Noise can affect the neurological system directly or indirectly through subjective experience (disturbance, annoyance). The consequences are vegetative reactions such as the reduction of the skin's resistance or changes in heartbeat frequency, as well as changed concentrations of the activation hormones adrenalin, noradrenalin and cortisol in body fluids. In this way, metabolic procedures, the regulation of vital body functions and the immune system can be influenced….
In adults, chronic annoyance by neighbourhood noise was related to increased risks for the cardiovascular system….Significantly increased risks appeared for cardiovascular symptoms and hypertension in conjunction with severe and chronic annoyance by neighbourhood noise. The trend within the annoyance categories was likewise significant….
…The risk of bronchitis appeared significantly increased….
Pronounced effects of severe and chronic annoyance by neighbourhood noise were obvious in the stress-sensitive musculoskeletal system [Figure - 15]. Highly increased significant risks were calculated for arthritic symptoms as well as for arthritis. The trend within the annoyance categories was highly significant….
Distinctive effects on the neuro-psychic system were also registered with chronic annoyance by neighbourhood noise [Figure - 16]. The trend for depression (SALSA) as well as medically diagnosed depressions significantly increases with severe and chronic annoyance by neighbourhood noise. The trend within the annoyance categories was highly significant. Beyond that, a highly increased risk of migraine was confirmed with severe and chronic annoyance by neighbourhood noise. The trend within the annoyance categories was here also highly significant.