View source for Health effects from noise

{{short description|Health consequences of exposure to elevated sound levels}}
[[File:20230609 Average noise levels outside US homes.svg |thumb |More than a quarter of US residences have average outside noise levels exceeding the maximum nighttime outside noise level recommended by the World Health Organization.<ref name=NYTimes_20230609>{{cite news |last1=Baumgaertner |first1=Emily |last2=Kao |first2=Jason |last3=Lutz |first3=Eleanor |last4=Sedgwick |first4=Josephine |last5=Taylor |first5=Rumsey |last6=Throop |first6=Noah |last7=Williams |first7=Josh |display-authors=4 |title=Noise Could Take Years Off Your Life Here's How. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/06/09/health/noise-exposure-health-impacts.html |work=The New York Times |date=June 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609161926/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/06/09/health/noise-exposure-health-impacts.html |archive-date=June 9, 2023 |url-status=live }}</ref>]]

'''Noise health effects''' are the physical and psychological [[health]] consequences of regular exposure to consistent elevated [[Sound exposure level|sound level]]s. Noise from traffic, in particular, is considered by the World Health Organization to be one of the worst environmental stressors for humans, second only to [[air pollution]].<ref name="Munzel">{{cite journal|doi=10.1146/annurev-publhealth-081519-062400|title=Adverse Cardiovascular Effects of Traffic Noise with a Focus on Nighttime Noise and the New WHO Noise Guidelines|year=2020|last1=Münzel|first1=Thomas|last2=Kröller-Schön|first2=Swenja|last3=Oelze|first3=Matthias|last4=Gori|first4=Tommaso|last5=Schmidt|first5=Frank P.|last6=Steven|first6=Sebastian|last7=Hahad|first7=Omar|last8=Röösli|first8=Martin|last9=Wunderli|first9=Jean-Marc|last10=Daiber|first10=Andreas|last11=Sørensen|first11=Mette|journal=Annual Review of Public Health|volume=41|pages=309–328|pmid=31922930|doi-access=free}}</ref> Elevated [[Industrial noise|workplace]] or [[environmental noise]] can cause [[hearing impairment]], tinnitus, [[hypertension]], [[ischemic heart disease]], [[annoyance]], and [[sleep disturbance]].<ref name=":0">{{cite journal | vauthors = Münzel T, Schmidt FP, Steven S, Herzog J, Daiber A, Sørensen M | title = Environmental Noise and the Cardiovascular System | journal = Journal of the American College of Cardiology | volume = 71 | issue = 6 | pages = 688–697 | date = February 2018 | pmid = 29420965 | doi = 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.12.015 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Kerns E, Masterson EA, Themann CL, Calvert GM | title = Cardiovascular conditions, hearing difficulty, and occupational noise exposure within US industries and occupations | journal = American Journal of Industrial Medicine | volume = 61 | issue = 6 | pages = 477–491 | date = June 2018 | pmid = 29537072 | pmc = 6897488 | doi = 10.1002/ajim.22833 }}</ref> Changes in the [[immune system]] and [[birth defect]]s have been also attributed to noise exposure.<ref name="pmid10698728">{{cite journal | vauthors = Passchier-Vermeer W, Passchier WF | title = Noise exposure and public health | journal = Environmental Health Perspectives | volume = 108 | issue = Suppl 1 | pages = 123–31 | date = March 2000 | pmid = 10698728 | pmc = 1637786 | doi = 10.1289/ehp.00108s1123 | jstor = 3454637 }}</ref>

Although age-related health effects ([[presbycusis]]) occur naturally with age,<ref name = Rosenhall1990>{{cite journal | vauthors = Rosenhall U, Pedersen K, Svanborg A | title = Presbycusis and noise-induced hearing loss | journal = Ear and Hearing | volume = 11 | issue = 4 | pages = 257–63 | date = August 1990 | pmid = 2210099 | doi = 10.1097/00003446-199008000-00002 }}</ref> in many countries the cumulative impact of noise is sufficient to impair the hearing of a large fraction of the population over the course of a lifetime.<ref name = Schmid>{{cite news | url  = http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/02/18/ap/health/mainD8NC00AO0.shtml | vauthors = Schmid RE | title=Aging nation faces growing hearing loss | publisher=[[CBS News]] | date = 2007-02-18 | access-date=2007-02-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071115131020/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/02/18/ap/health/mainD8NC00AO0.shtml |archive-date=2007-11-15}}</ref><ref>Senate Public Works Committee, ''[[Noise Pollution and Abatement Act]] of 1972'', S. Rep. No. 1160, 92nd Cong. 2nd session</ref> Noise exposure has been known to induce [[noise-induced hearing loss]], [[tinnitus]], [[hypertension]], [[vasoconstriction]], and other [[cardiovascular]] [[adverse effects]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://ist-socrates.berkeley.edu/~lohp/graphics/pdf/hw24en08.pdf | title = Noise: Health Effects and Controls | publisher =  [[University of California, Berkeley]] | access-date = 2007-12-22 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070925221754/http://ist-socrates.berkeley.edu/~lohp/graphics/pdf/hw24en08.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2007-09-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Kerns|first1=Ellen|last2=Masterson|first2=Elizabeth A.|last3=Themann|first3=Christa L.|last4=Calvert|first4=Geoffrey M.|date=2018|title=Cardiovascular conditions, hearing difficulty, and occupational noise exposure within US industries and occupations|journal=American Journal of Industrial Medicine|language=en|volume=61|issue=6|pages=477–491|doi=10.1002/ajim.22833|pmc=6897488|pmid=29537072}}</ref> Chronic noise exposure has been associated with sleep disturbances and increased incidence of diabetes. Adverse cardiovascular effects occur from chronic exposure to noise due to the sympathetic nervous system's inability to habituate. The sympathetic nervous system maintains lighter stages of sleep when the body is exposed to noise, which does not allow blood pressure to follow the normal rise and fall cycle of an undisturbed [[circadian rhythm]].<ref name=":0" />

