Living in a city can be an exciting experience with its wide range of opportunities, entertainment, culture, and efficient public transport. However, city life has its downsides, one of which is noise pollution.

Noise pollution is defined as any unwanted or excessive sound that interferes with or harms human health and well-being. This article will explore the health hazards of living in a noisy city.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the most common health hazard of excessive noise exposure. High-intensity sounds damage the sensitive hair cells inside the cochlea, leading to hearing loss.

Sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can cause hearing damage, while prolonged exposure to sound above 100 dB can cause irreversible hearing loss. In a noisy city, sources of loud noise include traffic, construction, industrial machinery, and entertainment venues. People living in noisy neighborhoods or who work in noisy environments are at a higher risk of developing hearing loss.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a ringing, hissing, or buzzing sensation in the ears and is often a symptom of NIHL.

According to the American Tinnitus Association, over 50 million Americans experience tinnitus, with the severity ranging from mildly irritating to debilitating. Prolonged exposure to loud noise, such as city traffic, can cause tinnitus and exacerbate the condition.

Cardiovascular Disease

Living in a noisy city can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that exposure to high levels of noise pollution can increase blood pressure, leading to hypertension, heart attack, and stroke.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that long-term exposure to noise levels above 55 dB can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease by 17%.

Sleep Disturbance

Noise pollution can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to sleep disturbance. A study conducted in the Netherlands found that people living near airports or busy roads had poorer sleep quality and less deep sleep compared to those living in quieter areas.

Loud noise can also awaken people in the middle of the night, causing them to have difficulty falling back asleep.

Anxiety and Stress

Noise pollution can cause anxiety and stress, leading to adverse effects on mental health. People living in noisy cities may experience increased levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress.

Prolonged exposure to noise can lead to irritability, depression, and decreased productivity.

Cognitive Impairment

Living in a noisy city can also lead to cognitive impairment.

A study published in the Journal of Urban Health found that children attending schools with higher levels of noise pollution had poorer reading comprehension and memory skills than those attending quieter schools. Noise pollution can affect executive function, attention, and language development in both children and adults.

Hearing Protection

To reduce the risk of hearing damage from noise exposure, people living in noisy cities can take several measures to protect their hearing. Wearing earplugs or noise-canceling headphones in noisy areas can reduce noise levels and protect the ears.

People working in high-noise jobs should use hearing protection equipment, such as earmuffs or earplugs, to prevent hearing damage.

Regulations and Policies

Regulations and policies can also help reduce noise pollution in cities. Governments can enforce noise limits for traffic, construction, and industrial activities.

Urban planning can also incorporate measures to reduce noise, such as designing sound barriers and acoustically treating buildings. Citizens can also play an active role in reducing noise pollution by avoiding unnecessary honking, reducing individual noise levels, and advocating for noise-reduction policies.

Conclusion

Noise pollution is a pervasive health hazard in noisy cities, leading to hearing loss, tinnitus, cardiovascular disease, sleep disturbance, anxiety, stress, and cognitive impairment.

Hearing protection and regulations and policies can reduce the risk of excessive noise exposure and mitigate its adverse health effects.