NON-AUDITORY EFFECTS OF NOISE IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: ELECTRODERMAL ACTIVITY

• Grant number: 24/03544-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2024
• End date: December 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Speech Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Alessandra Giannella Samelli
• Grantee: Pietra Nicole Lavieri Marcos Garcia
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Noise can cause behavioral, psychological and sensory alterations. This occurs through the activation of the Autonomic Nervous System, which is divided into the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS). SNS is activated in alert situations and is responsible for emergency homeostasis (increase of performance), while PNS performs resting homeostasis (decrease of performance). In noisy situations, SNS can be activated, secreting epinephrine and norepinephrine and increasing electrodermal activity. Although the world's scientific literature addresses the auditory effects of noise, there is a gap in studies which investigate the non-auditory impacts of noise, especially in situations that require greater concentration and auditory effort. It is therefore important to address this issue in order to fill these gaps. Aim: To investigate the non-auditory effects of noise during visual attention tasks using electrophysiological measures of stress. Methodology: This study was approved by the institution's research ethics committee. The research will be carried out with 15 university adults, without hearing loss and over 18 years of age. In order to be included in the study, the following preliminary procedures will be carried out: signing an informed consent form, anamnesis covering general health issues, anamnesis covering general health, hearing health and the relationship between the individual's routine and noise; meatoscopy; tonal audiometry and impedance audiometry. After these procedures, the research stage will begin with the positioning of the electrodes for electrodermal activity. The individual will sit on an armchair with a headset and will be asked to perform visual attention tasks (adapted Stroop-Victoria test) in silence (first stage), and in noise with pink noise at 75dBA (second stage). At the end of the first stage, there will be a 10-minute rest period so that electrodermal activity can be recorded back to baseline. All data will be statistically analyzed using descriptive and inferential tests. Expected results: A difference in performance is expected in the test carried out in silence and in noise, as well as changes in electrodermal activity due to the stress factor.