Unanticipated impacts of auditory pollution on health revealed
In today's bustling world, noise pollution has become an increasingly significant concern for public health. Chronic exposure to noise can have far-reaching effects on mental health, physical well-being, and cognitive functions.
Research has linked road traffic noise exposure with an increased risk of depression by 4% and anxiety by 9%. This association is based on a review of previous studies, highlighting the potential dangers of prolonged exposure to noise.
Signs of being in or just left a setting with an unhealthy noise level are quite distinct. They include needing to raise your voice to be heard, not being able to hear someone who is 3 feet away, sounds seeming muffled after leaving a noisy place, and having pain or ringing in your ears (tinnitus) that lasts for a few days to a few weeks.
Noise levels are measured in decibels (dBA), and any sound measuring 85 dBA or higher is considered harmful. Long-term exposure to noise, regardless of its level, can trigger a stress response in the body. This stress response, if continuous, can lead to a variety of health issues.
Exposure to loud, sudden sounds against a typically quiet background can be associated with heart disease, heart attacks, heart failure, and stroke. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association advises taking precautions to safeguard ears and health from noise pollution. This includes checking noise ratings on appliances, taking breaks from loud sounds, lowering the volume, wearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs, and asking local business owners to turn down the sound in movie theaters, bars, and fitness clubs.
Long-term exposure to low-frequency noise may negatively impact some higher-order cognitive functions, including logical reasoning, mathematical calculation, and data processing. Over time, exposure to any noise, even typical residential noise, may affect cognition and is directly associated with cognitive impairment in people age 45 and older.
Noise pollution, also known as chronic noise exposure, refers to any disturbing sound that affects health and well-being. Chronic noise exposure is typically considered harmful when noise levels exceed about 40 to 55 decibels over extended periods. Recommended noise limits to avoid chronic effects are around 35 dB at night and 40 dB during the day, with higher levels causing harmful impacts especially if exposure is continuous.
Typical office noise is around 60 dBA, a vacuum cleaner is 70 dBA, heavy traffic is 80-89 dBA, lawn mowers and motorcycles are 90-99 dBA, and sports events or rock concerts are 120-129 dBA. It's essential to be aware of these levels and take necessary precautions to protect our health.
In conclusion, noise pollution poses significant risks to our health, affecting mental health, physical well-being, and cognitive functions. By understanding these risks and taking appropriate measures, we can work towards creating a quieter, healthier environment for all.
