Noise has always been a nuisance and there is no doubt about the same. But, more than being a nuisance it can result in health problems. This is the reason why people are working towards reducing the amount of noise in the environment.

The most noticeable effect of noise is hearing loss. This is a gradual process and people usually become aware of the damage once it starts affecting them. The first signs of hear loss appear when you are unable to hear some words during a conversation or recognize some sounds. By the time people realize this, they would have permanently lost of capability of recognizing high frequency sounds like rustling of leaves, flute or piccolo. As the damage continues it becomes significant and also handicaps the affected person.

People who are partially affected by deafness do not live in a quieter world. The sounds that are still audible to them appear loud and are distorted. The sounds of consonants "s" and "ch" are indistinguishable from other sounds. Often, the sounds are echoing and the partial hearing loss can cause pain and discomfort. Some people also suffer from tinnitus, which results in ringing or roaring in the head. Hard-of-hearing people also face a lot of emotional anguish, because of lack of communication with friends and partners.

Noise also has a subconscious effect on the body. In response to the harmful situations the body starts making automatic responses to the loud and sudden noises. Though the society does not recognize these noises as dangerous but the body reacts as if they are a threat. In response, the body shifts the gear and the blood pressure rises following an increase in the heart rate and breathing. There is an increase in the hormones released in the blood resulting in increased perspiration. These responses can also be observed during sleep.

Even though people think that they are accustomed to a noise, it is not true. The body never gets used to loud noises and biological changes still keep taking place within the body that keeps preparing it for physical activity in situations if necessary. The noise need not to be loud to bring about a response in the body. Noises that are below the levels are usually associated with hearing damage and can result in changes in the body. Cases of ulcers are also reported in people who work in noisy areas and these are found to be 5 percent more than those found in normal cases.

Studies have also been conducted to show that workers in noisy areas are diagnosed with more number of medical problems, which include respiratory ailments also. Excess noise can also result in aggravation of an existing disease. Noise can make it difficult to help people take a good sleep. A good night sleep is very important to maintain good health. But, because of noise the sleep can shift from deep phase to a lighter one which can result in incomplete rest.

If you are troubled because of noise and are suffering from some consequences then use appropriate measures of soundproofing and taking frequent breaks to stay away from noisy places.

Jonathan Pitts

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