 |
 Noise, the number one environmental problem
Roaring traffic noise and loud music stress our hearing to the point of being painful. Our ears are not designed to withstand this permanent stress. The hustle and bustle of modern life goes hand in hand with a permanent backdrop of noises, which are torture to our ears.
For many people noise has long since become the main environmental pollutant. Every fourth person feels greatly or very greatly bothered by noise. Traffic is classed as the greatest nuisance, followed by aircraft noise and noise at the workplace. As many as 15% to 20% of the population are classed as hard of hearing, and there is an increasing amount of younger people among them. But this is just one of the illnesses caused by noise. |
 |
Why do we take noise personally?
Whether noises are perceived as a nuisance or as pleasant is not just dependent on the physically measurable quantity. In addition to the number of decibels, the pitch, the time, the duration and the type of noise also play a role. The night-time buzz of the fridge at 30 dB stops us sleeping, whilst the considerably louder sound of the sea has a relaxing effect. It is also important whether or not we can influence the source of the noise. We like listening to our favourite music at full volume, but we may find the background music from the neighbour’s flat annoying. |
|
|
Noise at the workplace
Many workplaces are too loud. Hearing problems are one of the most frequent professional illnesses. Noise also leads to distraction, lack of concentration and headaches, and thus results in an increase in accident risks and error rates. The EU Directive on Noise, as of 15.02.2006, will further reduce the limiting values to which workers may be exposed during an eight-hour day: from 80 dB (A) hearing protection must be provided; from 85 dB (A) it is compulsory to be worn. |
 |
Noise causes stress
Noise is a classic stress factor. From 90 dB the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline (above 120 dB also cortisol) are released. The arteries constrict, heart rate and blood pressure rise, muscles and the subconscious nervous system are influenced. If we feel helplessly subjected to noise, these stress hormones are also released at considerably lower decibel values. Above all at night, the body’s reactions are considerably more sensitive. If civilised people are subjected to noise, what should actually induce a short-term fight and flight reaction over time leads to nervousness, gastrointestinal ulcers and premature ageing of the cardiovascular system. If you live on a loud street with a constant noise level of 65 dB, your risk of a heart attack is increased by 20%. |
|
|
Sleepless nights due to noise
Night-time noises such as noise on the street, loud neighbours, a gurgling heating system or the snoring of one’s partner cause many people to suffer from sleep disorders. If we suffer from insufficient sleep over long periods of time, our health can be permanently damaged. This results in a weakening of the immune system and a decrease in efficiency and in our ability to concentrate.
|
 |
Noise triggers tinnitus
Every twelfth citizen in Germany suffers from constant rushing, ringing or whistling sounds in their ears. The brain thinks it hears noises which don’t actually exist. The causes are many and varied and have not yet been completely researched. The chances of a cure are limited, particularly for those who have suffered from tinnitus for a long time. In 30% of cases, noise is regarded as a triggering factor. Although ear plugs don’t affect the existing tinnitus, they can help to avoid its development and its worsening. |
|
