Noise

Noise is all around us all the time. We are exposed to noise in our daily lives (construction sites, traffic, ventilation systems, etc.), at work (machinery, equipment, offices, etc.) and during our leisure activities (headphones, concerts, DIY, etc.).

The impact of noise depends on how it is perceived by the individual. Even if it is not always harmful to our hearing, it can have a negative impact on our health and well-being due to the stress it causes.

What are the harmful effects of noise on our general health?

Regardless of its intensity, as soon as a sound is perceived as disruptive noise, it causes stress.

The negative consequences are numerous:

• increased cortisol and adrenaline levels;
• increased blood pressure and heart rate;
• sleep disturbances;
• mental fatigue and reduced concentration;
• greater irritability.

How can noise be harmful to our hearing?

As can be seen from the diagram opposite, it is important to realise that noise is harmful to our hearing not only because of its intensity, but also because of the length of time we are exposed to it.

Furthermore, exposure to noise accumulates over time. Mowing the lawn (90 dB) for two hours does not generally pose a risk to hearing, but the same activity can become harmful if repeated daily.

At levels above 120 dB, unprotected exposure can cause immediate damage to the hair cells. This is known as acute noise-induced hearing loss.

What are the consequences of damage to the hair cells?

Firstly, damage to the inner ear can lead to hearing loss. Depending on the severity of the loss and the frequencies affected, hearing loss can impair speech comprehension and become debilitating.

Apart from hearing loss, the most common effects of noise-induced trauma include tinnitus, hyperacusis (excessive sensitivity to sound) and distorted sound perception.

How can you protect yourself from the harmful effects of noise?

• Use appropriate hearing protection when exposed to noise, such as at concerts, in nightclubs or during noisy work (brush cutters, chainsaws, angle grinders, etc.)
• Control the volume of your headphones
• Control the duration of your exposure to noise; take breaks by moving away from noise sources. Avoid repeated exposure; give your ears a rest.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle (fatigue, smoking and alcohol weaken the inner ear).

Further information

The Audiology and Speech Therapy Service of the Health Department offers information sessions on hearing health and noise in the workplace, schools and extracurricular settings.

Please do not hesitate to contact this service if you have any questions.