Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 2021
Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate factors that may explain annoyance from noise g... more Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate factors that may explain annoyance from noise generated by a large road construction project. A total of 1409 participants were divided in two groups based on the distance of their dwelling to the construction site. They responded to a socio-acoustic survey in order to describe their personal situation and their perception of various noise sources. Socio-demographically, there were no differences between groups. However, the target group (closer to the construction site) exhibited a higher level of annoyance. Noise levels generated by the construction work explained a marginal proportion of the variance in annoyance (
The Quebec Ministry of Transport (QMT) undertook major work on one of Montreal's urban highwa... more The Quebec Ministry of Transport (QMT) undertook major work on one of Montreal's urban highway (A-15). During this work, highway A-15 was closed to traffic at night. As a result, the background noise in the neighbourhood was reduced from about 75 to 55 dBA (L Aeq). As a consequence of this strategy, the construction noise was more noticeable and it was deemed annoying to many residents who lived nearby. In an attempt to reduce the level of annoyance, an ambient masking noise was introduced in the neighbourhood. Specifically, two different masking noises were used and they were presented at different signal-to-noise-ratio. The investigation revealed that the presence of masking noise helps to reduce the annoyance expressed by the inhabitants.
Organic solvents can produce ototoxic effects in both man and experimental animals. The objective... more Organic solvents can produce ototoxic effects in both man and experimental animals. The objective of this study was to review the literature on the effects of low-level exposure to ethyl benzene on the auditory system and consider its relevance for the occupational settings. Both human and animal investigations were evaluated only for realistic exposure concentrations based on the permissible exposure limits. In Quebec, the Time-Weighed Average Exposure Value for 8 h (TWAEV) is 100 ppm (434 mg/m3) and the Short-Term Exposure Value for 15 min (STEV) is 125 ppm (543 mg/m3). In humans, the upper limit for considering ototoxicity data relevant to the occupational exposure situation was set at STEV. Animal data were evaluated only for exposure concentrations up to 100 times the TWAEV. In workers, there is no evidence of either ethyl benzene-induced hearing losses or ototoxic interaction after combined exposure to ethyl benzene and noise. In rats, ethyl benzene affects the auditory functi...
Our main purpose was to investigate any relationship between noise exposure levels in the workpla... more Our main purpose was to investigate any relationship between noise exposure levels in the workplace, degree of hearing loss (HL), and the relative risk of accident (OR of single or multiple events). We conducted a retrospective study of 52 982 male workers aged 16-64 years with long-standing exposures to occupational noise over a 5-year period, using "hearing status" and "noise exposure" from the registry held by the Quebec National Institute of Public Health. Information on work-related accidents was obtained from the Quebec Workers' Compensation Board. Hearing threshold level measurements and noise exposures were regressed on the numbers of accidents after adjusting for age. Exposure to extremely noisy environments (L(eq8h) (equivalent noise level for 8 h exposure) > or =90 dBA) is associated with a higher relative risk of accident. The severity of hearing impairment (average bilateral hearing threshold levels at 3, 4 and 6 kHz) increases the relative risk of single and multiple events when threshold levels exceed 15 dB of hearing loss. The relative risk of multiple events (four or more) is approximately three times higher among severely hearing-impaired workers who are exposed to L(eq8h) > or =90 dBA. Single and multiple events are associated with high noise exposure and hearing status. This suggests that reducing noise exposure contributes to increased safety in noisy industries and prevents hearing loss. Hearing-impaired workers assigned to noisy workstations should be provided with assistive listening devices and efficient communication strategies should be implemented.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 1991
aircraft noise, and industrial noise. The noise pollution levels obtained, which were calculated ... more aircraft noise, and industrial noise. The noise pollution levels obtained, which were calculated through theoretical formulas and empirical methods, are plotted in noise maps of the metropolitan area of Lima. Unfortunately, in Peru there are no acoustical research centers or laboratories in acoustics; nor are there professional researchers in acous-tics. The results of this research allowed comparison of the average levels calculated, around 88 dB in downtown, in regard to requested noise levels. The lack of legislation, acoustic research, and people's knowledge about noise damage indicates the progressive increase in the noise levels, almost 1 dB per year, in the near future.
