<p><i>Noise and the Brain</i> discusses and provides a synthesis of the underlying brain mechanisms as well as potential ways to prevent or alleviate aberrant brain changes caused by noise exposure.</p> <p>In our industrialized world, we are surrounded by occupational, recreational, and environmental noise. However, there is little public awareness about the noise exposure that may produce temporary hearing loss, while in the long term resulting in hearing problems due to the damage of high-threshold auditory nerve fibers. Early exposures of this kind, such as in neonatal intensive care units, manifest themselves at a later age, either as hearing loss or as an auditory processing disorder. </p> <p>This book examines these disorders, as well as changes in the auditory brain caused by repetitive daily exposure to low-level occupational or musical sound. This noise exposure is known to affect speech understanding, produce non-auditory problems including annoyance, depression, and hypertension, and to cause cognitive difficulties. Internal noise, such as tinnitus, also has similar effects on the brain.</p> <p>Auditory neuroscientists, audiologists, and psychologists will all benefit from this book's through coverage of the epidemiology, etiology, and genetics of hearing problems, as well as detail on the effects of non-damaging sound on both the developing and adult brain, non-auditory effects of noise, and noise and the aging brain.</p><ul><li>Authored by a preeminent leader in the field of hearing research</li><li>Emphasizes direct and indirect changes in brain function as a result of noise exposure</li><li>Provides a comprehensive and evidence-based approach</li><li>Addresses both developmental and adult plasticity</li></ul>