sleep. The present work investigates the impact of vibration and noise from night-time freight trains on human sleep. In an experimental polysomnographic laboratory study, 24 young healthy volunteers with normal hearing were exposed to simulated freight pass-bys with vibration amplitudes of 0.7 and 1.4mm/s either 20 or 36 times during the night. Stronger vibrations were associated with higher probabilities of event-related arousals and awakenings (p<0.001), and sleep stage changes (p<0.05). Sleep macrostructure was most affected in high vibration nights with 36 events, with increased wakefulness (p<0.05), reduced continual slow wave sleep (p<0.05), earlier awakenings (p<0.05) and an overall increase in sleep stage changes (p<0.05). Subjects reported sleep disturbance due to vibration (F(4,92)=25.9, p<0.001) and noise (F(4,92)=25.9, p<0.001), with the number of trains having an effect only for the 0.7mm/s condition (p<0.05). The findings show that combined vibration and noise from railway freight affects the natural rhythm of sleep, but extrapolation of significance for health outcomes should be approached with caution.
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| 32. |
- Smith, Michael, et al.
(author)
-
Wind Turbine Noise Effects on Sleep: The WiTNES study
- 2017
-
In: ICBEN 2017.
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Onshore wind turbines are becoming increasingly widespread globally, with the associated net effect that a greater number of people will be exposed to wind turbine noise (WTN). Sleep disturbance by WTN has been suggested to be of particular importance with regards to a potential impact on human health. Within the Wind Turbine Noise Effects on Sleep (WiTNES) project, we have experimentally investigated the physiological effects of night time WTN on sleep using polysomnography and self-reporting protocols. Fifty participants spent three nights in the sound exposure laboratory. To examine whether habituation or sensitisation occurs among populations with long-term WTN exposure, approximately half of the participants lived within 1km of at least one turbine. The remaining participants were not exposed to WTN at home. The first night served for habituation and one WTN-free night served to measure baseline sleep. Wind turbine noise (LAEq,indoor,night=31.9 dB) was introduced in one night. This exposure night included variations in filtering, corresponding to a window being fully closed or slightly open, and variations in amplitude modulation.
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| 33. |
- Thorsson, Pontus, 1974, et al.
(author)
-
Creating sound immission mimicking real-life characteristics from a single wind turbine
- 2019
-
In: Applied Acoustics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0003-682X .- 1872-910X. ; 143, s. 66-73
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper describes a method to synthesise wind turbine sounds to be used in sleep studies using a parameter-based synthesis. The parameter values were determined using recordings of several types of operating wind turbines, thorough investigations of the recorded sounds, previous reports on wind turbine sound characteristics, and acoustic knowledge on how sound properties change from source to an outdoor receiver. The different wind turbine types are shown in the paper to have characteristic amplitude modulation (AM) spectra, with different AM strengths in different 1/3 octave bands. The statistical levels of the AM are evaluated and the correlation between A-weighted AM and AM in individual 1/3 octave bands is evaluated using linear regression. Method tests of the proposed synthesis technique show that it performs well and that wind turbine sound signals that include arbitrary AM spectra can be created. The work was part of the research project WiTNES (Wind Turbine Noise Effects on Sleep). (C) 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
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| 34. |
- Thorsson, Pontus, 1974, et al.
(author)
-
Low-frequency outdoor-indoor noise level difference for wind turbine assessment
- 2018
-
In: Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. - : Acoustical Society of America (ASA). - 1520-8524 .- 0001-4966. ; 143:3, s. EL206-EL211
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To increase the understanding of wind turbine noise on sleep, human physiological reactions need to be studied in a controlled laboratory setting. The paper presents an outdoor-indoor noise level difference as a function of frequency, applicable to creating wind turbine indoor sounds with the outdoor sounds as input. For this, a combination of measurement data and modeling results has been used. The suggested data are provided in a table
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| 35. |
- Vardaxis, N. G., et al.
(author)
-
Review of acoustic comfort evaluation in dwellings-part I: Associations of acoustic field data to subjective responses from building surveys
- 2018
-
In: Building Acoustics. - : SAGE Publications. - 1351-010X .- 2059-8025. ; 25:2, s. 151-170
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Acoustic comfort is a concept hardly described in the literature. But it has been used in engineering typically to refer to low noise or annoyance in order to invoke no discomfort. Current standardized methods for airborne and impact sound reduction are deployed to assess acoustic comfort in dwellings. However, the measured sound pressure levels do not represent comfort. The latter should include further the human perception of the acoustic environment. Therefore, this article reviews studies that approached acoustic comfort through the association of objective and subjective field data, combining in situ acoustic measurements and survey responses from residents. We evaluated the studies using Bradford Hill's criteria. Most researches focus on self-reported noise annoyance while some others on satisfaction responses. Many studies were found incomprehensibly described: often vital data of statistical evaluation or study design are lacking. The results indicate that noise is a significant issue in living environments, especially certain impact noise types. The use of extended low-frequency spectra down to 50 Hz was suggested for impact measurements in order to predict better self-reported noise response. Greater problems with low-frequency transmission are displayed in lightweight structures which perform inefficiently compared to heavyweight components. Harmonization of presented results and study design details should be taken into account for future articles.