The ability of chemicals to produce hearing loss themselves or to promote noise-induced hearing l... more The ability of chemicals to produce hearing loss themselves or to promote noise-induced hearing loss has been reported for some organic solvents. The objective of this study was to review the literature on the effects of low-level exposure to n-hexane on the auditory system and consider its relevance for occupational settings. Both human and animal investigations were evaluated only for realistic exposure concentrations based on the permissible inhalation exposure limits. In Quebec, the time-weighted average exposure value (TWAEV) for 8 h is 50 ppm. In humans, the upper limit for considering ototoxicity data relevant to the occupational exposure situation was set at five times the TWAEV. Animal data were evaluated only for exposure concentrations up to 100 times the TWAEV. There is no convincing evidence of n-hexane-induced hearing loss in workers. In rats, n-hexane seems to affect auditory function; however, the site of these alterations cannot be determined from the present data. ...
Environmental noise can affect health. It might be associated with annoyance, sleep disorders, ca... more Environmental noise can affect health. It might be associated with annoyance, sleep disorders, cardiovascular problems and communication problems. So far, few studies have been conducted regarding noise annoyance to large road infrastructure construction sites. In this study, 1,409 residents were interviewed to assess various noise mitigation approaches (temporary noise barriers, wideband backup alarms, online noise monitoring, construction site surveillance, citizens’ committee, etc.) to reduce construction noise annoyance. A multivariate regression analysis showed that 10.8% of the variance of the construction noise annoyance is accounted for by the perception that road traffic management, construction site surveillance and temporary noise barriers effectively reduce noise levels and that watering within the construction site is reducing dust. The perceived efficacy of other aspects such as physical appearance of the temporary noise barriers, actions of the citizens’ committees an...
Organic solvents can cause hearing loss themselves or promote noise-induced hearing loss. The obj... more Organic solvents can cause hearing loss themselves or promote noise-induced hearing loss. The objective of this study was to review the literature on the effects of low-level exposure to trichloroethylene on the auditory system and consider its relevance for the occupational settings. Both human and animal investigations were evaluated only for realistic exposure concentrations based on the Quebec permissible exposure limits: 50 ppm 8-h time-weighed average exposure value (TWAEV) and 200 ppm short-term exposure value (STEV). In humans, the upper limit for considering ototoxicity data relevant to the occupational exposure situation was set at the STEV. Animal data were evaluated only for exposure concentrations up to 100 times the TWAEV. There is no convincing evidence of trichloroethylene-induced hearing losses in workers. In rats, trichloroethylene affects the auditory function mainly in the cochlear mid- to high-frequency range with a lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) o...
18 Introduction Noise remains a common contaminant in many workplaces. A number of workers with a... more 18 Introduction Noise remains a common contaminant in many workplaces. A number of workers with a personal or occupational hearing loss must, on a daily basis, face the consequences of diminished hearing sensitivity, which can compromise one’s safety and that of others because of the attendant difficulties it creates in perceiving auditory signals, in understanding speech in noise and in identifying the location of sound sources (localization). Hearing aids can potentially be used in the workplace to maintain auditory awareness of the surroundings and allow hearing-impaired individuals to work in a safe, effective, and autonomous manner. This option however raises concerns as to the effectiveness of hearing aids in optimizing those hearing abilities required to perform various job duties and in amplifying sounds to levels deemed safe, while at the same time reducing industrial noise to limit further worsening of the hearing loss.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 2000
The project aims to single out an audible traffic signal or a pair of audible traffic signals tha... more The project aims to single out an audible traffic signal or a pair of audible traffic signals that would enable blind pedestrians to cross intersections safely. This is carried out in three phases: 1) measuring walking alignment and crossing time of blind pedestrian subjects within a simulated corridor, with four different simultaneous traffic signals (cuckoo, peep-peep, 4-note melody and neo-cuckoo) presented in a quiet environment, 2) measuring alignment with audible traffic signals alternating on each end of the simulated corridor, in a quiet environment and 3) measuring alignment at a busy real intersection. This paper reports on the results of the first two phases. The 4-note melody originally proposed by Hall et al. (1996) and modified in a recent study (Laroche et al., 1999) gave better results in terms of localization and perception of safety than any other signals specified in the Canadian standard (Transportation Association of Canada, 1992). Audible traffic signals altern...
Journal of occupational and environmental medicine, 2017
The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hearing loss (HL), self-reported occupati... more The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hearing loss (HL), self-reported occupational noise exposure, and hearing protection usage among Canadians. In-person household interviews were conducted with 3666 participants, aged 16 to 79 years (1811 males) with 94% completing audiometry and distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) evaluations. Occupational noise exposure was defined as hazardous when communicating with coworkers at an arm's length distance required speaking in a raised voice. An estimated 42% of respondents reported hazardous occupational noise exposure; 10 years or more was associated with HL regardless of age, sex or education. Absent DPOAEs, tinnitus, and the Wilson audiometric notch were significantly more prevalent in hazardous workplace noise-exposed workers than in nonexposed. When mandatory, 80% reported wearing hearing protection. These findings are consistent with other industrialized countries, underscoring the need for ongoing awaren...