Stress from time spent around elevated noise levels has been linked with increased [[Work accident|workplace accident]] rates, aggression, and other anti-social behaviors.<ref name="isbn0-12-427455-2">{{cite book | last = Kryter | first = Karl D. | name-list-style = vanc | title = The handbook of hearing and the effects of noise: physiology, psychology, and public health |publisher=Academic Press |location=Boston |year=1994 |isbn=978-0-12-427455-6 }}</ref> The most significant sources are vehicles, aircraft, prolonged exposure to [[loud music]], and industrial noise.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ssb.no/english/subjects/01/sa_nrm/arkiv/nrm2006/kap10-noise.pdf|pages=188–189|title=10. Noise |series=Natural Resources and the Environment 2006|year=2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114043606/http://www.ssb.no/english/subjects/01/sa_nrm/arkiv/nrm2006/kap10-noise.pdf|archive-date= November 14, 2011}}</ref> Prolonged exposure to noise at home has been linked to decreased mental health.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Li |first1=Ang |last2=Martino |first2=Erika |last3=Mansour |first3=Adelle |last4=Bentley |first4=Rebecca |title=Environmental Noise Exposure and Mental Health: Evidence From a Population-Based Longitudinal Study |journal=American Journal of Preventive Medicine |year=2022 |volume=63 |issue=2 |pages=e39–e48 |doi=10.1016/j.amepre.2022.02.020|pmid=35466022|s2cid=248361177 }}</ref>

There are approximately 10,000 deaths per year as a result of noise in the European Union.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/noise-in-europe-2014|title=Noise in Europe 2014|website=European Environment Agency}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/jul/03/sonic-doom-noise-pollution-kills-heart-disease-diabetes |title= Sonic doom: how noise pollution kills thousands each year |first=Richard |last=Godwin | name-list-style = vanc |date=3 July 2018 |via=www.theguardian.com |newspaper=The Guardian }}</ref>

==Noise induced hearing loss==
[[File:HearingExam.jpg|thumb|An [[audiologist]] conducting an [[audiometry|audiometric]] [[hearing test]] in a [[sound-proof]] testing booth|alt=a female medical professional is seated in front of a special [[sound-proof]] booth with a glass window, controlling diagnostic test equipment. Inside the booth a middle aged man can be seen wearing headphones and is looking straight ahead of himself, not at the [[audiologist]], and appears to be concentrating on hearing something]]

{{main|Noise-induced hearing loss}}Noise-induced hearing loss is a permanent shift in pure-tone thresholds, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss. The severity of a threshold shift is dependent on duration and severity of noise exposure. Noise-induced threshold shifts are seen as a notch on an audiogram from 3000 to 6000&nbsp;Hz, but most often at 4000&nbsp;Hz.<ref>{{cite book | title = Handbook of clinical audiology| last1 = Katz | first1 = Jack | last2 = Chasin | first2 = Marshall | last3 = English | first3 = Kristina M. | last4 = Hood | first4 = Linda J. | last5 = Tillery | first5 = Kim L. | name-list-style = vanc | isbn = 978-1-4511-9163-9 | edition=  Seventh | location = Philadelphia | oclc = 877024342 | date = 2014-09-19 }}</ref>

Exposure to loud noises, either in a single traumatic experience or over time, can damage the auditory system and result in hearing loss and sometimes [[tinnitus]] as well. Traumatic noise exposure can happen at work (e.g., loud machinery), at play (e.g., loud sporting events, concerts, recreational activities), and/or by accident (e.g., a backfiring engine.) Noise induced hearing loss is sometimes [[Unilateral hearing loss|unilateral]] and typically causes patients to lose hearing around the frequency of the triggering sound trauma.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ata.org/understanding-facts/causes|title=Causes|date=2015-03-02|website=American Tinnitus Association |access-date=2019-02-22}}</ref>

== Tinnitus ==
[[Tinnitus]] is an auditory disorder characterized by the perception of a sound (ringing, chirping, buzzing, etc.) in the ear in the absence of an external sound source. There are two types of tinnitus: subjective and objective. Subjective is the most common and can only be heard "in the head" by the person affected. Objective tinnitus can be heard from those around the affected person and the audiologist can hear it using a stethoscope. Tinnitus can also be categorized by the way it sounds in one's ear, pulsatile tinnitus <ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Waldvogel D, Mattle HP, Sturzenegger M, Schroth G | s2cid = 10767191 | title = Pulsatile tinnitus--a review of 84 patients | journal = Journal of Neurology | volume = 245 | issue = 3 | pages = 137–42 | date = March 1998 | pmid = 9553842 | doi = 10.1007/s004150050193 | url = https://boris.unibe.ch/117566/1/415_2009_Article_82450137415.pdf }}</ref> which is caused by the vascular nature of [[Glomus tumor]]s and non-pulsatile tinnitus which usually sounds like crickets, the sea and bees.

