Association between wind turbine noise and human distress: Literature review 

Study Objectives
To search the literature investigating the presence or absence of association between wind turbines induced-noise and human distress.

Null Hypothesis (Our investigation will disprove or fail to disprove [a null hypothesis can never be proven]):
There is no association between wind turbines induced-noise and human distress.

Alternative Hypothesis (Will be accepted if the Null is disproven):
An association exists between wind turbines induced-noise and human distress.

Databases Included in the Search

• EMBASE: “more than 7,600 currently indexed peer-reviewed journals”
• PubMed: A commonly used database for clinical research
• PsycINFO: “is an expansive abstracting and indexing database with more than 3 million records devoted to peer-reviewed literature in the behavioral sciences and mental health, making it an ideal discovery and linking tool for scholarly research in a host of disciplines.”
• The Cochrane Library: “Database of Systematic Reviews”
• Scopus “The largest abstract and citation database of research literature and quality web sources covering nearly 18,000 titles from more than 5,000 publishers”.
• Scirus: “Scirus is the most comprehensive science-specific search engine on the Internet. Driven by the latest search engine technology, Scirus searches over 440 million science-specific Web pages”
• Open SIGLE (System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe)

Study Design Inclusion Criteria:

• Studies examining association between wind turbine noise and distress
• Studies that are published in peer-reviewed journals
• English language
• Studies involving humans

Exclusion Criteria:

• Investigations reporting interim analysis that did not result in stopping the study
• Secondary and long-term update
• Duplicate reports
• Cost effectiveness and economic studies

Variables Considered in This Review

• First Author
• Year of publication
• Journal of Publication
• Country of Study
• Study Design
• Sample Size
• Response Rate
• Objective of Study
• Level of Evidence
• Quality of Study
• Conclusion of Study Effect

Variables Examined in the Studies

• Annoyance (sensitivity to noise)
• Attitude to wind turbines
• Sleep Disturbance
• Dose-response
• Economical benefit
• Visual impact
• Well-being (Quality of Life / mental effect)
• Infrasound effect (Road Traffic Noise / quiet rural environment)

Results (click each graphic to enlarge)

Discussion

• All studies rejected the Null Hypothesis (no association between wind turbine noise and human distress). In other words, evidence of association was found (weak evidence: Level 4 and 5).
• No published peer-reviewed study showed no association.
• Three studies showed dose-response relationship.
• The studies are level 4 or 5 (a weak type of evidence). Nevertheless, [they] strongly warrant further research (multiple studies, multiple designs, investigating multiple hypotheses).

Ian Arra, MD, MSc; Hazel Lynn, MD, FCFP, MHSc

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