Changes of alpha and beta brain waves in exposure to different levels of noise

Zokaei M; mohammadian F; Takallou Bighash A

doi:10.18502/tkj.v15i4.14586

Zokaei M Assisstant professor saveh universty, of medical scences, Social Determinats of Health Research Center, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran.
mohammadian F Environmental Health Research Center, Research Institute for Heath Development, Kurdistan University of medical Science, Sanandaj, Iran
Takallou Bighash A Master of Science in Environmental Engineering

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tkj.v15i4.14586

Keywords: noise, alpha wave, beta wave

Abstract

Introduction: Noise is one of the most important environmental stressors, which, along with the prevalence of exposure in the work and living environment, has various effects. Noise exposure can create positive or negative consequences at different levels. Based on this, in the present study, brain wave changes in exposure to different levels of noise were investigated.

Methods & Materials: In this experimental study, 72 student volunteers with an average age of 26.27 years, participated in this study after meeting the exclusion criteria and receiving sufficient training regarding the implementation procedure. Before starting the test, demographic questionnaires, noise sensitivity, and audiometry were completed for the participants. A noise level of 45 dB was chosen as the background sound, and 75, 85, and 95 dB levels were selected for exposure. The participants were exposed to the determined facial pressure level for half an hour and rested for half an hour. During exposure to the noise, the volunteers' brain waves were used by the portable EEG device E wave, 16 channels. The results were analyzed by the mat lab v12 software.

Result: The results show that exposure to two levels of 75 and 85 dB of absolute power alpha has increased in 14 brain channels, including CZ and O2. The results showed that the noise level of 75 dB compared to the background state did not change significantly at any channels (P>0.05). At the 85 and 95 dB levels, the absolute power of the beta frequency band has increased. At the 95 dB level, this increase is statistically noticeable and significant in almost all brain regions (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that exposure to noise causes changes in neuronal activities in the brain, and can affect the performance of the exposed workers.