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 2016
This paper provides calculations of outdoor sound pressure levels (SPLs) at dwellings for 10 wind... more This paper provides calculations of outdoor sound pressure levels (SPLs) at dwellings for 10 wind turbine models, to support Health Canada's Community Noise and Health Study. Manufacturer supplied and measured wind turbine sound power levels were used to calculate outdoor SPL at 1238 dwellings using ISO [(1996). ISO 9613-2-Acoustics] and a Swedish noise propagation method. Both methods yielded statistically equivalent results. The A- and C-weighted results were highly correlated over the 1238 dwellings (Pearson's linear correlation coefficient r > 0.8). Calculated wind turbine SPLs were compared to ambient SPLs from other sources, estimated using guidance documents from the United States and Alberta, Canada.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2014
Objective The aim of this study, conducted among retired workers (C65 years), is to estimate the ... more Objective The aim of this study, conducted among retired workers (C65 years), is to estimate the association between long-term risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) death and (1) duration of occupational noise exposure in career and (2) noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), the latter being used as an indicator of adverse effects for long-term exposure to occupational noise. Methods Data from screening activities of occupational NIHL were paired to data from death records and were used for this study. A nested case-control analysis was performed. Each case was matched with three controls for length of follow-up and economic sector. A total of 161 CVD deaths occured during an average follow-up of 6.8 years. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate the risk (OR) of CVD death by tertiles of duration of noise exposure and of NIHL. Results Conditional logistic regression models indicated that prolonged duration of noise exposure (C36.5 years) (3rd tertile) was associated with an increased risk of CVD death (OR 1.70; 95 % CI 1.10-2.62), as compared with shorter duration (\27 years) (first tertile). Moderate NIHL (2nd tertile) (OR 1.64; 95 % CI 1.04-2.6) and severe NIHL (3rd tertile) (OR 1.66; 95 % CI 1.06-2.60) were also associated with an increase in risk of CVD death. Conclusions Results are consistent with recent findings on the chronic effects of occupational noise exposure persisting after retirement although it is less than during active working life.
Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 2021
Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate factors that may explain annoyance from noise g... more Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate factors that may explain annoyance from noise generated by a large road construction project. A total of 1409 participants were divided in two groups based on the distance of their dwelling to the construction site. They responded to a socio-acoustic survey in order to describe their personal situation and their perception of various noise sources. Socio-demographically, there were no differences between groups. However, the target group (closer to the construction site) exhibited a higher level of annoyance. Noise levels generated by the construction work explained a marginal proportion of the variance in annoyance (
The Quebec Ministry of Transport (QMT) undertook major work on one of Montreal's urban highwa... more The Quebec Ministry of Transport (QMT) undertook major work on one of Montreal's urban highway (A-15). During this work, highway A-15 was closed to traffic at night. As a result, the background noise in the neighbourhood was reduced from about 75 to 55 dBA (L Aeq). As a consequence of this strategy, the construction noise was more noticeable and it was deemed annoying to many residents who lived nearby. In an attempt to reduce the level of annoyance, an ambient masking noise was introduced in the neighbourhood. Specifically, two different masking noises were used and they were presented at different signal-to-noise-ratio. The investigation revealed that the presence of masking noise helps to reduce the annoyance expressed by the inhabitants.
Organic solvents can produce ototoxic effects in both man and experimental animals. The objective... more Organic solvents can produce ototoxic effects in both man and experimental animals. The objective of this study was to review the literature on the effects of low-level exposure to ethyl benzene on the auditory system and consider its relevance for the occupational settings. Both human and animal investigations were evaluated only for realistic exposure concentrations based on the permissible exposure limits. In Quebec, the Time-Weighed Average Exposure Value for 8 h (TWAEV) is 100 ppm (434 mg/m3) and the Short-Term Exposure Value for 15 min (STEV) is 125 ppm (543 mg/m3). In humans, the upper limit for considering ototoxicity data relevant to the occupational exposure situation was set at STEV. Animal data were evaluated only for exposure concentrations up to 100 times the TWAEV. In workers, there is no evidence of either ethyl benzene-induced hearing losses or ototoxic interaction after combined exposure to ethyl benzene and noise. In rats, ethyl benzene affects the auditory functi...