Though the pathophysiology of tinnitus is not known, noise exposure can be a contributing factor, therefore tinnitus can be associated with hearing loss, generated by the cochlea and central nervous system (CNS). High frequency hearing loss causes a high pitched tinnitus and low frequency hearing loss causes a roaring tinnitus.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Nicolas-Puel C, Faulconbridge RL, Guitton M, Puel JL, Mondain M, Uziel A | title = Characteristics of tinnitus and etiology of associated hearing loss: a study of 123 patients | journal = The International Tinnitus Journal | volume = 8 | issue = 1 | pages = 37–44 | date = 2002 | pmid = 14763234 }}</ref> Noise-induced tinnitus can be temporary or permanent depending on the type and amount of noise a person was exposed to.

==Cardiovascular effects==
Noise has been associated with important [[Circulatory system|cardiovascular]] health problems, particularly [[hypertension]], as it causes an increase in levels of stress hormones and vascular [[oxidative stress]].<ref name="Munzel" /><ref name="pmid12689488">{{cite journal | vauthors = Ising H, Babisch W, Kruppa B | title = Noise-Induced Endocrine Effects and Cardiovascular Risk | journal = Noise & Health | volume = 1 | issue = 4 | pages = 37–48 | year = 1999 | pmid = 12689488 | url = http://www.noiseandhealth.org/article.asp?issn=1463-1741;year=1999;volume=1;issue=4;spage=37;epage=48;aulast=Ising }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Davies H, Kamp IV | title = Noise and cardiovascular disease: a review of the literature 2008-2011 | journal = Noise & Health | volume = 14 | issue = 61 | pages = 287–91 | date = 2012-11-01 | pmid = 23257579 | doi = 10.4103/1463-1741.104895 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Lin FR, Metter EJ, O'Brien RJ, Resnick SM, Zonderman AB, Ferrucci L | title = Hearing loss and incident dementia | journal = Archives of Neurology | volume = 68 | issue = 2 | pages = 214–20 | date = February 2011 | pmid = 21320988 | pmc = 3277836 | doi = 10.1001/archneurol.2010.362 }}</ref> Noise levels of 50&nbsp;[[A-weighting|dB(A)]] or greater at night may increase the risk of [[myocardial infarction]] by chronically elevating [[cortisol]] production.<ref name="pmid12537833">{{cite journal | vauthors = Maschke C | title = Stress Hormone Changes in Persons exposed to Simulated Night Noise | journal = Noise & Health | volume = 5 | issue = 17 | pages = 35–45 | year = 2003 | pmid = 12537833 | url = http://www.noiseandhealth.org/article.asp?issn=1463-1741;year=2002;volume=5;issue=17;spage=35;epage=45;aulast=Maschke }}</ref><ref name=Franssen>{{cite journal | vauthors = Franssen EA, van Wiechen CM, Nagelkerke NJ, Lebret E | title = Aircraft noise around a large international airport and its impact on general health and medication use | journal = Occupational and Environmental Medicine | volume = 61 | issue = 5 | pages = 405–13 | date = May 2004 | pmid = 15090660 | pmc = 1740783 | doi = 10.1136/oem.2002.005488 }}</ref><ref name=Lercher>{{cite journal | vauthors = Lercher P, Hörtnagl J, Kofler WW | s2cid = 41612151 | title = Work noise annoyance and blood pressure: combined effects with stressful working conditions | journal = International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | volume = 65 | issue = 1 | pages = 23–8 | year = 1993 | pmid = 8354571 | doi = 10.1007/BF00586054 }}</ref>

