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Exposure to increased levels of noise causes serious ill-health

Living in metro cities is a feat that cannot be achieved by those with frail health. However, even the strongest of us at the end of the day remain human and are therefore susceptible to our surrounding environment. Although there is enough awareness about air, water and ground pollution (the awareness does not seem to be enough, because not much is being done in terms of preventive measures), not much is known about noise pollution and how it affects the human body.

Continued exposure to loud noise causes loss of hearing. Exposure to noise, or unwanted sound, however, is far more than just a threat to our ears. Calling noise a nuisance is like calling smog an inconvenience. Studies have correlated noise with physiological changes in sleep, blood pressure and digestion. Studies have also linked noise with a negative impact on a developing foetus. The following is a list of the varieties of ways in which noise can affect our physical and mental health.

Sleep
Noise is one of the most common forms of causing sleep disturbance. When sleep disruption becomes chronic adverse health effects are great. Research shows that intermittent and impulsive noise is more disturbing than continuous noise.

Blood Pressure
Studies show that exposure to noise is associated with elevation in blood pressure. These changes can be permanent or temporary. Ti has been found that noise can increase levels of epinephrine (epinephrine promotes peripheral vascular resistance via alpha-stimulated vascoconstrion in cardiac arrest and other cardiac dysrhythmias resulting in diminished or absent cardiac output, such that blood is shunted to the body's core) and nor epinephrine (a stress hormone, that affects parts of the human brain where attention and impulses are controlled) suggesting cardiovascular involvement.

Gastrointestinal Health
Studies have linked noise exposure with increased gastric emptying, with increased peristaltic esophageal contraction, as well as increased anxiety.

Another study found an increased in the use of antacids and hypnotics, sedatives and antihypertensive in a noisy community, as compared to a quiet community.

Annoyance
Noise is also significant source of annoyance. A study found that nearly seventy percent of the residents living in metropolis reported that they were bothered by traffic noise and the sound of trains and that these noises interfered with daily activities. Further, people who were bothered by the noise were more likely to complain of sleep difficulties and likely to perceive themselves to be in poorer health.

Mental Health
Even noise that may not be at hazardous levels to our hearing can make tense and angry. Studies have also found noise to be associated with increased aggression.

Although more research is necessary, reports indicate that noise has devastating effect on health. People report that noise interferes with the ability to sleep, eat and causes wide range of health problems which affects the overall quality of life.

So let this be for lesson to all us city folk. Avoid exposing your ears to very loud and disturbing noise. If the noise is unavoidable, find a way to shift to a noiseless environment or buy practical noise blocking gear and protect your ears. Remember that you not only have right to peace and quiet, but also your health depends on it.

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