Electrophysiological approaches to noise sensitivity

ABSTRACT

Background: Noise sensitivity describes an individual’s general reactivity to sound. It is a common trait found in many clinical populations and describes approximately 20% of the general population. Little is known about its underlying mechanisms, however. Objectives: Here we present findings from three studies designed to expose differences in electrophysiological measures between noise-sensitive and noise-resistant individuals. Method: Noise sensitivity was estimated using self-report measures, while electrophysiological indices included both cardiac (heart rate, heart rate variability) and electroencephalographic (event-related potential) measures. All three studies were designed with reference to preexisting theoretical frameworks. Results: Significant differences in heart rate change and heart rate variability indices between noise-sensitive and noise-resistant groups were found. Further, the noise-sensitive group exhibited less sensory gating than the noise-resistant group. Conclusions: While the findings from all three studies were not definitive in indicating a likely biological mechanism underlying noise sensitivity, they do suggest that electrophysiological investigation of noise sensitivity is viable and has potential to inform clinical research into a relatively understudied symptom.

KEYWORDS:

• Noise sensitivity
• Heart rate variability
• Electroencephalography
• Event-related potentials
• Sensory gating

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Auckland University of Technology [grant number CGH 21/12]; and the University of Auckland under the Faculty Research Development Fund [grant number 3624433/9853].