Acoustic ecology

Ecology is the study of the relationship between living organisms and their environment. Thus, acoustic ecology is the study of the effects of the acoustic environment or soundscape on the physical responses or behavioral characteristics of creatures living within it. Its aim is to draw attention to imbalances which may have unhealthy or inimical effects. 

(Source: Schafer, R. Murray: Our Sonic Environment and the soundscape: the tuning of the world. Destiny Books 1994).