Underwater and Maritime Acoustics

“Over recent years, acoustic pollution has become a common problem for developing countries and its treatment one of the new challenges in environmental policy. Furthermore, noise diminishes the quality of life in a more general perspective. A great amount of EU citizens is estimated to live and/or work in areas which do not ensure acoustical comfort. Often neglected, noise induces a severe impact on humans and on living organisms. Some of the adverse effects are: Annoyance, Physiological effects (breathing amplitude, blood pressure, heart-beat rate, pulse rate, blood cholesterol, etc.), Loss of hearing and Nervous System malfunctions (pain, ringing in the ears, feeling of tiredness), Deterioration of Human Performance and loss of concentration, Sleeplessness, etc.”