Traffic noise has several negative effects, including increased risk for [[coronary artery disease]], with night-time exposure to noise possibly more harmful than day-time exposure.<ref name="Munzel"/> It has also been shown to increase blood pressure in individuals within the surrounding residential areas, with railways causing the greatest cardiovascular effects.<ref name=":2"/><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Dzhambov A, Tilov B, Markevych I, Dimitrova D | title = Residential road traffic noise and general mental health in youth: The role of noise annoyance, neighborhood restorative quality, physical activity, and social cohesion as potential mediators | journal = Environment International | volume = 109 | pages = 1–9 | date = December 2017 | pmid = 28917129 | doi = 10.1016/j.envint.2017.09.009 | url = https://push-zb.helmholtz-muenchen.de/frontdoor.php?source_opus=51900 }}</ref> Roadway noise levels are sufficient to constrict arterial blood flow and lead to [[hypertension|elevated blood pressure]].<ref name=":1">{{cite journal | vauthors = Klompmaker JO, Janssen NA, Bloemsma LD, Gehring U, Wijga AH, van den Brink C, Lebret E, Brunekreef B, Hoek G | display-authors = 6 | title = Associations of Combined Exposures to Surrounding Green, Air Pollution, and Road Traffic Noise with Cardiometabolic Diseases | journal = Environmental Health Perspectives | volume = 127 | issue = 8 | pages = 87003 | date = August 2019 | pmid = 31393793 | pmc = 6792364 | doi = 10.1289/EHP3857 }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{cite journal | vauthors = Lee PJ, Park SH, Jeong JH, Choung T, Kim KY | title = Association between transportation noise and blood pressure in adults living in multi-storey residential buildings | journal = Environment International | volume = 132 | pages = 105101 | date = November 2019 | pmid = 31434052 | doi = 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105101 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Vasoconstriction can result from elevated [[adrenaline]] levels or through [[Stress (medicine)|medical stress]] reactions. Long-term exposure to noise is correlated to increase in cortisol and angiotensin-II levels which are respectively associated with oxidative stress and vascular inflammation.<ref name="Munzel"/> Individuals subject to greater than 80&nbsp;dB(A) in the workplace are at increased risk of having increased blood pressure.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Chang TY, Liu CS, Huang KH, Chen RY, Lai JS, Bao BY | title = High-frequency hearing loss, occupational noise exposure and hypertension: a cross-sectional study in male workers | journal = Environmental Health | volume = 10 | pages = 35 | date = April 2011 | pmid = 21518430 | pmc = 3090324 | doi = 10.1186/1476-069X-10-35 | doi-access = free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Chang TY, Su TC, Lin SY, Jain RM, Chan CC | title = Effects of occupational noise exposure on 24-hour ambulatory vascular properties in male workers | journal = Environmental Health Perspectives | volume = 115 | issue = 11 | pages = 1660–4 | date = November 2007 | pmid = 18008000 | pmc = 2072860 | doi = 10.1289/ehp.10346 }}</ref>

A 2021 systematic review on the effect of occupational exposure to noise on ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke and hypertension, coordinated by the [[World Health Organization]] (WHO) and the [[International Labour Organization]] (ILO)  located 17 studies that met the inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 534,688 participants (7.47% females) in 11 countries and in three WHO regions (the Americas, Europe, and the Western Pacific).<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal|last1=Teixeira|first1=Liliane R.|last2=Pega|first2=Frank|last3=Dzhambov|first3=Angel M.|last4=Bortkiewicz|first4=Alicja|last5=da Silva|first5=Denise T. Correa|last6=de Andrade|first6=Carlos A.F.|last7=Gadzicka|first7=Elzbieta|last8=Hadkhale|first8=Kishor|last9=Iavicoli|first9=Sergio|last10=Martínez-Silveira|first10=Martha S.|last11=Pawlaczyk-Łuszczyńska|first11=Małgorzata|date=2021|title=The effect of occupational exposure to noise on ischaemic heart disease, stroke and hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis from the WHO/ILO Joint Estimates of the Work-Related Burden of Disease and Injury|journal=Environment International|volume=154|language=en|pages=106387|doi=10.1016/j.envint.2021.106387|pmid=33612311|pmc=8204276|doi-access=free}}</ref> The study found the low quality of evidence the effect of occupational exposure to intense noise (≥85 dBA), compared to occupational exposure below 85 dBA (<85 dBA). They concluded that there is an inadequate evidence of harmfulness for the studied outcomes with the exception for the risk of acquiring IHD, which was 29% higher for those exposed to noise in their workplace.<ref name=":3" />

==Other physical health effects==
Traffic noise may also increase the risk of sleep disturbances, stroke, diabetes, and becoming overweight.<ref name="Munzel"/> Noise pollution is an [[environmental health]] concern since it is often a risk factor for developing other diseases like tinnitus or impaired speech discrimination.<ref>Basner, M., Babisch, W., Davis, A., Brink, M., Clark, C., THE LANCET, Volume 383, issue 9925(April, 2014), page 1325-1332.</ref>

== Psychological impacts of noise ==
Causal relationships have been discovered between noise and psychological effects such as annoyance, psychiatric disorders, and effects on psychosocial well-being.<ref name="pmid10698728" /> Exposure to intense levels of noise can cause personality changes and violent reactions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.who.int/ceh/capacity/noise.pdf|title=Children and Noise | publisher = World Health Organization }}</ref> Noise has also been shown to be a factor attributed to violent reactions.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Elizondo-Garza | first = Fernando J. | name-list-style = vanc |title=Noise problems, savage approaches. From ''just forget it,'' to physical violence|journal=The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America|volume=105|issue=2|pages=942|doi=10.1121/1.425711 | year=1999| bibcode = 1999ASAJ..105..942E }}</ref> The psychological impacts of noise also include an addiction to loud music. This was researched in a study where non-professional musicians were found to have loudness addictions more often than non-musician control subjects.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Schmuziger N, Patscheke J, Stieglitz R, Probst R | title = Is there addiction to loud music? Findings in a group of non-professional pop/rock musicians | journal = Audiology Research | volume = 2 | issue = 1 | pages = 57–63 | date = January 2012 | pmid = 26557326 | pmc = 4630946 | doi = 10.4081/audiores.2012.e11 | url = http://www.audiologyresearch.org/index.php/audio/article/view/audiores.2012.e11 }}</ref>