Our main purpose was to investigate any relationship between noise exposure levels in the workpla... more Our main purpose was to investigate any relationship between noise exposure levels in the workplace, degree of hearing loss (HL), and the relative risk of accident (OR of single or multiple events). We conducted a retrospective study of 52 982 male workers aged 16-64 years with long-standing exposures to occupational noise over a 5-year period, using "hearing status" and "noise exposure" from the registry held by the Quebec National Institute of Public Health. Information on work-related accidents was obtained from the Quebec Workers' Compensation Board. Hearing threshold level measurements and noise exposures were regressed on the numbers of accidents after adjusting for age. Exposure to extremely noisy environments (L(eq8h) (equivalent noise level for 8 h exposure) > or =90 dBA) is associated with a higher relative risk of accident. The severity of hearing impairment (average bilateral hearing threshold levels at 3, 4 and 6 kHz) increases the relative risk of single and multiple events when threshold levels exceed 15 dB of hearing loss. The relative risk of multiple events (four or more) is approximately three times higher among severely hearing-impaired workers who are exposed to L(eq8h) > or =90 dBA. Single and multiple events are associated with high noise exposure and hearing status. This suggests that reducing noise exposure contributes to increased safety in noisy industries and prevents hearing loss. Hearing-impaired workers assigned to noisy workstations should be provided with assistive listening devices and efficient communication strategies should be implemented.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 1991
aircraft noise, and industrial noise. The noise pollution levels obtained, which were calculated ... more aircraft noise, and industrial noise. The noise pollution levels obtained, which were calculated through theoretical formulas and empirical methods, are plotted in noise maps of the metropolitan area of Lima. Unfortunately, in Peru there are no acoustical research centers or laboratories in acoustics; nor are there professional researchers in acous-tics. The results of this research allowed comparison of the average levels calculated, around 88 dB in downtown, in regard to requested noise levels. The lack of legislation, acoustic research, and people's knowledge about noise damage indicates the progressive increase in the noise levels, almost 1 dB per year, in the near future.
The ability of chemicals to produce hearing loss themselves or to promote noise-induced hearing l... more The ability of chemicals to produce hearing loss themselves or to promote noise-induced hearing loss has been reported for some organic solvents. The objective of this study was to review the literature on the effects of low-level exposure to n-hexane on the auditory system and consider its relevance for occupational settings. Both human and animal investigations were evaluated only for realistic exposure concentrations based on the permissible inhalation exposure limits. In Quebec, the time-weighted average exposure value (TWAEV) for 8 h is 50 ppm. In humans, the upper limit for considering ototoxicity data relevant to the occupational exposure situation was set at five times the TWAEV. Animal data were evaluated only for exposure concentrations up to 100 times the TWAEV. There is no convincing evidence of n-hexane-induced hearing loss in workers. In rats, n-hexane seems to affect auditory function; however, the site of these alterations cannot be determined from the present data. ...
Environmental noise can affect health. It might be associated with annoyance, sleep disorders, ca... more Environmental noise can affect health. It might be associated with annoyance, sleep disorders, cardiovascular problems and communication problems. So far, few studies have been conducted regarding noise annoyance to large road infrastructure construction sites. In this study, 1,409 residents were interviewed to assess various noise mitigation approaches (temporary noise barriers, wideband backup alarms, online noise monitoring, construction site surveillance, citizens’ committee, etc.) to reduce construction noise annoyance. A multivariate regression analysis showed that 10.8% of the variance of the construction noise annoyance is accounted for by the perception that road traffic management, construction site surveillance and temporary noise barriers effectively reduce noise levels and that watering within the construction site is reducing dust. The perceived efficacy of other aspects such as physical appearance of the temporary noise barriers, actions of the citizens’ committees an...
Organic solvents can cause hearing loss themselves or promote noise-induced hearing loss. The obj... more Organic solvents can cause hearing loss themselves or promote noise-induced hearing loss. The objective of this study was to review the literature on the effects of low-level exposure to trichloroethylene on the auditory system and consider its relevance for the occupational settings. Both human and animal investigations were evaluated only for realistic exposure concentrations based on the Quebec permissible exposure limits: 50 ppm 8-h time-weighed average exposure value (TWAEV) and 200 ppm short-term exposure value (STEV). In humans, the upper limit for considering ototoxicity data relevant to the occupational exposure situation was set at the STEV. Animal data were evaluated only for exposure concentrations up to 100 times the TWAEV. There is no convincing evidence of trichloroethylene-induced hearing losses in workers. In rats, trichloroethylene affects the auditory function mainly in the cochlear mid- to high-frequency range with a lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) o...
