Noise

Loud, louder, loudest

Perception of noise varies from person to person. Even the ticking of a wristwatch (20 dB) can split opinion. In general, sound at a level of 40 to 65 dB is perceived as quiet, normal and pleasant. For us, loud would mean from around 80 dB. Scientists refer to sound above this threshold as ‘loud’ or ‘noise’. In the case of a television set at normal volume (70 dB), this limit has not yet been exceeded, while a passing lorry (90 dB) or a car horn (110 dB) are well above it. And in the case of a jackhammer (120 dB) or a fighter jet (130 dB), the only thing to do is close your ears or reach for your earplugs. Road traffic is the largest source of noise, followed by aircraft noise and noise in the workplace. Around 15 to 20 per cent of the population are considered to be hearing-impaired, and this is increasingly affecting young people. However, this is just one of the conditions caused by noise.

<p>Whether noise is perceived as disturbing or pleasant depends not only on the physically measurable volume. In addition to the decibel level, the pitch, time, duration and type of sound also play a role. The nocturnal humming of the refrigerator at 30 dB can deprive you of your sleep, while the much louder sound of the sea has a relaxing effect. Whether or not you can influence the source of the noise is also important. It’s nice to listen to one’s favourite music at a loud volume, while the racket from the flat next door disturbs your well-being.</p>

Why we take noise personally

Whether noise is perceived as disturbing or pleasant depends not only on the physically measurable volume. In addition to the decibel level, the pitch, time, duration and type of sound also play a role. The nocturnal humming of the refrigerator at 30 dB can deprive you of your sleep, while the much louder sound of the sea has a relaxing effect. Whether or not you can influence the source of the noise is also important. It’s nice to listen to one’s favourite music at a loud volume, while the racket from the flat next door disturbs your well-being.

Noise as a source of stress

Almost one in two of us is annoyed by noise. Even if some people believe that you cannot get used to noise. On International Noise Awareness Day (every year at the end of April), physicians and those affected regularly warn of the health risks of exposure to noise. Many people have not experienced a moment of true silence for decades. When there is buzzing sound from the street and the roaring of planes, the heart, circulation and brain all suffer. While noise in the workplace or in nightclubs have a direct effect on hearing, physical stress reactions, which can occur even at low sound levels, affect the entire body. This is because the human body prepares for a physical altercation by releasing stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol when confronted with noise. If you feel extremely vulnerable to noise, these stress hormones are released even at significantly lower decibel levels. The body reacts far more sensitively at night in particular.

<p>Almost one in two of us is annoyed by noise. Even if some people believe that you cannot get used to noise. On International Noise Awareness Day (every year at the end of April), physicians and those affected regularly warn of the health risks of exposure to noise. Many people have not experienced a moment of true silence for decades. When there is buzzing sound from the street and the roaring of planes, the heart, circulation and brain all suffer. While noise in the workplace or in nightclubs have a direct effect on hearing, physical stress reactions, which can occur even at low sound levels, affect the entire body. This is because the human body prepares for a physical altercation by releasing stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol when confronted with noise. If you feel extremely vulnerable to noise, these stress hormones are released even at significantly lower decibel levels. The body reacts far more sensitively at night in particular.</p>