A review of the studies investigating the effects of noise exposure on humans from 2017 to 2022: Trends and knowledge gaps

Background Due to rapid urbanization and industrialization, noise pollution has become a growing global concern, with significant impacts on occupational and environmental health. Unlike earlier times when it received limited attention, its importance has increased due to mounting evidence of its health effects. Research on noise pollution highlights its consequences and helps identify gaps that require further exploration. This systematic review aims to compile and categorize the health effects associated with various sources of noise pollution. Methodology This review focuses on studies published from 2017 to 2022 examining the impact of noise on human health. Eligible studies were identified through comprehensive searches on PubMed and Web of Science. Results Out of 1,042 studies retrieved, 287 met the inclusion criteria. The health effects of noise were categorized into auditory effects ( e.g. , hearing loss), non-auditory effects ( e.g. , psychological and physiological impacts), and other effects ( e.g. immune dysfunction and DNA damage). Conclusions While substantial research highlights the adverse effects of noise, future studies should explore its emerging impacts, especially on occupational and environmental health, such as links to cancer and genetic damage, to address existing research gaps and provide a broader understanding of its implications.