The role of noise annoyance for health-related effects of aircraft noise and recommendations for interventions

Abstract

Exposure to aircraft noise has been linked to health effects, e.g. cardiovascular disease, sleep outcomes, and noise annoyance. Recent studies suggest noise annoyance to mediate the effects of aircraft noise on other health outcomes. A similar mediating role of sleep disturbance is assumed for cardiovascular diseases as cross-sectional studies revealed that awakenings are accompanied by cardiovascular changes. Annoyance is regarded as a noise-induced stress response that is influenced by acoustic and non-acoustic factors (NAF) including coping capacities and perceived control. Also, for sleep disturbance, evidence exists for an influence of NAF. Whilst most interventions focus on reducing noise exposure, the potential to reduce noise-induced stress responses through tackling NAF can be considered as a promising new approach. We report implications for interventions at airports that directly address the reduction of citizens’ responses related to non-acoustic factors.