Psychological health effects from noise also include depression and anxiety. Individuals who have hearing loss, including noise induced hearing loss, may have their symptoms alleviated with the use of hearing aids. Individuals who do not seek treatment for their loss are 50% more likely to have depression than their aided peers.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2015/08/hearing-loss.aspx | title = Silently Suffering From Hearing Loss Negatively Affects Quality of Life| publisher =  American Psychological Association | access-date = 2018-03-01 }}</ref> These psychological effects can lead to detriments in physical care in the form of reduced self-care, work-tolerance, and increased isolation.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Hammer MS, Swinburn TK, Neitzel RL | title = Environmental noise pollution in the United States: developing an effective public health response | journal = Environmental Health Perspectives | volume = 122 | issue = 2 | pages = 115–9 | date = February 2014 | pmid = 24311120 | pmc = 3915267 | doi = 10.1289/ehp.1307272 }}</ref>

Auditory stimuli can also serve as psychological triggers for individuals with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Glad KA, Hafstad GS, Jensen TK, Dyb G | s2cid = 24474520 | title = A longitudinal study of psychological distress and exposure to trauma reminders after terrorism | journal = Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy| volume = 9 | issue = Suppl 1 | pages = 145–152 | date = August 2017 | pmid = 27831737 | doi = 10.1037/tra0000224 }}</ref>

== Stress ==
Research commissioned by [[Rockwool International|Rockwool]], a multi-national [[Soundproofing|insulation]] manufacturer headquartered in [[Denmark]], reveals that in the UK one third (33%) of victims of domestic disturbances claim that loud parties have left them unable to sleep or made them stressed in the last two years. Around one in eleven (9%)<ref name="DE-20090409">{{cite news |last1=Clout |first1=Laura |title=How Noisy Neighbours Millions of Lives|url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/94084/How-noisy-neighbours-millions-of-lives |access-date=4 March 2021 |work=Daily Express |date=9 April 2009}}</ref> of those affected by domestic disturbances claims it has left them continually disturbed and stressed. More than 1.8 million people claim noisy neighbours have made their life a misery and they cannot enjoy their own homes. The impact of noise on health is potentially a significant problem across the UK given that more than 17.5 million Britons (38%) have been disturbed by the inhabitants of neighbouring properties in the last two years. For almost one in ten (7%) Britons this is a regular occurrence.<ref name="DE-20090409" />

The extent of the problem of noise pollution for public health is reinforced by figures collated by Rockwool from local authority responses to a [[Freedom of Information Act 2000|Freedom of Information Act]] (FOI) request. This research reveals in the period April 2008 – 2009 [[county council|UK councils]] received 315,838 complaints about noise pollution from private residences. This resulted in environmental health officers across the UK serving 8,069 [[noise abatement]] notices, or citations under the terms of the Anti-Social Behaviour (Scotland) Act.<ref name="DE-20090409" />

[[Westminster City Council]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23714071-details/London+is+home+to+the+noisiest+neighbours/article.do|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130114032609/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23714071-details/London+is+home+to+the+noisiest+neighbours/article.do|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-01-14|title=London is home to the noisiest neighbours|work=The Evening Standard}}</ref> has received more complaints per head of population than any other district in the UK with 9,814 grievances about noise, which equates to 42.32 complaints per thousand residents. Eight of the top 10 councils ranked by complaints per 1,000 residents were in [[London]].

== Annoyance ==
Sudden impulse noises are typically perceived as more bothersome than noise from traffic of equal volume.<ref>Miedema and Oudshoorn 2001 cited in {{cite web|url=http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/516462|title=Hypertension and exposure to noise near airports|publisher=Medscape}}</ref> Annoyance effects of noise are minimally affected by demographics, but fear of the noise source and sensitivity to noise both strongly affect the 'annoyance' of a noise.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Miedema HM, Vos H | title = Demographic and attitudinal factors that modify annoyance from transportation noise | journal = Journal of the Acoustical Society of America | volume = 105 | issue = 6 | pages = 3336–44 | doi = 10.1121/1.424662 | year = 1999 | bibcode = 1999ASAJ..105.3336M }}</ref> Sound levels as low as 40&nbsp;dB(A) can generate noise complaints<ref>{{cite book | last = Gelfand | first = Stanley A | name-list-style = vanc | title = Essentials of Audiology |publisher=Thieme Medical Publishers |location=New York |isbn=978-1-58890-017-3 |year=2001}}</ref> and the lower threshold for noise producing [[sleep disturbance]] is 45&nbsp;dB(A) or lower.<ref>{{cite book | last1 = Walker | first1 = JR | last2 = Fahy | first2 = Frank | name-list-style = vanc | title = Fundamentals of noise and vibration |publisher = E & FN Spon |location=London |year=1998 |isbn=978-0-419-22700-7}}</ref>

