Although we recognize noise pollution as a major environmental problem, it isn’t easy to measure the effects it has on our health. Exposure to excessive noise has been shown to cause the following human health related problems: hearing problems, stress, poor concentration, loss in productivity at the workplace, communication complications, lethargy from lack of sleep, and a loss of psychological well-being.
Extreme Noise
At its most severe, loud noise can cause instant and permanent hearing loss. Ordinary hearing depends on the three components of the human ear: the outer, middle and inner ear. The inner ear (cochlea) is the most susceptible to damage by loud noises. In it, are thousands of microscopic hair cells that transfer sound impulses to the auditory nerve. Explosive sounds with reach or surpass noise levels of 140 decibels (dB) can destroy these cells and cause permanent deafness. Another effect of exposure to loud noise is long-term hearing loss.
To measure the decibel levels of sound, a sound level meter is used. Usually the sound level meter has a filter that has a frequency response similar to the human ear. These levels are known as dB (A) or A-weighted decibels. Like the ear, this filter reduces the sound levels in the lower frequencies (below 1000 hertz) and in the higher frequencies (above 5000 hertz).
Worksafe Australia recommends that a noise level of 85 dB (A), sustained for no more than 8 hours a day, should be the maximum to which a worker is exposed. This is about the same as the noise level in a street with heavy traffic. Higher noise levels can cause permanent hearing loss unless protective measures are taken.
Damage To More Than Hearing
There are many other ways in which too much noise can affect human health, aside from contributing to hearing loss. Research has shown that people living near airports or busy roads have a higher incidence of headaches, take more sleeping pills and sedatives, are more prone to minor accidents, and are more likely to seek psychiatric treatment.
Exposure to high noise levels has also been shown to lead to a range of physical symptoms such as accelerated heartbeat due to sudden noises triggering fight-or-fight responses, high blood pressure, gastro-intestinal problems and chronic fatigue. Some of these problems are relatively easy to treat medically, but other psychological effects such as insomnia, nervousness, anxiety and depression are longer lasting.
While avoiding excessive noise is impossible for most of us, there are things you can do to protect yourself:
- Avoid indoor noise when possible. Run the dishwasher when out of the room, for example.
- Wear an ear protection device when using noisy equipment. Ear protection devices can be purchased at hardware stores, in catalogs or pharmacies. Hardware stores carry padded earphones that are comfortable enough to sleep in, are less obtrusive devices that fit inside your ear can be found at a pharmacy.
- Wear an ear protection device for noisy commutes or anytime you need quiet
- Listen to soothing music with a headset and a portable music machine.
- Before buying a new home, check out the neighborhood for high levels of noise—airport, trains, and busy roads.
- Plant trees or a fence on property to diminish noise.
- Use abundant insulation, seal cracks, weather strip windows and install double pane windows.
- Place padding under noisy equipment like blenders.
- Soft furnishings, rugs, carpets and wall hangings help to reduce sound. Hard, non-porous surfaces reflect sound.
- Increase healing sounds—birds, chimes, bells, music, streams, indoor or outdoor waterfalls or fountains.
Sources:
http://www.science.org.au/nova/072/072box01.htm
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/how_to_reduce_noise_pollution.html
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