Auditory Effects of Noise Pollution

Introduction

Environmental pollution is a significant challenge to public health. With urbanization picking up its speed, the types of pollutants and its level have increased dramatically. Pollution is the introduction of toxins and adulterants into the environment. These contaminants can be any form of substance, such as solids, liquids, gas, heat, energy, sound, or light. Also, these pollutants can be naturally occurring or manufactured. Environmental pollution is a grave crisis that is affecting the planet. It poses several health hazards to human beings that are periodically becoming permanent, irreversible, and at times fatal too.

What Are the Different Types of Pollution?

Based on the contaminants, pollution can be categorized into the following subtypes:

• Air pollution.

• Water pollution.

• Soil pollution.

• Thermal pollution.

• Noise pollution.

• Light pollution.

• Land pollution.

What Is Noise Pollution?

Though increasing importance is laid on averting water, air, and soil pollution, they are not the only ones responsible for community health problems. According to WHO, noise pollution accounts for 12,000 premature deaths and over 48,000 new cases of cardiac diseases. Noise pollution is considered a serious threat to the community. Noise pollution has a severe impact on flora and fauna, thus posing a threat to the natural environment too. However, not all noise is considered noise pollution. As stated by WHO, noise above 65 decibels is considered noise pollution and is harmful when it exceeds 75 decibels (dB).

What Are the Causes of Noise Pollution?

There are various sources of noise pollution. A few of them are listed below:

• Transport Noise: It mainly comprises traffic noises associated with vehicles such as road, rail, or air transport. For example, a car horn produces 90 dB of and a bus 100 dB of noise. A single-passenger aircraft can create around 130 dB of sound.

• Neighborhood Noise: This type accounts for noise from the neighborhood communities, which includes sounds of gadgets, utensils, musical instruments, speakers, etc. the pubs and clubs account for over 100 dB of noise. A barking or howling dog can produce 60 to 80 dB of sound.

• Industrial Noise: These high-intensity noises are caused by machinery and other heavy-weight equipment. A pneumatic drill used in a building construction site produces 110 dB of sound.

What Are the Effects of Noise Pollution?

The effects of noise pollution can be broadly categorized into two types:

• Auditory Effects: Auditory effects of noise pollution are those that cause hearing impairment or other hearing-related illnesses.

• Non-auditory Effects: Non-auditory effects are systemic illnesses caused due to noise pollution.

What Are the Non-auditory Effects of Noise Pollution?

The most common non-auditory effects of noise pollution are as mentioned below:

• Annoyance.

• Stress.

• Cognitive impairment, particularly in children.

• Sleep disturbance.

• Cardiovascular diseases.

What Are the Auditory Effects of Noise Pollution?

The auditory effects of noise pollution are mainly associated with hearing impairment and other acoustic illnesses. The primary auditory effects are:

• Acoustic Trauma: A loud noise such as that of a gunshot can result in sudden hearing damage.

• Tinnitus: Tinnitus is the ringing or buzzing sound in the ear. Sudden exposure to loud sounds or noises could result in temporary or permanent tinnitus.

• Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Noise-induced hearing loss is a significant concern related to noise pollution. Hearing loss is the decreased ability to comprehend sounds. It usually occurs due to damage to any part of the ear or its associated nerves. It can be caused by a single exposure to loud noise or chronic, persistent exposure. Studies have found that long-term exposure to sounds greater than 75 dB is known to cause noise-induced hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss is of two types:

1. Temporary: Temporary hearing loss occurs with sudden exposure to high decibels of noise. It occurs immediately after exposure; however, the patient recovers gradually once the noise subsides. Complete recovery may take a few hours to days.

2. Permanent: Permanent hearing loss occurs after chronic exposure to loud noises for months or years. The hearing loss is not evident immediately and takes time to be noticed by the affected person. It usually is detected by individuals when their routine activities are hindered. Such hearing impairments are generally irreversible, and they worsen over a while. Permanent hearing loss may also occur due to an acute traumatic event.

What Are the Features of Permanent Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?

• Loud noise is detrimental to the inner ear as they damage the cells and membrane of the inner ear leading to hearing impairment.

• There are roughly 16,000 hair cells within the inner ear of an individual. These hair cells relay the sound to the brain, thus enabling recognition. Chronic exposure to loud noises can damage these hair cells.

• Loud sounds can irreversibly damage auditory nerves that carry the information to the brain.

• Permanent hearing loss may also affect speech.

• Noise-induced hearing loss is a collective process determined by the overall noise levels, the noise characteristics, and the exposure time.

How to prevent noise-induced hearing loss?

The intensity and duration determine the loss of hearing. Averting loud noises is the best way to prevent any hearing damage. The following steps can help protect the hearing in a noisy situation:

At Home:

• Turn the volume down of the speaker or the TV.

• Take breaks from the noisy situation.

• Move away from loud noise.

• Use hearing protection gadgets like earplugs or earmuffs.

• Ensure to keep children away from loud music or other loud noises.

At Public Events:

• Stay away from speakers or other noise-producing units.

• Limit the time of exposure.

• Use hearing protection if possible.

• Take a break in between to limit the exposure.

Conclusion

Noise-induced hearing loss is a highly prevalent condition considering urbanization and technological advancements. The elderly and children are more susceptible to these damages. Though some may experience temporary hearing loss, others may suffer permanent and irreversible damage, which may need therapeutic intervention. The non-auditory health effects are even graver and pose a serious public threat. Enforcing vigilant laws to avoid and reduce noise exposure can help mitigate the negative health consequences of noise pollution.