Other factors that affect the annoyance level of sound include beliefs about noise prevention and the importance of the noise source, and annoyance at the cause (i.e., non-noise related factors) of the noise.<ref name="Field1993">{{cite journal| vauthors = Field JM |year=1993 |title=Effect of personal and situational variables upon noise annoyance in residential areas |journal=Journal of the Acoustical Society of America |volume=93 |issue=5 |pages=2753–63 |bibcode=1993ASAJ...93.2753F |doi=10.1121/1.405851 }}</ref> Many of the interpretations of the level of annoyance and the relationship between noise levels and resulting health symptoms could be influenced by the quality of interpersonal relationships at the workplace, as well as the stress level generated by the work itself.<ref name="pmid10698728"/><ref>{{cite book | last = Halpern | first = David | name-list-style = vanc | title = Mental health and the built environment: more than bricks and mortar? | publisher = Taylor & Francis | year = 1995 | isbn = 978-0-7484-0235-9 }}</ref> Evidence for impact on annoyance of long-term noise versus recent changes is uncertain.<ref name = Field1993/><!-- There must be a more straightforward way to phrase that sentence, I had to read it several times -->

Approximately 35% to 40% of office workers find noise levels from 55 to 60&nbsp;dB(A) extremely irritating.<ref name="pmid10698728" /> The noise standard in Germany for mentally stressful tasks is set at 55&nbsp;dB(A),<ref>{{cite book | last = Stellman | first = Jeanne Mager | name-list-style = vanc | title = Encyclopedia of occupational health and safety | publisher = International Labour Organization | year = 1998 | isbn = 978-92-2-109203-2 | url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/encyclopaediaofo0003unse }}</ref> however, if the noise source is continuous, the threshold level for tolerability among office workers is lower than 55&nbsp;dB(A).<ref name="pmid10698728" />

==Child physical development==
The [[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]] authored a pamphlet in 1978 that suggested a correlation between low-birthweight (using the [[World Health Organization]] definition of less than {{convert|2500|g}}) and high sound levels, and also high rates of [[birth defect]]s in places where expectant mothers are exposed to elevated sound levels, such as typical [[airport]] environments. Specific birth abnormalities included [[harelip]], [[cleft palate]], and defects in the [[Vertebral column|spine]].<ref name="auto">''Noise: A Health Problem'' United States [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|Environmental Protection Agency]], Office of Noise Abatement and Control, Washington, D.C. 20460, August, 1978</ref>

According to Lester W. Sontag of The Fels Research Institute (as presented in the same EPA study): "There is ample evidence that environment has a role in shaping the physique, behavior, and function of animals, including man, from [[Conception (biology)|conception]] and not merely from [[birth]]. The [[fetus]] is capable of perceiving sounds and responding to them by motor activity and cardiac rate change." The effects of noise exposure are highest when it occurs between 15 and 60 days after conception, a period in which major internal [[Organ (anatomy)|organs]] and the [[central nervous system]] are formed.<ref name="auto"/>

Later developmental effects occur as vasoconstriction in the mother reduces blood flow and therefore [[oxygen]] and nutrition to the fetus. Low birth weights and noise were also associated with lower levels of certain [[hormone]]s in the mother. These hormones are thought to affect fetal growth and to be good indicators of [[protein]] production. The difference between the hormone levels of pregnant mothers in noisy versus quiet areas increased as birth approached.<ref name="auto"/>

In a 2000 publication, a review of studies on birthweight and noise exposure note that while some older studies suggest that when women are exposed to >65&nbsp;dB aircraft noise, a small decrease in birthweight occurs, in a more recent study of 200 Taiwanese women including noise dosimetry measurements of individual noise exposure, the authors found no significant association between noise exposure and birth weight after adjusting for relevant confounders, e.g. social class, maternal weight gain during pregnancy, etc.<ref name="pmid10698728"/>

===Cognitive development===

When young children are regularly exposed to levels of noise that interfere with speech, they may develop speech or reading difficulties, because auditory processing functions are compromised. Children continue to develop their speech perception abilities until they reach their teens. Evidence has shown that when children learn in noisier classrooms, they have more difficulties understanding speech than those who learn in quieter settings.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Nelson PB | title = Sound in the Classroom | journal = ASHRAE Journal | volume = 45 | issue = 2 | pages = 22–25 | year = 1959 }}</ref>

In a study conducted by Cornell University in 1993, children exposed to noise in learning environments experienced trouble with word discrimination, as well as various cognitive developmental delays.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Evans |first1=Gary W. |last2=Lepore |first2=Stephen J. | name-list-style = vanc | date = 1993 | title = Nonauditory Effects of Noise on Children: A Critical Review | jstor = 41515250 | journal = Children's Environments | volume = 10 | issue = 1 | pages = 31–51 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Wakefield J | title = Learning the hard way: the poor environment of America's schools | journal = Environmental Health Perspectives | volume = 110 | issue = 6 | pages = A298-305 | date = June 2002 | pmid = 12055059 | pmc = 1240882 | doi = 10.1289/ehp.110-a298 }}</ref> In particular, the writing learning impairment [[dysgraphia]] is commonly associated with environmental [[stressor]]s in the classroom.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.brainhe.com/staff/types/dysgraphiastaff.html | title = Dysgraphiastaff | work = Brain.HE | access-date = 2017-09-09 }}</ref>

