Health Effects of Urban Sounds beyond Noise: Systematic Review

Noise is a known risk factor for multiple health outcomes, especially in cities, and noise protection is an established mitigation measure. The exclusive focus on noise protection by health research and policy ignores an acoustic quality approach in favor of a health promoting urban environment approach. The acoustic environment comprises far more qualities, such as perception-based qualities, sound sources and frequency-based sound properties. This raises the fundamental issue of how to develop a healthy acoustic environment. The aim here is to outline current research investigating associations between health and the urban acoustic environment beyond noise.

We conducted a systematic review according to PRISMA using the databases PubMed and Scopus. Studies published until 2019 were considered. Inclusion criteria: includes at least one non-perception based sound measure other than decibel levels and at least one physiological or psychological health measure; focus on outdoor urban environment. Exclusion criteria: no experimental laboratory or clinical studies. The screening process was carried out by two reviewers.

Of 9.574 candidate publications, only one proved to be eligible. Although it was not the main focus of the study, it investigated the associations between acoustic indicators (i.e. sharpness, loudness) and emotional and cognitive responses of 36 visitors in two urban parks in china. No consistent results were observed.

Overall, most studies investigating the urban acoustic environment and health are based on perception studies and sound pressure measures. This calls for a new research approach, integrated in Urban Public Health, to investigate acoustic qualities beyond noise and perception, and their impact on the built environment and human health. Use of all information in the sound spectrum should be considered.

Publication History

Article published online:
02 September 2021