How Noise Affects Our Health
When very loud sounds are heard, the body generates a hormonal, nervous or escape attempt response.
People who live in the city are constantly exposed to noise; most of them, annoying and very tall. Did you know that this can cause psychological and physical problems? Find out how noise affects our health in this article.
Our noise every day
Loud music, alarms, and horns are all part of the city’s ambient noise. Unfortunately, we are getting used to it. Interesting aspects of our everyday relationship with noise have been discovered in certain investigations.
In addition to increasing stress levels, noise pollution raises blood pressure. In this way, it could lead to cardiovascular disease, depression and chronic fatigue. Most of us live with noise, they bother us less and less and we do not notice it. According to doctors, the heart hears what the ears sometimes don’t.
Prolonged exposure to noise over 65 decibels triggers problems in our heart system. The same is true of exposure to louder sounds, such as horns, engines, and alarms. When listening to very loud sounds, the body generates a hormonal, nervous or escape attempt response.
Noises could also alter blood glucose levels, as well as lipids and electrolytes, all very serious cardiovascular risks. According to the Heart Foundation, traffic noise is related to diseases such as angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction.
Loud noises have even been shown to be more damaging at night, causing insomnia and sleep disturbances. Important studies on noise were carried out at the Institute of Epidemiology in Copenhagen, Denmark.
These studies showed that, in people over 65 years of age, the risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases increases when exposed to nighttime urban noise. This calculation was made starting from 65 decibels, which is considered a “normal” noise level.
Noise stresses us
Being constantly exposed to noise makes the body more alert. Consequently, stress levels increase, according to WHO. This brings about an increase in the hormones cortisol and adrenaline, as well as alterations in the immune, cardiovascular and endocrine systems.
Cases have been detected in which noise reduces the body’s defenses. This makes us more susceptible to bacteria and viruses. Consequently, we get sick easily and often. On the other hand, noise affects our mental health by increasing levels of anxiety, emotional instability and irritability.
4 harmful consequences of noise on our health
In addition to the above, it is worth highlighting some serious consequences of exposure to excessively noisy environments:
Affects cognitive abilities
This occurs at any age, but mainly in school-age children. Students who study in classrooms near the street or construction sites have difficulties with reading and other cognitive skills, according to research. In universities and institutes near railways, highways or busy avenues, noise has been linked to academic difficulties.
Makes you less productive
Offices could be more efficient if people worked in a calm and quiet environment. In addition to reducing productivity, noise increases the frequency of employee illnesses and problems among them.
It also affects your ability to solve certain everyday problems. The mix of interior and exterior sounds makes it difficult to retain information, concentrate, and perform basic tasks. The response time to any stimulus will always be longer in noisy environments.
Traffic is the biggest problem
The main cause of noise in the world is traffic in urban centers and suburbs. Most of the noise we are exposed to on a daily basis comes from public and private means of transport, engines and horns. The industry represents a high percentage as well, and the remainder corresponds to the reproduction of music in discos, concerts or the improper use of headphones.
