The effects of occupational noise exposure on the cardiovascular system: a review
Jing Liu, Baoli Zhu, Qing Xia, Xiaoqing Ji, Liping Pan, Youhong Bao, Yi Lin, Rong Zhang
Abstract
Abstract: The effects of occupational noise exposure on health are increasingly recognized. It is accepted that, in the absence of any protective measures, occupational noise can adversely affect both auditory and non-auditory systems. Beyond noise-induced hearing loss (HL), occupational noise can also precipitate sleep disturbance, feelings such as annoyance, and a higher incidence of occupational accidents. In addition, epidemiological and experimental studies have demonstrated that occupational noise contributes to hypertension and to other cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). These associations may exist because occupational noise is an environmental stressor that stimulates the sympathetic and endocrine systems, and triggers release of stress hormones. This review describes the impact of occupational noise exposure on the cardiovascular system and calls for a mitigation strategy for occupational noise reduction.