Table of contents:
- Sources of noise pollution
- Impact of noise pollution on health
- 1. Hearing loss
- 2. Sleep disturbances
- 3. Heart disease
- 4. Weakened immune system
- How to reduce the impact of sound pollution
- 1. Use a silencer
- 2. Use electronic goods wisely
- 3. Choose soothing sounds
- 4. Relax
- 5. Make bigger changes
Without you knowing it, noise pollution has become a part of your life. Sound pollution can come from anywhere. Yes, the noise of vehicles on the highway, the volume of music that echoes loudly in your ears, cries and screams, to electronic devices around you can actually be the cause of sound pollution.
If you don't take a stand right away, this phenomenon can cause serious health problems.
Sources of noise pollution
Sound pollution or also known as noise pollution is defined as a disturbance caused by a high volume sound.
Here are some of the most common sources of noise pollution:
- Transportation. Airplanes that are about to take off or land produce noise that can disturb people around the airport. Road traffic from motorized vehicles can also create noise.
- Household appliance. Not only from industry or congested roads, noise pollution can also be caused from your own home. Some household appliances such as vacuum machines, washing machines, hair dryer , Air conditioners, fans, lawn mowers, music devices played on stero, and so on.
- Social activity. Events involving fireworks, firecrackers or loudspeakers can cause noise to people living in the area.
- Industry. Construction areas, manufacturing industries, printing machines, generators and factory compressors all contribute to noise pollution in big cities.
- Workplace. A coworker who talks, moves fingers on the table, or listens to music out loud.
- War. In fact, war can also trigger noise pollution through explosions, gunfire, and so on.
Impact of noise pollution on health
Here are some of the bad effects of noise pollution on human health:
1. Hearing loss
The immediate effect that can be felt from noise pollution is hearing loss. Hearing noise for a long time will damage or destroy the hair cells found in your hearing organs.
If not treated immediately, this condition can cause permanent hearing loss.
2. Sleep disturbances
Noise pollution can also have an impact on the quality of your sleep. Noise makes it difficult for you to sleep well and can even disrupt your normal sleep cycle.
If your sleep disorder is chronic, it can ruin your mood and disrupt your daily activities. In fact, this condition can also affect the overall health condition of the body.
3. Heart disease
According to a study conducted by Germany Mainz University Medical Center, too much noise can cause irregular heartbeats.
In medical terms, this condition is called atrial fibrillation. If left unchecked, atrial fibrillation can lead to blood clots, strokes, and even heart failure.
4. Weakened immune system
Noise can affect the quality of your overall health. The reason is, noise can trigger the body to produce more stress hormones.
Stress hormones not only increase your blood pressure and blood sugar, they also reduce the body's ability to fight disease. As a result, you may be more susceptible to various infections.
How to reduce the impact of sound pollution
Most people probably think that noise pollution can only be experienced in big cities. In fact, not so. Noise pollution can also be found in suburban neighborhoods. Yes, even a small area is very likely to contribute to one of the causes of noise pollution.
So, how do you prevent the impact of voice pollution? Here are some simple steps you can take:
1. Use a silencer
If you live in a noisy city or near an airport, you can reduce the noise at home by installing sound suppression devices (noise barrier) and vibration.
This tool can help reduce excitement at homes and in commercial buildings, such as offices.
2. Use electronic goods wisely
From now on you have to be wise when using electronic items, including gadgets, that produce sound.
Turn off the TV when not in use. Also, try not to listen to songs at a loud volume. You can also enjoy music from headset.
Besides being more pleasant, wearing a headset also helps reduce the impact of noise on your environment. However, make sure you listen to it at a volume that is not too loud, OK!
3. Choose soothing sounds
Instead of playing passionate music with a fast tempo, you better listen to a softer music. Indeed, fast-paced music can lift your spirits. However, at certain times, this type of music can actually make you even more stressed.
Instead, you can listen to instrumental music or natural sounds. These sounds are more calming and better for your health.
4. Relax
One of the most pronounced effects of constant listening to loud noises is stress. So, to reduce this, you can do simple relaxation techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, or doing yoga.
If done the right way, these three things can effectively help reduce the stress you experience.
5. Make bigger changes
As mentioned above, air pollution can come from anywhere. In fact, the office where you work and earn your daily living can also be the trigger.
For those of you who have tried a variety of ways but office lust never goes away, maybe you need a bigger change. Consider moving or changing jobs, for example.
Yes, some people may be forced to accept exposure to noise pollution because it is part of the job. Sounds like a reckless step. However, considering that noise pollution can endanger your health, this can still be an option to consider.
