The health risks of noise and how to prevent it: Your comprehensive guide

In our modern era, noise is no longer merely a source of fleeting annoyance; it has become a serious form of environmental pollution that threatens public health. The Gulf Health Council noise as any unwanted or disturbing sounds, whether high or low in intensity, that occur intermittently or irregularly, leading to tangible negative effects on human physical and mental health.

General context: Noise as a price of modern life

Noise pollution has increased significantly with industrial development and urban expansion. From the roar of airplanes and the heavy traffic in major cities to the excessive use of technology and headphones, people are now surrounded by a noisy environment. This environmental change has not only affected human comfort but has also become a significant factor in quality of life, as global studies indicate that living in noisy environments is directly linked to decreased productivity and increased stress levels.

Physical and psychological health damage caused by noise

The dangers of noise extend beyond mere discomfort, causing profound physiological and psychological changes. The most prominent of these harms include the following:

• Permanent or temporary hearing loss: Repeated exposure to loud noises, or prolonged use of earphones at high volume levels, is the main cause of damage to the sensory cells in the ear, which may lead to hearing loss or chronic tinnitus.
• Cardiovascular problems: Constant exposure to noise stimulates the body to release stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, causing high blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart disease and strokes.
• Sleep disorders and insomnia: Even during sleep, the brain responds to surrounding sounds, preventing entry into deep sleep stages, and this leads to chronic fatigue and weakened immunity.
• Psychological and mental effects: Noise is associated with increased levels of anxiety, stress, and irritability, as well as difficulty concentrating and distractibility, which impairs the ability to perform daily tasks and achieve academic or professional success.

Effective ways to prevent noise hazards

To reduce the negative effects of noise pollution, experts and the Gulf Health Council recommend following comprehensive preventive strategies, including:

• The 60/60 rule for earphones: It is recommended to use earphones for no more than 60 minutes a day, and at a volume level not exceeding 60% of the device's maximum, to protect the eardrum and auditory nerves.
• Use of personal protective equipment: It is necessary to wear earplugs or ear protectors when in noisy work environments or loud parties.
• Engineering improvements and insulation: Installing soundproofing for windows and walls in homes and workplaces to reduce the penetration of outside noise.
• Smart urban planning: The importance of choosing housing in areas far from major noise sources such as airports and factories, and supporting legislation that imposes standards to reduce noise in residential neighborhoods.
• Community awareness: Spreading a culture of calmness and respect for the right of others to a calm environment, and staying away from sources of noise as much as possible to reduce exposure times to them.

Maintaining hearing and mental health starts with simple steps to reduce noise, which contributes to creating a healthy and sustainable environment for everyone.