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| 36. |
- Vardaxis, Nikolaos Georgios, et al.
(author)
-
Review of acoustic comfort evaluation in dwellings—part I : Associations of acoustic field data to subjective responses from building surveys
- 2018
-
In: Building Acoustics. - 1351-010X. ; 25:2, s. 151-170
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Acoustic comfort is a concept hardly described in the literature. But it has been used in engineering typically to refer to low noise or annoyance in order to invoke no discomfort. Current standardized methods for airborne and impact sound reduction are deployed to assess acoustic comfort in dwellings. However, the measured sound pressure levels do not represent comfort. The latter should include further the human perception of the acoustic environment. Therefore, this article reviews studies that approached acoustic comfort through the association of objective and subjective field data, combining in situ acoustic measurements and survey responses from residents. We evaluated the studies using Bradford Hill’s criteria. Most researches focus on self-reported noise annoyance while some others on satisfaction responses. Many studies were found incomprehensibly described: often vital data of statistical evaluation or study design are lacking. The results indicate that noise is a significant issue in living environments, especially certain impact noise types. The use of extended low-frequency spectra down to 50 Hz was suggested for impact measurements in order to predict better self-reported noise response. Greater problems with low-frequency transmission are displayed in lightweight structures which perform inefficiently compared to heavyweight components. Harmonization of presented results and study design details should be taken into account for future articles.
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| 37. |
- Waddington, David, et al.
(author)
-
Cargovibes: Human response to vibration due to freight rail trafiic
- 2015
-
In: Proceedings of 22nd International Congress on Sound and Vibration, 12 - 16 July, Florence, Italy 2015. - : Informa UK Limited. ; 3:4, s. 233-48
-
Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The aim of this paper is to present an overview of the research concerning human response to vibration conducted in the EU FP7 CargoVibes project. The European Union funded pro-ject CargoVibes involved ten partners from eight nations and ran from April 2011 to April 2014. The project was concerned with railway-induced ground-borne vibration affecting res-idents close to freight lines, with one work package that investigated human response to vi-bration, including sleep disturbance, community annoyance, and the production of a best practice guide for evaluating response. Laboratory trials at the University of Gothenburg were used to measure the effects of vibration on sleep. Physiological and psychological im-pacts of vibration exposure were found. TNO led a meta-analysis (N = 4129) to determine exposure-response relationships for railway vibration, with existing data for community re-sponse supplemented with field studies in the Netherlands and Poland. The University of Salford led production of a guidance document that presents the state of the art regarding vi-bration measurement and assessment. Specific topics in the guide include human perception, evaluation methods, annoyance, sleep impacts, and non-exposure factors. The outcomes pre-sented in this paper represent a significant advance in the understanding of the human re-sponse to railway vibration and a step towards much needed harmonization of assessment methods.
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| 38. |
- Ögren, Mikael, 1972, et al.
(author)
-
Comparison of annoyance from railway noise and railway vibration
- 2015
-
In: Proceedings of EuroNoise 2015, 31 May - 3 June, Maastricht.
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim: To compare vibration exposure to noise exposure from railway traffic in terms of equal annoyance, i.e. to determine when a certain noise level is equally annoying as a corresponding vibration velocity. Method: Using questionnaire data from the TVANE research project from residential areas exposed to railway noise and vibration in a logistic regression, the dose response relationship for annoyance was estimated. By comparing the relationships between exposure and annoyance for areas both with and without significant vibration exposure the noise levels and vibration velocities that caused an equal probability of annoyance could be determined. Results: The comparison gives a continuous mapping between vibration velocity in the ground and a corresponding noise level that are equally annoying. For equivalent noise level at the façade compared to maximum weighted vibration velocity in the ground the probability of annoyance is approximately 20% for 58 dB or 0.29 mm/s, and about 50% for 65 dB or 1.1 mm/s.
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| 39. |
- Ögren, Mikael, 1972, et al.
(author)
-
Comparison of annoyance from railway noise and railway vibration
- 2017
-
In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI AG. - 1660-4601. ; 14:7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study is to compare vibration exposure to noise exposure from railway traffic in terms of equal annoyance, i.e., to determine when a certain noise level is equally annoying as a corresponding vibration velocity. Based on questionnaire data from the Train Vibration and Noise Effects (TVANE) research project from residential areas exposed to railway noise and vibration, the dose response relationship for annoyance was estimated. By comparing the relationships between exposure and annoyance for areas both with and without significant vibration exposure, the noise levels and vibration velocities that had an equal probability of causing annoyance was determined using logistic regression. The comparison gives a continuous mapping between vibration velocity in the ground and a corresponding noise level at the facade that are equally annoying. For equivalent noise level at the facade compared to maximum weighted vibration velocity in the ground the probability of annoyance is approximately 20% for 59 dB or 0.48 mm/s, and about 40% for 63 dB or 0.98 mm/s.
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