Which of the following is a non-auditory effect of noise exposure?

Noise exposure can lead to a range of physiological and psychological effects that are not directly related to hearing loss or auditory functions. Among these, high blood pressure is a well-documented non-auditory consequence of prolonged or intense noise exposure. Elevated noise levels can trigger a stress response in the body, leading to increased heart rate and vasoconstriction, which in turn can raise blood pressure. This effect highlights the broader impact of noise on human health beyond just hearing impairment.

In contrast, hearing enhancement, improved sleep patterns, and increased sound recognition do not represent common non-auditory effects of noise exposure. Hearing enhancement would imply a positive effect on auditory sensitivity, which is not feasible under conditions of excessive noise. Improved sleep patterns are generally disrupted by noise exposure, as loud sounds can lead to sleep disturbances. Lastly, increased sound recognition does not align with the effects of noise exposure, since constant background noise can hinder the ability to discern specific sounds. Thus, high blood pressure stands out as a significant non-auditory consequence of repeated or intense exposure to noise.