High noise levels have also been known to damage the physical health of small children.  Children from noisy residences often have a heart rate that is significantly higher (by 2 beats/min on average) than those of children from quieter homes.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Belojevic G, Jakovljevic B, Stojanov V, Paunovic K, Ilic J | title = Urban road-traffic noise and blood pressure and heart rate in preschool children | journal = Environment International | volume = 34 | issue = 2 | pages = 226–31 | date = February 2008 | pmid = 17869340 | doi = 10.1016/j.envint.2007.08.003 | url = https://doaj.org/article/ec23e3a37210449e8839261d9f848460 | url-access = subscription }}</ref>

== Prevention ==
{{Main|Hearing protection device}}
[[File:Система производственного контроля эффективности СИЗ органа слуха.jpg|thumb|300px|right|HPD fit testing<ref name="Lee-2022">{{cite journal |author=Kah Heng Lee |author2=Geza Benke |author3=Dean Mckenzie |title=The efficacy of earplugs at a major hazard facility |journal=Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine |date=2022 |volume=45 |issue=1 |pages=107–114 |doi=10.1007/s13246-021-01087-y |pmid=35023076 |url=https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-807643/v1 |access-date=2022-08-10 |publisher=Springler |s2cid=221812245 |language=en |issn=2662-4729}}</ref>]]
A hearing protection device (HPD) is an [[Hearing protection device|ear protection]] device worn in or over the ears while exposed to hazardous [[noise]] to help prevent [[noise-induced hearing loss]]. HPDs reduce (not eliminate) the level of the noise entering the ear. HPDs can also protect against other effects of noise exposure such as [[tinnitus]] and [[hyperacusis]]. Proper hygiene and care of HPDs may reduce chances of outer ear infections.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Ntlhakana L, Kanji A and Khoza-Shangase K.|date=2015|title=The use of hearing protection devices in South Africa: exploring the current status in a gold and a non-ferrous mine|journal=Occupational Health Southern Africa|pages=10–15}}</ref> There are many different types of HPDs available for use, including [[earmuffs]], [[earplug]]s, electronic hearing protection devices, and semi-insert devices.<ref name=":06">{{Cite book|title=Hearing Conservation: In Occupational, Recreational, Educational, and Home Settings |last=Rawool |first=Vishakha Waman | name-list-style = vanc |publisher=Thieme |year=2011 |isbn=978-1604062571 |pages=136–173 |chapter=Chapter 6: Hearing Protection and Enhancement Devices }}</ref> One can measure the personal attenuation rating through a [[hearing protection fit-testing]] system.

Earmuff style hearing protection devices are designed to fit over the outer ear, or [[Auricle (anatomy)|pinna]]. Earmuff HPDs typically consist of two ear cups and a head band.<ref name=":06"/> Earplug style hearing protection devices are designed to fit in the [[ear canal]]. Earplugs come in a variety of different subtypes.<ref name=":06"/> Some HPDs reduce the sound reaching the [[eardrum]] through a combination of electronic and structural components. Electronic HPDs are available in both earmuff and custom earplug styles. Electronic microphones, circuitry, and receivers perform [[Active noise control|active noise reduction]], also known as [[Active noise control|noise-cancelling]], in which a signal that is 180-degrees out-of-phase of the noise is presented, which in theory cancels the noise.<ref name=":06"/> Canal caps are similar to earplugs in that they consists of soft tip that is inserted into the opening of the ear canal.<ref name=":06"/>

[[Occupational Safety and Health Administration|OSHA]] requires the use of [[Hearing protection device|hearing protection]]. But the HPD (without individual selection, training and [[Hearing protection fit-testing|fit testing]]) does not significantly reduce the risk of hearing loss.<ref name="AIHA-6-11">{{cite book |last1=Berger |first1=Elliott H.|last2= Voix |first2= Jérémie |editor=D.K. Meinke |editor2=E.H. Berger |editor3=R. Neitzel |editor4=D.P. Driscoll |editor5=K. Bright |title=The Noise Manual |date=2018 |publisher=American Industrial Hygiene Association |location=Falls Church, Virginia |pages=255–308 |edition=6th |url=https://online-ams.aiha.org/amsssa/ecssashop.show_product_detail?p_mode=detail&p_product_serno=2719 |access-date=10 August 2022 |language=en |chapter=Chapter 11: Hearing Protection Devices}}</ref> For example, one study covered more than 19 thousand workers, some of whom usually used hearing protective devices, and some did not use them at all. There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.<ref name="Groenewold-2014">{{cite journal |author=Groenewold M.R. |author2=Masterson E.A. |author3=Themann C.L. |author4=Davis R.R. |title=Do hearing protectors protect hearing? |journal=American Journal of Industrial Medicine |date=2014 |volume=57 |issue=9 |pages=1001–1010 |doi=10.1002/ajim.22323 |pmid=24700499 |url=https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/36768 |access-date=15 October 2022 |publisher=Wiley Periodicals |pmc=4671486 |issn=1097-0274}}</ref>

