Noise Pollution Effects On Your Life

How Noise Pollution May Be Causing You Stress

Noise pollution is defined as unwanted and elevated sound that occurs in the day to day life. Noise pollution is generally associated to noises coming from construction, airplanes, and highway noises, but is everywhere including our homes and workplaces.

Effects of Noise Pollution

At certain level (volume/pitch) of sound, it can cause damage to your eardrums causing discomfort thus causing stress. Britannica noise pollution article does a good job explaining the science. Overall, noise is just a nuisance and can cause:

  • Loss in productivity – Sound plays a bigger role in our productivity than we think. Have you ever turned to see who is opening the door in the office? Or listen in on a conversation because it seems interesting and you want to know more or get into the conversation? Or have that thought in your head, then lose it because someone asked you a question? Although these moments could be small, it prevents us from being on a rhythm.
  • Health Problems – Loss in productivity can be a snowball effect into many other health issues. When we have a loss in our productivity, we try ways to make up that time such as eating fast food or staying late. By doing this we are increasing chances of diabetes, high blood pressure, and strokes. Relaxing is a good way for your body to put your body in homeostasis. Time in a sense is the biggest issue and cause us to stress especially when something cannot be pushed back.

How to Avoid Noise Pollution

  • Invest in noise cancelling headphones to help you concentrate, but be sure to keep it at a decent volume (40%-60% for most headphones) and keep usage to a need basis. Overuse of headphones can cause irritation to your ears.
    • If you want a typical, safe, and confident purchase I would recommend Bose QuietComfort 35 II (Over Ear), Sony WH-1000XM2 (Over Ear), Bose QuietComfort 20 (In-Ear), Bose QuietControl 30 (In Ear)
  • If possible, choose a quiet and low traffic (human and vehicle) location to be around when looking for place to work or live.

Example of Noise Pollution and Their Impacts

  • Airplanes – Studies shows that people who live near airports actually had a negative impact on their health and mind. This can cause heart disease, high blood pressure, and chronic stress.
  • Cars – This is one of the biggest complaints in big cities or people who live in busy streets. Try to pick places where cars will have a lower impact on your quality of life.
  • Baby’s Cry – Don’t you just hate it when the baby just won’t stop crying? People living with a baby that cries constantly causes sleep deprivation and for parents a sense of not being good enough.
  • Workplace Noise – This is not just construction or door slamming, but Co-workers who are talking, gossiping, tapping their fingers, or typing hard. I sit around sales people and they are constantly talking causing me to lose concentration. I mean who doesn’t like a nice gossip or juicy sale story to tell?