Noise Pollution is not just Annoying
Loud lawnmowers in the morning, incessant city traffic, construction work, aeroplanes, school kids shouting, phones ringing in the office, Australian Idol – we’re constantly surrounded by never-ending irritating noises in today’s modern society, but a new study is proving that it’s more than just an annoyance when you’re trying to work, relax or get some sleep.
The World Health Organisation has found that noise pollution is a legitimate environmental killer. It affects over 3000 people a year in Europe and is the second biggest environmental threat after air pollution. They found that constant loud background noises that many of us experience every day can cause high blood pressure and possibly lead to an increase in the amount of fatty acids and stress hormones in your blood.
Professor Gary Housley, Translational Neuroscience Facility director at the University of NSW, said noise pollution could even have a negative effect on your heart while you’re asleep. “You may not be conscious of the sounds, but noise pollution is being transmitted through your hearing organs — your ears — and the autonomic nervous system responds to that,” he recently told news.com.au.
Noise pollution can also affect animal species on land and in the ocean. Marine species such as dolphins and fish can be confused and injured by underwater noise pollution from things like boats and ships, and a recent study found that squid and other cephalopods are also affected.
Even if you don’t develop any serious heart problems or blood pressure, even being mildly irritated by noises will affect your mental and emotional wellbeing, as well as your concentration and ability to function at work.
The authors of the study suggested a number of different solutions to combat incessant noise pollution,
such as the invention of ultra-quiet cars and public transport vehicles, double-glazed windows, and resurfacing roads with porous materials to muffle car and traffic noises.
To protect your health at an individual level, people can ensure that they have at least a few hours every day where they are in a completely quiet, serene environment. Invest in some noise-cancelling headphones so you can listen to your music while blocking out external noise when you’re out and about, and you could also consider investing in thick glass for your windows at home and making sure that all your doors and windows are sealed properly.
Many people already suffer from hearing problems such as conductive hearing loss, but many types hearing loss are preventable. All steps should be taken to look after one’s ears to avoid the need for treatments such as cochlear implants or a bone conduction hearing aid.
Head online to learn more about conductive hearing loss, hearing loss treatments, and the various resources and that are available for individuals that are hearing impaired.
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