Psychological analysis of complainants on noise/low frequency noise and the relation between psychological response and brain structure

Abstract

In Japan there are two kinds of low frequency noise (LFN) problems. One is LFN that can be heard directly in a house and causes discomfort, and the other is LFN that rattles windows or doors and causes annoyance. Authors met about 100 complainants on noise or low frequency noise. Hearing thresholds of some complainants were measured and Yatabe-Guilford personality inventories of some complainants were carried out. We observed many complainants and tried to analyze the complainants' mind by the psychoanalytical method. Their minds have three layers. The 1st layer is the basic desire for survival and good life etc. The 2nd layer is personality or consideration obtained by experience and the 3rd layer concerns movement, speech or action etc. Many complainants lack the 2nd layer on noise/low frequency noise and their movements and reactions on noise/LFN appear directly from the 1st layer of basic desire without consideration of the 2nd layer. The findings of the three layers are discussed in relation to present knowledge on how the different parts of the brain are organized.