Investigation of the effect of high and low frequency noise on physiological responses and cognitive functions in oil drilling industry and urban gas pressure reducing station

Workers in many industries (oil, gas, petrochemicals, cement, steel, glass, and textile) and even at home, offices are exposed to various noises with different frequencies causing hearing and non-hearing impairments. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of noise at different frequencies on physiological responses and cognitive functions of oil drilling industry personnel and urban gas pressure reducing station.

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2019 with the participation of 50 employees of oil drilling rigs (low frequency noise) and city gas pressure reducing stations (high frequency noise). Physiological parameters examined included (heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and tympanic body temperature). The participantschr cognitive functions were assessed using advanced reaction timer, continuous performance and working memory tests before, during and after the activities. Also, the relationship between variables was investigated using structural equation modeling (SEM).

The study results indicated that was exposed to noise at high and low frequencies, physiological responses, including heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and tympanic temperature increase, and this increase was statistically significant (p <0.001). Exposure to noise also has a negative effect on cognitive functions (such as working memory, sustained attention, and advanced reaction timer).

Low frequency noise has a greater effect on physiological responses and cognitive function than high frequency noise. Obviously, further research in this area is suggested in the industry.