18 Introduction Noise remains a common contaminant in many workplaces. A number of workers with a... more 18 Introduction Noise remains a common contaminant in many workplaces. A number of workers with a personal or occupational hearing loss must, on a daily basis, face the consequences of diminished hearing sensitivity, which can compromise one’s safety and that of others because of the attendant difficulties it creates in perceiving auditory signals, in understanding speech in noise and in identifying the location of sound sources (localization). Hearing aids can potentially be used in the workplace to maintain auditory awareness of the surroundings and allow hearing-impaired individuals to work in a safe, effective, and autonomous manner. This option however raises concerns as to the effectiveness of hearing aids in optimizing those hearing abilities required to perform various job duties and in amplifying sounds to levels deemed safe, while at the same time reducing industrial noise to limit further worsening of the hearing loss.
Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 2000
The project aims to single out an audible traffic signal or a pair of audible traffic signals tha... more The project aims to single out an audible traffic signal or a pair of audible traffic signals that would enable blind pedestrians to cross intersections safely. This is carried out in three phases: 1) measuring walking alignment and crossing time of blind pedestrian subjects within a simulated corridor, with four different simultaneous traffic signals (cuckoo, peep-peep, 4-note melody and neo-cuckoo) presented in a quiet environment, 2) measuring alignment with audible traffic signals alternating on each end of the simulated corridor, in a quiet environment and 3) measuring alignment at a busy real intersection. This paper reports on the results of the first two phases. The 4-note melody originally proposed by Hall et al. (1996) and modified in a recent study (Laroche et al., 1999) gave better results in terms of localization and perception of safety than any other signals specified in the Canadian standard (Transportation Association of Canada, 1992). Audible traffic signals altern...
Journal of occupational and environmental medicine, 2017
The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hearing loss (HL), self-reported occupati... more The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hearing loss (HL), self-reported occupational noise exposure, and hearing protection usage among Canadians. In-person household interviews were conducted with 3666 participants, aged 16 to 79 years (1811 males) with 94% completing audiometry and distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) evaluations. Occupational noise exposure was defined as hazardous when communicating with coworkers at an arm's length distance required speaking in a raised voice. An estimated 42% of respondents reported hazardous occupational noise exposure; 10 years or more was associated with HL regardless of age, sex or education. Absent DPOAEs, tinnitus, and the Wilson audiometric notch were significantly more prevalent in hazardous workplace noise-exposed workers than in nonexposed. When mandatory, 80% reported wearing hearing protection. These findings are consistent with other industrialized countries, underscoring the need for ongoing awaren...
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 2016
This paper provides calculations of outdoor sound pressure levels (SPLs) at dwellings for 10 wind... more This paper provides calculations of outdoor sound pressure levels (SPLs) at dwellings for 10 wind turbine models, to support Health Canada's Community Noise and Health Study. Manufacturer supplied and measured wind turbine sound power levels were used to calculate outdoor SPL at 1238 dwellings using ISO [(1996). ISO 9613-2-Acoustics] and a Swedish noise propagation method. Both methods yielded statistically equivalent results. The A- and C-weighted results were highly correlated over the 1238 dwellings (Pearson's linear correlation coefficient r > 0.8). Calculated wind turbine SPLs were compared to ambient SPLs from other sources, estimated using guidance documents from the United States and Alberta, Canada.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2014
Objective The aim of this study, conducted among retired workers (C65 years), is to estimate the ... more Objective The aim of this study, conducted among retired workers (C65 years), is to estimate the association between long-term risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) death and (1) duration of occupational noise exposure in career and (2) noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), the latter being used as an indicator of adverse effects for long-term exposure to occupational noise. Methods Data from screening activities of occupational NIHL were paired to data from death records and were used for this study. A nested case-control analysis was performed. Each case was matched with three controls for length of follow-up and economic sector. A total of 161 CVD deaths occured during an average follow-up of 6.8 years. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate the risk (OR) of CVD death by tertiles of duration of noise exposure and of NIHL. Results Conditional logistic regression models indicated that prolonged duration of noise exposure (C36.5 years) (3rd tertile) was associated with an increased risk of CVD death (OR 1.70; 95 % CI 1.10-2.62), as compared with shorter duration (\27 years) (first tertile). Moderate NIHL (2nd tertile) (OR 1.64; 95 % CI 1.04-2.6) and severe NIHL (3rd tertile) (OR 1.66; 95 % CI 1.06-2.60) were also associated with an increase in risk of CVD death. Conclusions Results are consistent with recent findings on the chronic effects of occupational noise exposure persisting after retirement although it is less than during active working life.
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Papers by Tony Leroux