Effects of Noise Pollution

Article provided by Ear, Nose & Throat Clinics of San Antonio

Even if you’re a relatively health conscious person, there’s a chance you take your hearing for granted. Imagine what it would be like if you lived in total silence and you’ll be better able to appreciate the important role hearing plays in everyday life. Life would lack dimension if you couldn’t hear a robin sing or a newborn baby’s impassioned cry. But over time the subtle effects of noise pollution can gradually take its toll on your hearing and result in other negative health effects as well. 

What are the effects of noise pollution and why should you be concerned? It doesn’t require exposure to extremely loud noise to cause hearing loss over time. It might surprise you to learn that noise levels above the eighty-decibel range, equivalent to the noise level created by a subway speeding by, can result in deterioration of hearing. If you live in a large city, you can imagine the effect noise pollution may be having on your ability to hear. Even if you live in a quiet peaceful area, the noise generated by simply mowing the lawn can do damage to your ears. 

The effects of noise pollution extend beyond just hearing. Chronic exposure to noise has been shown to cause physical and mental problems such as anxiety, aggressive behavior, hypertension, indigestions, sleep disturbances, memory problems, and even coronary artery disease. Not to mention the fact that loud noise when you’re trying to concentrate can be downright annoying. No wonder they say “silence is golden”. Silence may also be healthier. 

Although some level of noise is inescapable and a life of complete silence would hardly be a recipe for happiness, there are certain precautions that should be taken to protect yourself from the effects of noise pollution. 

Starting with your home, take steps to cushion the inside of your living quarters from the effects of noise pollution. This would include soundproofing windows and walls. Ask your favorite hardware store clerk about materials you can use to do this. Avoid using loud appliances as much as possible and don’t turn the indoor music up full blast even if it is your favorite song. Use a self-propelled lawn mower instead of a gas one which produces noise levels of up to ninety decibels. If possible, choose to live in a quiet area away from airports and heavy traffic. When you are forced to engage in noisy activities, always wear earplugs to protect your hearing. Above all, stay away from rock concerts where the noise level can reach up to 150 decibels. 

Keep in mind that not only are the effects of noise pollution harmful to your hearing, but noise can affect your overall health and mood without your even being aware of it.  When you get a chance, escape from the effects of noise pollution by visiting your local library where the average noise intensity is only thirty decibels and read that book you’ve always wanted to read in relative silence. 

About ENT of San Antonio 

ENT Clinics of San Antonio, P.A. is dedicated to the prevention and alleviation of human suffering in patients with medical and surgical disorders in the field of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. A family of residency trained board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, and numerous highly specialized ancillary employees are dedicated to the delivery of compassionate, quality, state of the art, and cost-effective healthcare

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