==Regulations==
{{main|Noise regulation}}

Environmental [[noise regulation]]s usually specify a maximum outdoor noise level of 60 to 65 [[A-weighting|dB(A)]], while occupational safety organizations recommend that the maximum exposure to noise is 40 hours per week at 85 to 90&nbsp;dB(A). For every additional 3&nbsp;dB(A), the maximum exposure time is reduced by a factor 2, e.g. 20 hours per week at 88&nbsp;dB(A). Sometimes, a factor of two per additional 5&nbsp;dB(A) is used, however, these occupational regulations are acknowledged by the health literature as inadequate to protect against [[hearing loss]] and other health effects. In an effort to prevent noise-induced hearing loss, many programs and initiative have been created, like the [[Buy Quiet]] program, which encourages employers to purchase quieter tools and equipment, and the [[Safe-In-Sound Award]], which recognizes organizations with successful hearing loss prevention strategies.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/buyquiet/default.html|title=CDC - Buy Quiet - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topics|work=cdc.gov|date=2019-01-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.safeinsound.us/|title=Safe-in-Sound: Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Award|website=Safe-in-Sound|access-date=July 12, 2016}}</ref>

With regard to indoor noise pollution in residences, the U.S. [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|Environmental Protection Agency]] (EPA) has not set any restrictions on limits to the level of noise. Rather, it has provided a list of recommended levels in its ''Model Community Noise Control Ordinance'', which was published in 1975. For instance, the recommended noise level for indoor residences is less than or equal to 45&nbsp;dB.<ref>{{cite book | last1 = Williams | first1 = Luanne Kemp | last2 = Langley | first2 = Rick L. | name-list-style = vanc |title=Environmental Health Secrets |publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences |location=Philadelphia |year=2000 |isbn=978-1-56053-408-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=EPA Identifies Noise Levels Affecting Health and Welfare |date=April 2, 1972 | url=http://www.epa.gov/history/topics/noise/01.htm}}</ref>

[[Noise pollution]] control in residences is not funded by the federal government in part because of the disagreements in establishing causal links between sounds and health risks, since the effect of noise is often psychological and also, because it leaves no singular tangible trace of damage on the human body. For instance, hearing loss could be attributed to a variety of factors including age, rather than solely due to excessive exposure to noise.<ref name="Schmidt_2005">{{cite journal | vauthors = Schmidt CW | title = Noise that annoys: regulating unwanted sound | journal = Environmental Health Perspectives | volume = 113 | issue = 1 | pages = A42-5 | date = January 2005 | pmid = 15631959 | pmc = 1253730 | doi = 10.1289/ehp.113-a42 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Staples SL | title = Human response to environmental noise. Psychological research and public policy | journal = The American Psychologist | volume = 51 | issue = 2 | pages = 143–50 | date = February 1996 | pmid = 8746149 | doi = 10.1037/0003-066X.51.2.143 }}</ref> A state or local government is able to regulate indoor residential noise, however, such as when excessive noise from within a home causes disturbances to nearby residences.<ref name="Schmidt_2005"/><ref>{{cite news | last = Leighton | first = Paul | name-list-style = vanc | title = Beverly considers rules to quiet loud parties |newspaper=The Salem News |date=April 14, 2009 |url=http://salemnews.com/punews/local_story_103205126.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716200226/http://salemnews.com/punews/local_story_103205126.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 16, 2012 }}</ref>

== See also ==
{{col div|colwidth=40em}}
* [[Aircraft noise]]
* [[Buy Quiet|Buy quiet]]
* [[Environmental health]]
* [[Infrasound]]
* [[Loud music]]
* [[The Mosquito]], an audio device to discourage loitering
* [[Noise barrier]]
* [[Noise control]]
* [[Noise mitigation]]
* [[Noise pollution]]
* [[Bark (sound)#As nuisance|Nuisance barking]]
* [[Occupational hearing loss]]
* [[Power tool]]
* [[Safe-In-Sound Award]]
* [[Soundproofing]]
{{colend}}

== References ==

{{reflist|32em}}

== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/19961119081746/http://asa.aip.org/ Acoustical Society of America]
* [http://www.noiseandhealth.org Noise and Health] International Journal devoted to research on all aspects of noise and its effects on human health
* [https://www.who.int/docstore/peh/noise/guidelines2.html World Health Organization: Guidelines for Community Noise] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712063445/http://www.who.int/docstore/peh/noise/guidelines2.html |date=2018-07-12 }}
* [http://www.icben.org/ ICBEN] International Commission on Biological Effects of Noise
* [http://www.flixxy.com/how-sound-affects-us.htm How Sound Affects Us] (8:18)—[[TED (conference)|TED]] talk by [[Julian Treasure]]
* [https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/buyquiet/default.html/ NIOSH Buy Quiet Topic Page]
* [https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/ Occupational Hearing Loss Prevention]

{{Noise|state=uncollapsed}}
{{Health effects of food, drink and lifestyle}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Health Effects From Noise}}
[[Category:Health effects by subject|Noise]]
[[Category:Noise pollution]]
[[Category:Sound]]
[[Category:Acoustics]]