Dataset Information

A study of riders' noise exposure on Bay Area Rapid Transit trains.

ABSTRACT: Excessive noise exposure may present a hazard to hearing, cardiovascular, and psychosomatic health. Mass transit systems, such as the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, are potential sources of excessive noise. The purpose of this study was to characterize transit noise and riders' exposure to noise on the BART system using three dosimetry metrics. We made 268 dosimetry measurements on a convenience sample of 51 line segments. Dosimetry measures were modeled using linear and nonlinear multiple regression as functions of average velocity, tunnel enclosure, flooring, and wet weather conditions and presented visually on a map of the BART system. This study provides evidence of levels of hazardous levels of noise exposure in all three dosimetry metrics. L(eq) and L(max) measures indicate exposures well above ranges associated with increased cardiovascular and psychosomatic health risks in the published literature. L(peak) indicate acute exposures hazardous to adult hearing on about 1% of line segment rides and acute exposures hazardous to child hearing on about 2% of such rides. The noise to which passengers are exposed may be due to train-specific conditions (velocity and flooring), but also to rail conditions (velocity and tunnels). These findings may point at possible remediation (revised speed limits on longer segments and those segments enclosed by tunnels). The findings also suggest that specific rail segments could be improved for noise.

SUBMITTER: Dinno A

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3042080 | biostudies-other | 2011 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other

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A study of riders' noise exposure on Bay Area Rapid Transit trains.

Dinno Alexis A Powell Cynthia C King Margaret Mary MM

Journal of urban health : bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine 20110201 1

Excessive noise exposure may present a hazard to hearing, cardiovascular, and psychosomatic health. Mass transit systems, such as the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, are potential sources of excessive noise. The purpose of this study was to characterize transit noise and riders' exposure to noise on the BART system using three dosimetry metrics. We made 268 dosimetry measurements on a convenience sample of 51 line segments. Dosimetry measures were modeled using linear and nonlinear multipl ...[more]

PMID: 21225356

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Project description:BACKGROUND:Exposure to both occupational and nonoccupational noise is recognized as a risk factor for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Although audiologists routinely inquire regarding history of noise exposure, there are limited tools available for quantifying this history or for identifying those individuals who are at highest risk for NIHL. Identifying those at highest risk would allow hearing conservation activities to be focused on those individuals. PURPOSE:To develop a detailed, task-based questionnaire for quantifying an individual's annual noise exposure (ANE) arising from both occupational and nonoccupational sources (aim 1) and to develop a short screening tool that could be used to identify individuals at high risk of NIHL (aim 2). RESEARCH DESIGN:Review of relevant literature for questionnaire development followed by a cross-sectional descriptive and correlational investigation of the newly developed questionnaire and screening tool. STUDY SAMPLE:One hundred fourteen college freshmen completed the detailed questionnaire for estimating ANE (aim 1) and answered the potential screening questions (aim 2). An additional 59 adults participated in data collection where the accuracy of the screening tool was evaluated (aim 2). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:In study aim 1, all participants completed the detailed questionnaire and the potential screening questions. Descriptive statistics were used to quantify participant participation in various noisy activities and their associated ANE estimates. In study aim 2, linear regression techniques were used to identify screening questions that could be used to predict a participant's estimated ANE. Clinical decision theory was then used to assess the accuracy with which the screening tool predicted high and low risk of NIHL in a new group of participants. RESULTS:Responses on the detailed questionnaire indicated that our sample of college freshmen reported high rates of participation in a variety of occupational and nonoccupational activities associated with high sound levels. Although participation rates were high, ANE estimates were below highest-risk levels for many participants because the frequency of participation in these activities was low in many cases. These data illustrate how the Noise Exposure Questionnaire (NEQ) could be used to provide detailed and specific information regarding an individual's exposure to noise. The results of aim 2 suggest that the screening tool, the 1-Minute Noise Screen, can be used to identify those participants with high- and low-risk noise exposure, allowing more in-depth assessment of noise exposure history to be targeted at those most at risk. CONCLUSIONS:The NEQ can be used to estimate an individual's ANE and the 1-Minute Noise Screen can be used to identify those participants at highest risk of NIHL. These tools allow audiologists to focus hearing conservation efforts on those individuals who are most in need of those services.

Dataset Information

A study of riders' noise exposure on Bay Area Rapid Transit trains.

Publications

A study of riders' noise exposure on Bay Area Rapid Transit trains.

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