Nonauditory Effects of Noise on Children

A Critical Review

Abstract

Large numbers of children both in the United States and throughout the economically developing world are chronically exposed to high levels of ambient noise. Although a great deal is known about chronic noise exposures and hearing damage, much less is known about the nonauditory effects of chronic ambient noise exposure on children. To estimate the risk of ambient noise exposure to healthy human development, more information about and attention to nonauditory effects such as psychophysiological functioning, motivation, and cognitive processes is needed. This article critically reviews existing research on the nonauditory effects of noise on children; develops several preliminary models of how noise may adversely affect children; and advocates an ecological perspective for a future research agenda.