Noise has been demonstrated to induce a variety
of physiological changes in mammals, such as changes
in the cardiovascular homeostasis and in the secretion
of hormones. Through hearing impulses are given to
the brain stem and the hypothalamus. From formatio
reticularis the sympathetic nervous system is influenced.
Via the hypophysis, adrenocorticotropic hormone
(ACTH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) the
hypothalamus gives signals to the adrenal medulla and
the thyroid gland. The parasympathetic nervous system
is also influenced and has a mainly reversed effect
compared to the sympathetic nervous system (Algers et
al., 1978; Manteuffel, 2002).