Combined traffic noise exposure from different sources: is the whole more than the sum of its parts?

Background/Aim: Many people are simultaneously exposed to several sources of traffic noise. Simple adding of sound pressure levels might not adequately reflect the cardiovascular risks. In a large secondary-data based case-control study, we analyzed the combined effect of simultaneous exposure to different sources of traffic noise. Methods: Address-specific exposure to aircraft, road and railway traffic noise in 2005 was estimated for individuals that were insured by three large statutory health insurance funds in the Rhine-Main area of Germany. Based on insurance claims and prescription data, 122, 213 cases wit…