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Noise and

Quality of life

Is your home or workplace noisy? Have you ever wondered how the sounds around you might be affecting you?

First, it's important to define what we mean by noise. Often a sound is considered noise based on the context. For instance, the sound of water gently dripping onto a surface may be soothing if the sound is originating with a fountain. But the same sound may be considered as irritating 'noise' if it is originating from a leaky faucet and interfering with your sleep. In addition to context, sound can be considered noise simply as a matter of personal taste or preference. Music is a great example. Finally, noise can be defined on the basis of volume. Even a pleasant sound can become noise when it reaches a certain volume. So by definition, sound can transition into noise based on volume, context, or personal preference.

Volume

The majority of research on noise has been focused on volume, specifically the connection between noise exposure and hearing loss. Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) has been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the most common preventable form of hearing loss. One-time exposure to extremely loud noise (sound at or above 120 decibels) can cause damage to the ear. More commonly long term exposure to loud noise (sound at or above 85 decibels) causes damage that can result in hearing loss over time. To gain a clearer understanding of the presence of noise in your home or workplace, begin listing all the things in these environments that generate sound. The list might include things such as television, telephone, refrigerator, microwave, fax machine, air conditioner, radio, hair dryer, toys, etc.  

The potential impact of environmental noise on quality of life extends beyond that of merely losing hearing. Considerable research has been conducted over the last forty years to determine if environmental noise negatively impacts people's physical health.

For instance, a review of prominent studies from 1970 to 1999 found a significant association between levels of environmental noise and blood pressure. Higher noise correlated to higher blood pressure in the research samples. Increased exposure to environmental noise was also correlated to significant increases in the stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Context

We've already considered the contextual differences of a leaky faucet and a water fountain. These water sounds may be identical in quality and volume, but the differing contexts lead to different interpretations of the sounds as either restful or stressful.

One of the clearest examples of contextual noise is the difference between day and night.

For instance, many studies conducted in hospitals have shown that environmental noise occurring during the night can disturb patients who need sleep. The noise level may be quite acceptable for hospital workers, but for those recuperating from injury or illness, the interference with sleep quality and quantity can negatively impact the quality of care.

Recent reports on the impact of fatigue on healthy adults underscores the importance of sleep and the challenges associated with sounds that interfere with sleep. Getting to sleep can take up to 20 minutes longer if noise levels reach 45 decibels, the level of sound generated by a refrigerator hum. Studies have also shown that if night time noise exceeds 55 decibels, most people will be awakened. These noise thresholds become lower after five hours of sleep, so early morning awakenings can occur at even lower decibel levels. So your spouse's snoring may not prevent you from going to sleep, but it may significantly hinder your ability to remain asleep.

Numerous studies have been conducted on the impact of noise on children's learning. Quiet environments have been shown to promote better learning. So, acceptable sounds in a cafeteria would be considered "noisy" in a classroom or library.

Personal Preference

As mentioned earlier, music is a great example of sound being defined as noise based on personal preferences. To the classical music lover, acid rock may be physically and psychologically distressing---even if the volume is low. But, even preferred music can become harmful if the volume exceeds safe thresholds. Hearing loss has been demonstrated among both classical and contemporary musicians.

Some musicians have incorporated every day sounds into their music. Everything from trash can lids, broomsticks, typewriters and automobile horns have been incorporated into western music. There is even a genre of contemporary music known as "noise music." To some people the bustling busy sounds of a city are pleasing while these sounds may stress others who yearn for the sounds of nature.

The 2007 movie, Noise, starring Tim Robbins and William Hurt highlighted the potentially devastating impact of stressful sounds of everyday city life.

It is important to periodically take stock of the sounds around us. Is the volume dangerously high? We could be compromising our hearing and increasing our blood pressure. Is the sound out of context or occurring at the wrong time? We could be compromising our sleep, our physical health, and our psychological health.

We could be undermining our children's learning. Is the sound annoying to us? We could be increasing our stress levels and compromising our physical and psychological well being.

Perhaps it's time to listen and take stock of the sounds around you.