The Effects of Noise Pollution on Human Health

Noise pollution can cause more than just inconvenience. Over the long term, it might actually cause irreparable damage to your health. Traffic noise is one of the most significant causes of noise pollution, followed by air traffic noise and exposure to loud music on a regular basis. If you're used to listening to music with earphones, you might be damaging your hearing without even realizing it, especially if you put the volume all the way up.

Hearing Impairment

• Probably the most obvious consequence of noise pollution is hearing loss. Noise pollution is worst in cities, where car horns and sirens are common noises. Hearing loss can be small or can be significant, depending on the level of exposure to noise and even age. As people get older, hearing loss occurs naturally. If you add noise pollution to that, the hearing loss might speed up. Noise pollution can also cause ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus. When hearing loss occurs in children, it can lead to speech problems.

Stress

• According to a 2002 study published in the "Noise & Health" journal, people exposed to nocturnal aircraft noise on a regular basis had higher levels of the stress hormone in their bodies. Higher levels of stress can raise blood pressure and interfere with sleep. A 2009 article in "Express" claimed that over 6 percent of people experience so much noise pollution in their homes that they feel miserable and under constant stress.

Cardiovascular Effects

• Since stress causes elevated high pressure, it can also lead to cardiovascular problems. The "Environmental Health Perspectives" study mentions ischemic heart disease as a possible side effect of noise pollution. The stress from noise pollution can also cause vasoconstriction, which might reduce the delivery of oxygen to your heart and brain. For pregnant women, this can lead to development issues with the fetus.

Other Problems

• Noise pollution can cause a number of other problems, although research on how serious those problems can get is scarce. According to a 2000 paper published in the "Environmental Health Perspectives" journal, noise pollution can cause problems including decreased school performance, weakening of the immune system and sleep disturbance.