Noise – a silent health hazard?

Bild einer stark befahrenen Autobahn in oranges Licht getaucht.

The impact of noise on our health

Take a moment to focus on the sounds around you. What do you hear? The radio is playing softly in the background? The printer is whirring as it spits out a sheet of paper? Or the faint hum of traffic drifting through the windows.

Background noise is a constant companion in our daily lives. Even when we arrive home in the evening after a long day at work, supposedly entering a peaceful environment, we're still surrounded by noises – from the hum of the fridge to the rustle of our partner shifting in their chair. Sounds are omnipresent, and while some are perceived as pleasant and can be relaxing, we find others disturbing and stressful. But why do some sounds trigger a sense of well-being, while others put our bodies on high alert?

In this blog post, we explore how noise impacts our health, why some sounds can be beneficial, and how simple changes can help you create a healthier acoustic environment.

How sounds affect our body and mind

Noise is a fact of life. Even with noise-cancelling headphones, it's almost impossible to escape it entirely. Unsurprisingly, it can have a profound impact on our mood and health. Whether it's the soothing sound of flowing water, the cheerful chirping of birds or the relentless din of rush-hour traffic, every sound has the potential to influence our emotions and mood in different ways.

Music, in particular, has a powerful effect on the brain. It can put us in different moods, cheering us up, relaxing us or triggering feelings of melancholy. This is because music activates the brain's reward centre, triggering the release of dopamine, often called the "happiness hormone".

Our sensitivity to noise varies greatly from person to person and is influenced by factors such as genetic predisposition, personal attitude and even the specific situation. The same birdsong that adds charm to a relaxed picnic might feel like an unwelcome disturbance early in the morning.

Noise and its health risks

Sounds are not simply pleasant or unpleasant;  they also serve as indicators of potential danger, triggering an alert response in our bodies. When this happens, our body gets ready to fight, releasing the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. As a result, our heart rate and blood pressure increase, and our muscles tense. When this happens, relaxation becomes almost impossible.

Our fight-or-flight response has been a life-saving mechanism since the Stone Age. These days, however, it's not just the crash of a falling rock destroying our cave that sets us on edge. We're constantly surrounded by loud sounds, many of which we interpret as unwanted noise. While the loud footsteps of our upstairs neighbours or the clatter of a jackhammer outside our window may not pose a direct threat to our safety, our bodies nevertheless react with surging stress levels. Short-term noise exposure can cause irritability, difficulty concentrating, headaches and muscle tension.

In cases of permanent exposure, whether due to traffic, building sites or noisy neighbours, the result is often chronically high stress levels. Over time, this can lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure and sleep disorders. In addition, constant exposure to elevated noise has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. It has even been shown to impair the cognitive performance of schoolchildren.

One of the most significant health effects of noise is its impact on sleep quality. Even if a noise doesn't fully wake us, it can still disrupt our sleep cycles. Over the long term, constant exposure to noise at night can lead to chronic sleep disorders that negatively impact both our physical and mental health.

The positive side of sounds

Not all sounds are a source of stress – many can have a soothing and relaxing effect. Positive auditory experiences, such as the sounds of nature, the gentle rushing of water or our favorite music, can lift our mood and lower our stress levels.

Studies have shown that natural sounds are especially effective at promoting both physical and psychological relaxation. Test subjects exposed to these sounds experienced a noticeable drop in their blood pressure and heart rate. The gentle rustling of leaves in the wind was found to have a particularly calming effect on the psyche.

However, it's not just natural sounds that help us relax; so-called "white noise", such as the steady hum of a fan, can also reduce stress levels. The consistent, regular sound of white noise can mask other, irregular noises, making it easier to fall asleep or concentrate on work.

Practical tips for a healthy noise environment

Creating a healthy noise environment is essential for our well-being. Here are some strategies to protect yourself from disruptive noise and foster a pleasant auditory atmosphere.

  1. Noise-cancelling headphones: Invest in high-quality noise-cancelling headphones to dampen distracting noises and help you focus.
  2. Integrate natural sounds: Use apps or YouTube to play relaxing nature sounds. This can help reduce stress in the office or create a pleasant atmosphere when unwinding at home.
  3. Sound insulation: Consider soundproofing your living or workspaces. Thick curtains, carpets and upholstered furniture absorb sound and create a more comfortable environment.
  4. Outdoor breaks: Step outside regularly to enjoy some fresh air and let the calming sounds of nature lower your stress levels.

Conclusion

Sounds are an integral part of our lives and can have both positive and negative effects on our health and well-being. While noise harbours health risks, harmonious sounds and calming noises can significantly enhance our quality of life. The good news is that we have the power to actively shape the soundscapes we live in.

Take a moment to think about your own noise environment: which sounds do you find pleasant? Are there any disruptive noises you could reduce or eliminate? And how could you integrate more positive sounds into your daily life to boost your well-being? By consciously managing the sounds around us and actively shaping our environment, we can not only improve our quality of life, but also make a valuable contribution to our mental and physical health.

 

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References

  • Alvarsson, J. J., Wiens, S., & Nilsson, M. E. (2010). Stress recovery during exposure to nature sound and environmental noise. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 7(3), 1036-1046. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7031036
  • Bundesamt für Umwelt (BAFU). (o. D.). Gesundheitliche Auswirkungen von Lärm. https://www.bafu.admin.ch/bafu/de/home/themen/laerm/fachinformationen/auswirkungen-des-laerms/gesundheitliche-auswirkungen-von-laerm.html

  • Kantonale Energie- und Umweltfachstellen der Kantone Bern, Freiburg, Genf, Jura, Neuenburg, Waadt und Wallis. (2024, 16. Februar). Lärm schadet der Gesundheit und Strassenverkehr ist eine der Hauptursachen. https://www.energie-umwelt.ch/wussten-sie-schon/786-laerm-schadet-der-gesundheit-und-strassenverkehr-ist-eine-der-hauptursachen

  • Landesanstalt für Umwelt Baden-Württemberg (LUBW). (o. D.). Lärm und Gesundheit. https://www.lubw.baden-wuerttemberg.de/laerm-und-erschuetterungen/larm-und-gesundheit#:~:text=Neben%20dem%20Geh%C3%B6r%20wird%20auch,wohnen%2C%20haben%20ein%20erh%C3%B6htes%20Herzinfarktrisiko.

  • Neuroth (2023, 19. April). Was bedeutet Lärm für unsere Gesundheit? https://ch.neuroth.com/magazin/was-bedeutet-laerm-fuer-unsere-gesundheit/

  • Pro Surdis GmbH. (2024). Die Psychologie des Hörens: Wie Geräusche unsere Stimmung und Gesundheit beeinflussen. Die Experten für Besseres Hören in der Schweiz. https://www.prosurdis.ch/die-psychologie-des-hoerens-wie-geraeusche-unsere-stimmung-und-gesundheit-beeinflussen/

  • Stiftung Gesundheitswissen. (2021, 27. April). Die laute Last. https://www.stiftung-gesundheitswissen.de/gesundes-leben/psyche-wohlbefinden/die-laute-last

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