Non-auditory Effects of Noise on Children: A Critical Review

Gary W. Evans
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York

Stephen J. Lepore
Carnegie Mellon University

Citation: Evans, Gary W. and Stephen J. Lepore (1993). "Non-auditory Effects of Noise on Children: A Critical Review ." Children's Environments 10 (1): 42-72. Retrieved [date] from http://www.colorado.edu/journals/cye/

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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 non-auditory 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 non-auditory effects such as psychophysiological functioning, motivation, and cognitive processes is needed. This article critically reviews existing research on the non-auditory 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.

Keywords: noise, stress, non-auditory effects, health, cognitive